Mystic Krewe of Olympia 2023

MYSTIC KREWE OF OLYMPIA 2023

Gathering for the organization’s 57th celebration, the Mystic Krewe of Olympia presented its annual bal masque on January 28, at the Castine Center in Mandeville.

Following the appearance of the Captain and Officers, the Krewe made a lively entrance into the ballroom welcoming all of their guests. The Mandeville High School ROTC presented the colors and, according to Krewe tradition, two wounded warriors were recognized for their service. This year’s honorees were MCPO Frank Roycroft and Mr. Robert Wester. The Captain then signaled the presentation of the Royal Court.

Zeus LVII, the 2023 King of Olympia, made a regal entrance, acknowledging his Royal Guests as he processed to the throne.

Reigning as Queen was Miss Anna Frances Barousse, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Juergens Barousse Jr. Her Majesty was resplendent in an A-line dress by Ilane Hartman of pearled and embroidered dupioni silk with a sweetheart decollete and heavy embellishment of Austrian crystal rhinestones. From her royal shoulders fell the traditional Olympia mantle. Completing the Queen’s impressive raiment were the Medici collar of lace, lochrosens and Swarovski crystals, along with the flugent crown and scepter.

Following the presentation, members and guests enjoyed a Queen’s Supper catered by The Dakota Restaurant. Olympia’s Royal Band, Blue Rhythm, entertained the revelers until early hours of the morning. Kenny LaCour’s Grand Events created the Ball Design and flowers for the evening were by Megan Westervelt Floral Design.

Maids in Her Majesty’s 2023 Court were Misses: Gabrielle Ann Carmeli, Ava Mireille Landry, Cassidy Amelia Lyons, Margaret Claire Mayronne, Mary Isabella Paretti, Caroline Ann Pellegrini, Alyssa Marie Reynolds, Amira Grace Warden, Marguerite Marie Wynne.

Ladies in Waiting to the 2023 Queen were Misses: Savannah Grace Baldwin, Landry Elizabeth Barkerding, Giselle Chloe Buras, Lily Marie Champagne, Abby Jane Eustis, Emily Louise Goux, Madison Grace Greenleaf, Mary Elizabeth Heintz, Emery Amelia Johnson, Madeleine Abigail Johnson, Callie McKay Olson, Virginia Lynn Stahls, Elivette Louise Wagner.

Pages to their Majesties were: Thomas Miller Barousse, Finn Patrick Boudreaux, Benjamin Kaiser Burrall, William Randolph Burrall, Reed Erwin Dragon, Ellis Charles Goorley, Elliot Campbell Goorley, and Beau William Shaw.

Fun Fact: Twenty years ago on February 2, 2003, Melody Barousse went into labor on the dance floor at The Mystic Krewe of Olympia Ball. As news spread of the impending delivery, guests left the Ball and filled up the waiting room of St Tammany Parish Hospital in their evening gowns, tuxedos, and Krewe costumes. When Anna Frances Barousse was born, the rowdy guests erupted in celebration! This year, most of those revelers returned to the Ball to celebrate Frances once again as she began her reign as the 57th Queen of The Mystic Krewe of Olympia, and the third generation of her family to serve as a monarch in the Krewe.