Gettin’ called out: A good thing, during Mardi Gras

One unique, long-held tradition in many balls involves certain ladies being issued a “call-out” card. If a debutante or lady guest is fortunate enough to receive one, she gets a reserved seat. She then waits her turn to be “called out” for a dance with a masked krewe member who sent her the card prior to the ball.

There is also the extension of a “favor” by the krewe member, usually a pin or similar item offered to his dance partner at the completion of the “call-out” dance – saying “thank you” for the pleasure of the dance.

– A former krewe captain who must remain anonymous