The Jambalaya News - 02/27/17, Mardi Gras Special Edition

FEBRUARY 27, 2017 • Mardi Gras Special Edition

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com

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Cover Photo: Monsour’s Photography

Krewes of SWLA 4 5 7 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 37 38 40 42 43 44 46 48 50 53 54 56 59

A Note from Lauren 2017 Parade Marshals Athena Bon Coeur Bons Amis Carnivale Classique Chaos Charlie Sioux Cosmos Déjà Vu du Monde Des Amis Du Lac Extraordinaire La Famille Good Times Grande Bois Gratin L’Ecore Illusions Louisiane Lunatiques Masque Maison de Calcasieu Mischief Noblesse Pirates L’Possede Ruckus Sauvage Mardi Gras Queens

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Mardi Gras 2017: Beads and Sniffles Well, I think this is the Mardi Gras season that was more or less hijacked by the flu. This is the first year that I was unable to attend my own Krewe Ball. It was 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday night, I was in full makeup and all I wanted to do was curl up in bed. So I did. I heard it was a fabulous event, as always, but there’s no way I could have made it.

I guess I wasn’t the only one, since throughout the season I have heard many stories of Krewe guests unable to attend various Balls at the last minute due to illness.

Other than one weekend, it’s been an incredibly mild winter, but I guess Mother Nature’s whims have nothing to due with getting sick.

The worst part about this whole thing is that it keeps coming back. You think you’re over it, and a week later, it reappears. I was fine at the Krewe de la Contree Ball, and couldn’t stop coughing the next night at La Famille. Facebook is full of folks checking in to the various urgent care centers around town.

But you can’t keep the Mardi Gras spirit down. Southwest Louisiana is gearing up for a fabulous Gala and Fat Tuesday celebration. It always seems to rain on Fat Tuesday, but so far, the long-term forecast just indicates clouds –-with temps close to 80! Let’s hope it stays that way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the 2017 season, in spite of whatever it is that’s going around.

That’s what it’s all about in Southwest Louisiana—enjoying life to the fullest. And thank you for letting us bring you our eighth annual Mardi Gras Special Edition!

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Gavin Joseph Barrientos scored the highest in the first grade Accelerated Reading Program at Dolby Elementary and was crowned the King of Mardi Gras for his class. Gavin taught himself how to play chess, enjoys Monopoly, loves to Google everything and give his mom, Sammie Carlton, driving directions on MapQuest.

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Congratulations to the 2017 Krewe of Krewes Parade Marshals Second Line Stroll Parade Marshals This is the 25th anniversary of the National Scenic Byways Program. In 1996, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road was one of the first 14 roads designated and was the only byway selected on the strength of its natural qualities.

Monte Hurley

Grand Marshals of the Krewe of Krewes Parade Twelfth Night Revelers The Twelfth Night Revelers were formed in 1991 under the direction of Anne Monlezun.

They promote the flavor and style of Mardi Gras throughout the year for Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Inc. and also the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Tourist Bureau. The Revelers act as a red carpet committee for visiting dignitaries, travel writers and tour groups, conventions, and schools. Leading the Revelers in Second Line is Strut Captain Winnie Potts, Co-Strut Captain Tony Comeaux, and flag bearer Ken Wilkinson. During the summer, several Revelers travel to our sister city, Sioux City, Iowa to celebrate and promote Mardi Gras.

Happy Anniversary to the Twelfth Night Revelers as they celebrate their 25th Mardi Gras Season. Keep on strutting! Photo is courtesy of Jim George.

Monte Hurley has been involved with the Creole Nature Trail since before it was designated a trail in 1975 through its designation as a state scenic byway, then a National Scenic Byway and finally an All-American Road. In fact, Monte was the Chairman of the Creole Nature Trail District from 1995 through 2016. Monte was also awarded the Junior League of Lake Charles Voluntarism Award, the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association’s Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award and has twice won the Southeast Tourism Society Shining Example Award for State & Regional organization of the year for the Trail.

Capt’n Sammie Faulk Before taking the reigns as the Chairman of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road in March 2016, Capt’n Sammie served as vice chairman for more than 15 years. An avid outdoorsman, Capt’n Sammie thrives on sharing Southwest Louisiana’s natural beauty while operating his charter fishing service, serving as a hunting guide, representing the area at outdoor media shows as well as acting as a guide for bus tours along the Creole Nature Trail. Capt’n Sammie also served on the Cameron Parish Tourist Commission board, including several years as its chairman and currently serves on the board of the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center.

Paul Guillory In 1995, while serving on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Paul was recruited to serve on a “new” board…and has been on the Creole Nature Trail board ever since, becoming vice chairman in March 2016.

