New Years dance

Laurel Shrine Club will hold its annual New Years Eve Dance beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the club building located at 4751 Highway 15 North. For information and tickets contact any Shriner or call 601-649-5479, 601-425-1008 or 601-649-3222.

New Year’s Eve party

Mad Jack’s Laurel Hotel will have a New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 at the Laurel Hotel and Convention Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m.. Call or e-mail Lane Hilbun for details at 601-323-3030 or aerolane@hotmail.com. This will benefit the Animal Rescue League. The cost will be $20 a person. There will be 70s, 80s, and 90s dance music and a cash bar.

MLK parade

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee is accepting applicants for the Jan. 17, 2009, Dr. King celebration. This year’s parade will feature high school bands, floats, and entries. Plus, the committee will combine the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama to the celebration. For more information, call (601) 498-2365.

Inauguration Ball

The Jones County Federation of Democratic Women are hosting a special Presidential Inauguration Ball at 7 p.m. Jan. 17, at The Reserve, in downtown Laurel. The cost will be $25. The public is invited to this formal ball. Expected guest speakers include the Mississippi President of the Young Democrats and Jones County Supervisor Jerome Wyatt.

Karaoke/live band

American Legion Karaoke at the American Legion Hut is now on Friday nights from 8 p.m. until midnight. There will be a live band on Saturday nights. Phone 601-425-5554. 1108 N. 9th Ave., Laurel.