The 2009 Mardi Gras celebration will be held Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Father Marot CYO Center, 53 Federal St., Woonsocket. This year’s headline band is JJ Caillier and the Zydeco Knockout of Louisiana. Opening for JJ Caillier will be Slippery Sneakers from Cranston. Both bands play Zydeco music, a style of Cajun music.

The Mardi Gras will feature King Jace, who will be unmasked at the Ball. The King will select his queen at the Ball. Revelers are encouraged to come in costume. Prizes, donated by area merchants, will be awarded in several categories. The event will also include a traditional Cajun buffet. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For tickets, call (401) 762-9072. The deadline for ordering tickets in advance is Feb. 4.

A Mardi Gras Children’s Celebration will be held prior to the Ball on Feb. 7, in the church hall of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Park Avenue, Woonsocket. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Children are invited to attend this free event which will feature a costume contest, dancing, refreshments and entertainment.

For more information, visit the Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts Web site www.nrica.org