Wild Wild West was the theme for the 84th ball of the Order of Mithras on February 20th, 2009 held at the Biloxi Community Center. The Wild Wild West theme depicted the Southeastern Conference teams.

The Order of Mithras is the oldest Men’s Carnival Association on the Gulf Coast & was founded in 1924.

The ball opened to the song “Are You Ready for Some Football” played by Music To Go D.J. services with the members participating in a pick-up game of football on the floor to a huge stage backdrop depicting a football stadium and an Astroturf football field on the dance floor.

Once the Members assumed their seated positions around the dance floor a very special recognition was bestowed upon the Lifetime Members of the Order of Mithras. They were called to the stage by name. In order to have this honor bestowed upon them, the Members have to have been a member for 25 years & reached the age of 70. These distinguished gentlemen are: Mr. Albert Breeland, Mr. Rob Briscoe, Dr. Bob Carter, Mr. Larry Corban, Dr. John Edwards, Mr. Emile Fallo, Mr. Jim Garner, Mr. Wiliam Hodges, Mr. Dixie Hollis, Mr. John Humphreys, Mr. Larry Manuel, Mr. Tommy Moon Sr, Mr. Tommy Munro, Mr. Lyle Page, Mr. Gerald Piltz, Mr. Charles Pringle, Mr. Louis Rash & posthumously Mr. Forrest Smith who passed away recently.

The first duke, Nicky Filipich, representing Auburn Tigers met his maid, Kathy Parsons to Survivors “Eye of the Tiger”. Next was duke Wes Fulmer representing Ole Miss and his maid Beverly Dees as they danced to “Down in Mississippi and Up to No Good”. Following next was duke Robbie Schmidt representing Alabama and his maid Marie Joachim as they danced to “All Summer Long”. The rivalry continued with the next duke, Chet Nadalski and his maid Lana Wold representing LSU. They paraded to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou”. As the LSU fans cheered, they were interrupted by duke Pat Wylie and his maid Jeane Hollman representing Arkansas dancing to the theme from the “Beverly Hill Billy’s”. The final duke of the night was duke Kenny Holloway and his maid Jeanne Cosentino representing Mississippi State as they danced to “Who Let the Dogs Out”!

With the lights out and the “Ball” aglow, Aldo Nova’s “Fantasy” created the buzz as the curtains revealed Paul “Bear” Bryant- King Buddy Baker. He emerged with the trademark Hounds Tooth Hat and the song “Sweet Home Alabama”. As he descended the stage to the “field” and made his rounds, the past president assisted him in finding his Queen. The search resulted in the Fairest of the Ball, Queen of the Order of Mithras 2009, Mrs. Nannette Burke being crowned. After a Royal Parade, President Mike Pontius offered a champagne toast to the King & Queen and the Grand Ball began to the sounds of Meet The Press. Meet The Press went back in time for the first set and opened with Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” followed by many songs from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s & ‘70’s.