After 40 years at Ferrell Gas, Paul retired in 2014 but soon realized that just running cattle didn’t keep him busy enough. So, Paul decided to get into another part of tourism, gaming, and now works in the security department at Isle of Capri Casino Lake Charles. Paul also serves on board of the LeBleu Settlement Volunteer Fire District.

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Jeff Benoit, Merchant Parade Marshal

B&O Kitchen is a third-generation, family owned and operated business since 1983. B&O was founded by Jeff Benoit’s late grandparents, Joseph and Corita Benoit, then owned by his late father, Dale Benoit. Jeff still uses the same recipes as his grandfather and father. Come by for the best boudin, cracklins, beef jerky, Smoked sausage, hog head cheese, specialty meats, Stuffed chickens, Cajun slim Jims, Stuffes, boudin balls and stuffed egg rolls.

Owners Jeff and Becky Benoit are proud to say, “We make our own.”

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Congratulations to the 2017 Krewe of Krewes Parade Marshals Grand Marshals of The Children’s Parade: Legacy Baseball Legacy Baseball is a Christ-centered baseball organization founded in 2015. With the help of Sale Street Baptist Church and the gracious use of facilities on their campus, Legacy Baseball has been mentoring young men in their Christian walk and in their baseball career from the very beginning. Originally comprised of three teams, Legacy has now expanded to include a fourth team.

Legacy’s home, The Yard Baseball Academy located at 1611 W. Sale Rd. is also the site for strength and conditioning with Maximum Kinetics and head trainer Jeff See as well as baseball lessons for hitting, pitching, and fielding. Utilizing the professional instruction of Coach Jarred Barrett, Coach David Blank, Coach Jared Gothreaux, and Coach Jeff See, Legacy Baseball, The Yard Baseball Academy and Maximum Kinetics have made an impact on the lives of hundreds of young athletes and baseball players in the Lake Charles and surrounding areas.

Jared R. Chandler, Jeeps on Parade Marshal It is a great privilege for Seven Slot Society of SWLA to help put on the “Jeeps on Parade” for Lake Charles Mardi Gras 2017. When I and my VP/co-founder Russ Conrad set out to create a Jeep club, we were determined to make it more than just a club. We wanted to create something that would have a great impact on the local communities that we grew up in and love. Our small idea has grown into a vast family of members that are devoted to both the club they are part of but also to the families and neighbors here in Southwest Louisiana. If you have a Jeep and share our love for this community, we encourage you join us in the parade and then look into joining our family of members!

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The Krewe of Athena celebrated its 15th Mardi Gras Ball on January 21 at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur. Lee Peck of FOX 10 News in Mobile was the emcee, with music by the Mixed Nuts band of New Orleans. Videography was by Brookin Alexander and Joan Granger provided photography. Tom Sims and Steve Baker of West Cal Glass and Mirror did the spotlights.

Captain Athena XV is Brittany Begnaud Corbello, who dazzled the audience as the leader of the Cosmic Travelers. She is a 2005 graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School and holds both a BS and Master’s degrees in speech pathology from University of LA Monroe. She is the speech/language pathologist at Lacassine High School and is a member of the American Speech/Language Assn. She is also a member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Ragley. Captain Brittany has been a krewe member for nine years, served as a Princess in 2007 and as Duchess Aglaia in 2012. She has been the VP of Public Relations for the past four years and the Parade Float Chair for the past five years. The daughter of Krewe member Deidre and David Begnaud of Iowa, she is married to Lucas Corbello and they have three children: Ethan, Owen and 13-month-old Mia Michelle.

The Krewe honored young adult children of members by presenting them as Princesses and Gents. Jaycie Savoie, the daughter of Jennifer and Jess Savoie of Sulphur, is a 2016 Sulphur High graduate and attends McNeese majoring in early childhood education. Kate O’Neal, the daughter of Christa and Kevin O’Neal of Sulphur, is a 2016 graduate of Sulphur High and attends University of LA Monroe, studying toxicology pre-med with a minor in Spanish. Bailey Bertand is also a 2016 Sulphur High graduate and attends McNeese majoring in physical therapy and exercise science. He is the son of Shauna Bertrand and Roman Bertrand of Sulphur and grandson of member Joan and Tim Bloomfield of Lake Charles. Tanner Pousson is the son of Sharla Fontenot and the late Henry Fontenot of Lacassine. A Lacassine High graduate, he is employed by Southwest Beverage and Fontenot Farms and is the nephew of Krewe member Henrietta Akers.

Duchess Aglaia XV is Alexandra Nicole McCain.

