More than 270 guests attended Saturday’s Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Ball and Awards Reception, enjoying a night of dinner, dancing, recognition and celebration at the Abingdon Ruritan Club, Bena, according to a chamber release.

The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce celebrated 2016 local business and nonprofit accomplishments, recognized nominees, and presented awards to five winners. New Orleans cuisine was provided by Chef Keyvan and Isabelle Behnam of Lulu Birds Kitchen, Chef Juan Carrillo of Juan’s Mexican Café and Cantina, Chef Beau Felder of Gumbeau’s, and Pastry Chef Crystal Burton of Sweet Tooth Café & Bakery. The Dixieland and Jazz Ensemble “Good Shot Judy” provided the evening’s entertainment.

Remarks

During remarks, chamber president Aaron Candella of Grand Rental Station said that, “as the owner of a small business in Gloucester, I had a million excuses about why I didn’t have enou...