The spirit of Mardi Gras descended on the Vicksburg Convention Center Friday, where Jennifer Coulter was named Jester of the 2025 Jesters Ball.

“It is such an incredible honor to be named the 2025 Vicksburg Mardi Gras Jester,” Coulter said. “To be recognized for your contributions to a city you love and call home is very special. Then, to be nominated alongside so many people that I have admired for years is inspirational, to say the least.” 

Coulter said it was an honor to spend an evening dedicated to all the people who love and work hard for Vicksburg.

“Vicksburg is such a wonderful place to live, work and raise your family,” she said. “We excel at extending Southern hospitality to our many visitors that come to enjoy our quaint, historic city. Thank you to everyone that came out to cheer me on and let’s keep working together to make Vicksburg the belle of the ball that she so deserves.”

Coulter joined former Jesters Joyce Blue, Launo Moore and David Blackledge during Friday’s fourth annual event. The Jesters Ball was established to recognize annually a local resident who gives back to the Vicksburg community. Organizers said nominees are chosen each year based on their community involvement and tireless efforts to be champions for Vicksburg. 

An online poll was made available for the public to vote on the winner of this year’s title of Jester and nominees included Natalie Burkes, Johnny Reynolds, Harley Caldwell, Coulter, Norma Massey, Wayne Pratt and Zelmarine Murphy. 

Vicksburg Convention Center Executive Director Donna Gray said the latest Jesters Ball was a big success thanks to the hard work of so many.

“I thought the ball was a blast,” Gray said. “I could not have accomplished without the help of the committee, the VCC team and all of our volunteers.”