The ball is in honor of outgoing Astoria Mayor Willis Van Dusen.

ASTORIA — Friends of the Astoria Armory invite the public to a Roaring ’20s Speakeasy Style Mayor’s Ball Saturday, Oct. 4 in honor of outgoing Astoria Mayor Willis L. Van Dusen. The doors open at 5 p.m., and there are live and silent auctions.

The historic downtown Astoria Armory is being transformed for this event, and guests from far and wide are attending, including Burgermeisterin Christine Staab and four other Walldorf Germany dignitaries, as well as state Sen. Betsy Johnson and other VIPs.

“The fact that five top dignitaries from our sister city, Walldorf Germany, are flying over for this one-night gala at their own expense is a testimonial to the relationship Willis has developed between our two cities,” noted Bruce Conner of Sundial Travel.

Catering is provided by Chef Chris Holen of Baked Alaska. North Coast Distilling is in charge of the bar in the Speakeasy downstairs, and the local distillery is crafting signature cocktails of the era for guests. There is also a cigar bar. Jeannie Alexander from Party Jesters in Astoria is doing theme-appropriate decorations. In addition to musical guests “Baby and The Pearl Blowers,” surprise performers are expected throughout the evening.

Astoria Armory Events Coordinator Robyn Koustik convinced the Armory board of directors that she and community volunteers, along with local professionals, could turn the Armory’s space into a 1920s club with music, food, drink and dancing to honor Van Dusen’s service to the city. When she approached the mayor, he agreed to the event if all proceeds would be used for continued repairs and upgrades to the Armory.

“The Mayor’s Ball is really about the opportunity to dress up and have a fabulous time while honoring Willis, who has served Astoria for nearly 30 years, and at the same time help to preserve this historic Armory for the community,” said Koustik.

A limited number of tickets will be sold. The cost is $100 per ticket. For questions or to volunteer for this event, call Koustik at 503-791-6064 or go to the Astoria Armory website, www.astoriaarmory.org

Black tie is optional, and tickets can be purchased through the Armory website or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/864942