An evening of casino games, music and dancing will carry a purpose close to home when the Freeport Mayor’s Ball brings its Casino Royale theme to Freeport Shipyard Marina on October 10. Behind the evening’s glamour is a community tradition of helping local families through difficult times.
Long before the casino tables are arranged and guests step onto the dance floor, that purpose can be found in a much quieter scene: a child opening a gift and a family sitting down to a meal. For more than a decade, the Mayor’s Ball has raised money to help ensure that children in the Freeport area do not go without. Funds raised have helped hundreds of local families facing difficult circumstances.
That tradition will continue Saturday, October 10, when the 2026 Freeport Mayor’s Ball brings its Casino Royale theme to Freeport Shipyard Marina for the first time. The new venue gives the longtime fundraiser a fresh setting, but its purpose remains rooted in neighbors helping neighbors. Proceeds will support families in need as well as deserving organizations serving the Freeport area.
The event is organized by the Town Planters Society of Freeport, a local nonprofit involved throughout the year in community traditions, beautification projects and holiday assistance. Its work reflects the largely volunteer network behind many of the events and programs that help give Freeport its sense of place.
As the city grows, the Mayor’s Ball offers residents and businesses an opportunity to ensure that growth is accompanied by generosity. It turns an elegant evening into Christmas gifts, family meals and support that remains close to home.
Casino Royale will include casino-style games, a silent auction, raffles, live entertainment, food and beverages and dancing. Elegant evening attire is encouraged.
Eglin Federal Credit Union returns as presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include Natureview by the Jay Odom Group, Emerald Coast Title, Kingdom Developers, Blue Haven Pools, Lennar Homes, Dewberry, Fountain & Bridgeford Law Firm, Home Biz Properties, Ali Vei Salon and Southern Independent Bank.
The Freeport Mayor’s Ball will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 10, at Freeport Shipyard Marina.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available through the event’s official registration page.
Town Planters Society: Growing Community Pride
Community pride takes willing hands, and the Town Planters Society of Freeport puts volunteers at the heart of its work. The organization supports local beautification, education and neighbors in need, offering residents a way to give back while connecting with their community.
Its projects have included the Miss Freeport Pageant, Bayfest, the Mayor’s Charity Ball and Festival of Trees, along with efforts to help maintain Freeport’s appearance and support community celebrations.
The society also has a connection to local history. Its home, the Blount House, was offered to the organization in 2002. After the building was damaged during its move to city property, it was rebuilt in cooperation with the city.
New members and volunteers are welcome. The society’s website lists meetings for the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Blount House, 541 Kylea Laird Drive.
Get involved: Visit townplanterssociety.com or email tpsfreeport@yahoo.com for membership information and volunteer opportunities.
