The Louisiana Center for Women and Government, headquartered at Nicholls State University, invites the public to "Dancing with the Stars of the South” Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. Headlining the celebrity guest list is Mario Lopez, "Dancing with the Stars” finalist and host of "America's Best Dance Crew.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. Dinner, a live auction and star-studded performances begin at 8 p.m. Eric Paulsen, anchor of WWL-TV "Eyewitness Morning News,” will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Dancers include Margarita Bergen, host of New Orleans Roundtable Luncheon; Rufino Saavedra, owner of Rufino's Painting & Construction Inc.; Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc.; Charles Kunz, former Broadway dancer; Teresa Guzzetta, community volunteer activist; Elton Lagasse, Jefferson Parish Councilman; Patty Booth-Julius, lead singer for Dean Martin's "Golddiggers”; Suzaune Yee McKamey, singer and entertainer with Suzaune & Company; Michael Maenza, owner of Mr. Mudbug and MMI Culinary Services Inc.; Lori Ramsey, owner of Ramsey Jewelers; and, winner of the 2010 "Dancing with the Stars of the South,” Nell Nolan, society editor of The Times Picayune.

Judges include Lopez; Nancy Parker, anchor of Fox 8 Live; Greg Reggio, chef and owner of Zea; John Young, president of Jefferson Parish; and Angela Hill, anchor of WWL-TV Eyewitness News.

Auctioneers include Lopez; Martin Folse, owner and CEO of HTV-10; Danny Martiny, state senator from District 10; Diane Hollis, former Jefferson Parish councilwoman; and Eric Skrmetta, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner.

Tickets are $75 per person and include complimentary wine service with dinner. Cocktail attire is required. For additional information, call 985-448-4770 or go to dancingwiththestarsofthesouth.webs.com/.