The Polk County Film Initiative, headed by Beau Menetre, Lavin Cuddihee and Kirk Gollwitzer, celebrated the inaugural Masquerade Ball last Friday night and hosted a crowd of nearly 50 guests garbed in masks and costumes. This year’s theme was “Carnival of Cinematic Souls,” and the Lavender Bistro catered the event. A silent auction was also held at the close of the night’s festivities. The proceeds from the masquerade ball will be devoted to the PCFI’s Tryon International Film Festival, to be held in October. (Photo by Michael O’Hearn)