This Sulphur native resides in Houston and is a 2007 graduate of Sulphur High. With a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science from McNeese and a Doctorate in physical therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, she is a physical therapist at John West Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Houston. The daughter of member Becky and Curt McCain of Gonzales, she was Princess in 2008 and has been a Krewe member for seven years. She is a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston, a member of the American Physical Therapy Assn. and volunteers at the Houston Food Bank. Alex

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was escorted by Gary Jones of Houston.

Duchess Euphrosyne XV is Mimi Ford Ryan. A native of Sulphur, she is a 1986 graduate of Sulphur High and resides in Lake Charles. She has a Bachelor’s degree in business management from McNeese and is a program control cost analyst at Northup Grumman. This is her third year in the Krewe, and she is also a member of the Krewe of Barataria. She belongs to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and is an alumni advisor for the Phi Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega at McNeese. Her parents are the late Leon and Barbara Ford of Sulphur. Mimi has a daughter, Annemarie, and was escorted by her husband, Jake Ryan.

Duchess Thalia XV is Heather McLanahan Sarver.

Heather is a lifelong resident of Lake Charles and a 1992 graduate of Barbe High School. She received a BS degree in early childhood education from McNeese and is a teacher at FK White Middle School. This is her fifth year as a Krewe member. Heather is a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. She is also a member of Krewe du Lac and a founding member of the Pelican Coast Parrot Head Club. She is the daughter of Joyce and the late Ralph McLanahan of Lake Charles and has four daughters: Madeline, Emma, Amelia and Lillian. She was escorted by her husband, Daren Sarver.

Queen Hera XV is Cathy McDonald Terrio of Lake Charles. She is a graduate of Lake Charles High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is retired from her job as financial manager of ETC Harbor House. Queen Cathy is a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, the Sisters of Serenity Theresia Group and Come Lord Jesus Group. She is a past board member of the Lake Charles Racquet Club, previous treasurer of the League of Women Voters and the ABWA and volunteered at the Food Pantry for 10 years. The daughter of the late Elizabeth and “Red” McDonald, Cathy has two daughters, Nikki Odom and Adrienne Link and four grandchildren, Gavin, Grayson, Bella and Maizie. The Queen was escorted by her husband, Charlie Terrio.

The Krewe of Athena is a women’s Krewe with 140 members. Founded in 2002 “just for fun,” its Royalty is chosen strictly by the ‘”luck of the draw.” It provides the Tracy Beaugh Rising Star Award at SOWELA each semester, giving $500 to a deserving graphic arts student. The Krewe participates in 12th Night, the Children’s and Krewe of Krewes parades and the Royal Gala.

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Supporting Krewe du Bon Coeur

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King Bon Coeur XX Gerald Fruge and Queen Bon Coeur XX Josephine “JoJo” Monfils

Krewe du Bon Coeur celebrated its 20th Annual Presentation and Ball January 21 at the Habibi Shrine Center. This year’s theme was “UnMask the Possibilities,” a traditional New Orleans-style masked Mardi Gras Ball. The ballroom was decorated in a variety of “larger than life”-sized masks. Music was provided by the Stretta band from Nashville, Tennessee. Sound was provided by Deep South Audio.

Master of Ceremonies Dale Mann requested everyone to stand and pay tribute to our country with the presentation of our nation’s colors by veterans and Krewe members Kent and Becky Vincent.

Linda Patrick, Ronnie Mesh, KJ Smith, Dale Guidry, Aimee Abshire, Johnny Jones, Laura Turner, Jason Martinez, Kim Carrere, Burt Parham and Becky Vincent took their final walk as The Royal Court of 2016.

Captain Selena Bryant entered the ballroom to the sounds of the traditional Second Line and took the stage wearing the colors of Mardi Gras. Her festive collar of purple, green and gold was designed by Valerie Smith and Don Marx of DVAL Designs of Sulphur. With the blowing of the Captain’s whistle, the Royal Presentation of 2017 officially began.

Captain Selena is a native of Welsh and has been married to her husband, Gerald, for 38 years. They have four sons and seven grandchildren. Selena and Gerald have been Krewe members for 13 years. Captain Selena has committed her time to working with learning disabled children and her family.

This year’s debutantes included Hannah Gabrielle Mier, daughter of Krewe members Lawrence “Booger” and Allison Mier of Welsh; Moriah Abigail Foster, granddaughter of Krewe members Linda and Ronnie Mesh of Lake Charles; Madison Hope Zaunbrecher, daughter of Krewe members William and Rebecca Zaunbrecher of Vinton; and Cassidy Danielle Trahan, niece of Krewe members Jerome and Candace Lannoo of New Iberia.

