Who knew that preservationists could have so much fun?

One year ago, local residents, out-of-town guests, history buffs and those who appreciated a great party, celebrated the first Save the Hall Ball on the grounds of Stanton Hall.

The event, which raised money for the preservation of two of Natchez’s beloved landmarks, was such a success that organizers are ready for another night of dance music, culinary delights and community pride.

“It is a party for everybody and a whole lot of fun,” Publicity Chairman Courtney Taylor said.

The event, which begins at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and will last until 1 a.m. Sunday, will once again be on the grounds of Stanton Hall, 410 High St.

Hosted by the Pilgrimage Historical Association, the Save the Hall Ball will feature floral decorations by John Grady Burns, a silent auction, top-shelf libations and a lavish cocktail buffet followed by a sumptuous early-morning Southern breakfast by chef Bingo Starr.

Guests will be beckoned to the dance floor by the cool sounds of the Atlanta show band “Momentum.”

Tickets begin at $100 per person for just the ball and $125 for the ball and reserved seating for the Historic Natchez Tableaux.

Tickets and donations are tax deductible. For more information call 800-647-6742 or visit the website natchezpilgrimage.com.

Other packages ranging in price from $1,000 to $10,000 include exclusive behind the scenes tours, access to a patron’s lounge, a private picnic for eight people on the grounds of Longwood and a private catered dinner for 10 people in the Stanton Hall dining room. For more information about these packages, email savethehallball@gmail.com.

Money raised last year helped install a new cedar shake roof on the dependency building at Longwood. This year’s funds are slated for the repair and analysis of the cornice at Stanton Hall.

Historic preservation has come a long way since the 1930s when a group of pioneering women purchased Stanton Hall and restored it to its glamour, Taylor said.

“Those ladies of early 20th-century Natchez were pioneers of preservation,” Taylor said. “If we didn’t have their enthusiasm for preservation, Natchez wouldn’t be as unique and certainly not as beautiful as it is today.”

Taylor said it is easy to take for granted the grand architecture that we enjoy every day.

“We are visually spoiled growing up here,” Taylor said.

Even as we may take it for granted, we all profit from Stanton Hall, Longwood and all of tourism. Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, gifts shops and other businesses benefit from the vision of the early preservationists.

Since the 1930s, historic preservation has changed. Expert opinions were not as available then as they are today. Preservation is very different in the 21st-century, Taylor said.

Available grants now require following strict guidelines that have made restoration more expensive.

Daily ticket sales to the houses keep up with the day-to-day management and maintenance of the houses, but events like the Save the Hall Ball help fund major projects, Taylor said.

“We have a huge responsibility to be stewards of these great buildings,” Taylor said.

The ball is a great way to have a good time and help preserve the houses for future generations to enjoy, Taylor said.