Since 1959, the Sonoma County Dance Guild has awarded annual scholarships to dance students, with more than 80 of the recipients going on to professional careers as dancers, choreographers and dance teachers.

To raise funds keep the program going, the guild plans a Mardi Gras-themed fund-raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Lomitas School House, 2421 Lomitas Ave., Santa Rosa.

The evening will include a costume contest, dance performances, a raffle, a New Orleans-style dinner and live dance music by the John Simon Trio.

Admission costs $40. For reservations and tickets, visit sonomacountydanceguild.org or call 539-7753.

This year’s auditions for Sonoma County Dance Guild scholarships will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa.

The guild will award 10 scholarships, ranging from $75 to $475.