Are you going to the ball?

WINSTED — Organizers of the annual Laurel Festival are encouraging Winsted residents to get tickets to this year’s celebratory events, which take place June 10, 11 and 12, at locations throughout town.First off and foremost, you can’t have a Laurel Festival without a Laurel Ball. Saturday night’s main event is the gathering in which Laurel Queen hopefuls show their stuff at the Crystal Peak banquet hall on Torrington-Winsted Road. Dressed in evening gowns, this year’s 16 contestants will be formally introduced at dinner, which is followed by music and dancing.Cocktails are available at a cash bar during the ball and hors d’oeuvres will be served prior to the grand buffet dinner. Raffle prizes will be presented to lucky winners. Tickets are $38 per person and are available in advance only.On Friday night, the festivities will be less formal at the Laurel Festival’s annual kickoff party at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Marshall Street. Also known as the Sidewalk Café, the event features food, a DJ, door prizes and a raffle, with a cash bar. Admission is $5, and the party starts at 6:30 p.m.Wrapping up the weekend on Sunday is the annual Laurel Parade. Attendance is free for all Laurel Festival fans, who will be able to see contestants on floats created with laurel themes. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and ends in East End Park, where the crowning of the Laurel Queen will take place.For information on any of these events and to get tickets, call Lynette McCarthy at 860-480-9903.Vendors are also invited to rent space in East End Park for the celebration Sunday. The price is $25 per booth. Call Elaine Williams at 860-379-0063 or Robin Diorio at 860-738-8711 for information.