NATCHEZ — The parades and balls are over, but Fat Tuesday won’t be without a little fun in the Miss-Lou.

The Natchez Downtown Development Association is hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at Dunleith Plantation.

The event is a fundraiser for NDDA, but also fills a local Mardi Gras void, organizer and NDDA board member Sissy Blackwood said.

“This is a fun night, it gets people excited and promotes the local businesses,” Blackwood said. “After the parades, there isn’t much left in town involving Mardi Gras. This gives people something else to do on Fat Tuesday, the last day of it.”

Included in the night’s events will be a silent auction featuring approximately 30 items. Those attending will be able to bid on a ride in a hot-air balloon, a turkey fryer, cooking classes from High Cotton and Twin Oaks, season tickets to the Natchez Little Theatre, the Times Picayune front page featuring the Saints Super Bowl win, local artwork and gift certificates to many of the local restaurants, among other things.

“We want to keep downtown thriving,” Board Member Christine Tims said. “A silent auction is a fun way to let people see some of the wares our downtown businesses have to offer.”

Tickets are $15 and are available in advance at the Historic Natchez Foundation at 601-442-2500 or at the door.

The dress is casual to formal, the board only asks for people to come with a mask. Masks — for $2 and $5 — will be available at the door.