The Mystic Stripers celebrated its 83rd annual Mardi Gras ball on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Mobile Civic Center.

The theme for the tableau was “Nightmare on Government Street,” and thousands of guests braved the cold and rain to enjoy the event. In addition to the traditional zebra-and-tiger guild antics, the Stripers honored lovely Queen Sydney late into the night.

Music for the evening was provided by the Velcro Pygmies and Jason Jones Band.