Looking for a way to celebrate Mardi Gras? You don’t have to go to New Orleans to find beads and smooth jazz. The Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society is hosting a Mardi Gras Party in celebration of Fat Tuesday.

The event will take place at the museum on South Church Street Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 3 until 5 p.m.

Tyler Bridge will be playing background jazz to provide the Louisiana atmosphere.

“We will have refreshments and music and just a good time,” said museum curator and event coordinator Rita Rich.

What’s the occasion, you ask? The museum will have been opened for two years in March. The building used to be Brookhaven’s only Jewish synagogue, Temple B’nai Shalom and is now the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Museum and B’nai Shalom Jewish Heritage Museum.

“This is a celebration to let everyone know that this is the second year we’ve been open,” said Rich.

She said this is a great opportunity for people to visit the museum and admittance is always free.

You do not have to be a member of the society to attend the event. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come walk around and look at the displays, including the genealogical section. Books will also be for sale.

“If you’ve never been to the museum, people find it very surprising,” said Rich.

Guests can even sign up to become a society member at the Mardi Gras event. Those who sign up at the party will enter their name into a drawing for $100 of gas to Tillotson’s. The drawing will be in April.

The society has about 20-50 members a year.

“We would love more members,” said Rich.

Membership fees are $25 a year.

In the spirit of true Mardi Gras, a king and queen will be crowned at the party, in the very fitting Krewe of Past. Rich said the future Krewe will not know who they are until the event.

“We will be giving away beads. It’ll be a Mardi Gras atmosphere,” said Rich.

The event is casual come-and-go and refreshments will be served.

“Come with a friend and find a way to enjoy the festivities,” said Rich.