The Royal Court of 2017 was presented to a crowd of over 800 members and guests. The Duke and Duchess of Doubloons were William “Billy” Zaunbrecher (Rebecca) and Joanna Grimes (Andy). Duke Billy is a 1986 graduate of Vinton High School and received a BS degree in clinical laboratory science from LSU. He is currently employed by West Calcasieu Cameron and Lake Charles Memorial Hospitals. Duchess 10 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

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The Duke and Duchess of Doubloons William Zaunbrecher and Joanna Grimes

The Duke and Duchess of Beads Clarence Anderson and Rose Young

Joanna graduated from Merryville High School and McNeese State University.

She is a special education teacher for the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

The Mardi Gras Bead was represented by Duke Clarence Anderson and Duchess Rose Young. Duke Clarence resides in La Porte, Texas and has been employed by the City of La Porte for 32 years. He and his girlfriend, Paula Rizzuto, have been involved with Krewe du Bon Coeur since 2004. Duchess Rose graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange and the Chenier Business School in Beaumont, TX. She was married to the late Danny Ray Young, Sr. Rose is employed by Distribution NOW in Westlake.

The Duke and Duchess of the Fleur de Lis were Jerome Lannoo (Candace) and Helen Grimes. Duke Jerome and his wife currently reside in Youngsville, LA. He is employed as an I & E Superintendent by an Oil and Gas Production company. Duchess Helen graduated from Sulphur High School and Northwestern State University. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Arkansas State University and currently practices in the Lake Area.

Last, the Mask was represented by Duke Kevin LeBlanc (Annie) and Duchess Neva Smith (Jason). Duke Kevin is a native of Fenton, Louisiana and a 1997 graduate of Lacassine High School. He is employed by Industrial Specialty Services and works as an operations manager. Duchess Neva is a graduate of Bell City High School and is a paralegal at the David Green Law Firm.

The secret identity of the Royal Couple was at long last revealed as King Bon Coeur XX, Mr. Gerald Fruge and Mardi Gras 2017

The Duke and Duchess of the Fleur de Lis Jerome Lannoo and Helen Grimes

Queen Bon Coeur XX, Mrs. Josephine “JoJo� Monfils lowered their masks.

King Gerald is originally from the town of Basile, Louisiana. He and his wife, Joy, have been married for 52 years. They have three children, Renee and her husband, Don Stump; Celeste Briggs; and Gerald Fruge, Jr. and his wife Kara; and seven grandchildren. Gerald is co-owner of Lake Charles Music and attends Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church where he is very involved in the ACTS Retreat movement. He has been involved in local Mardi Gras for many years serving in the past on the Mardi Gras board and as parade chairman. Gerald and his wife Joy are charter members of Krewe du Bon Coeur and he was a Duke on the Royal Court of 2003.

Queen JoJo was born in Orange, Texas to Michael J. and Mae Moleski.

Her husband of 28 years, Ray, is from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her sister is Rose Young, Duchess of the Mardi Gras Bead.

Queen JoJo graduated from Lutcher Stark Senior High School in Orange and received a business administration degree from Spencer Business College in New Orleans. Upon returning to Sulphur from New Orleans, she began working at Cam-

Hannah Mier

Moriah Foster

The Duke and Duchess of the Mask Kevin LeBlanc and Neva Smith

eron State Bank. She worked at different area branches during her 16-year tenure. After retiring briefly, she returned to work for the City of Sulphur and is currently works in the finance department. Her hobbies include spending quality time with family and friends, dancing, golf, and a GOOD glass of wine. JoJo has been involved in the Vinton community serving in the past as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Chair, and as the American Heart Association Heart Walk CoChair. She is a member of the Red Hats of Sulphur. Not only is she a member of Krewe du Bon Coeur, she also holds membership in Krewe des Danseur Fou and Krewe Bon Ton Roule.

Members and guests stood with glasses raised high as Captain Selena Bryant offered a toast to all present.

The Presentation ended with the Royal Promenade of the 2017 Royal Court through the ballroom.

Current board members are Selena Bryant, Captain; David Patrick, President; Sherry Campbell, Vice President; Dustan Abshire, Secretary; Sandra Gillard, Social Director; and Vicki Saxby, Treasurer.

Madison Zaunbrecher

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On the evening of January 14, Krewe des Bons Amis members and guests gathered at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur, Louisiana to celebrate the twelfth year of the Krewe. The room was alive with tricorn hats, puffy shirts and parrots while the soundtrack of Black Sails could be heard in the background.

President Ryan Doucet welcomed all to the festivities and introduced our Master of Ceremonies, Justin

Morris.

As the first order of business, King Henry XI, Christopher D’Errico and Queen Anne XI, Christine Draper were honored as the 2016 Royalty. As they took their last official walk as King and Queen, the Krewe was reminded that Krewe des Bons Amis selected the name Anne as their queen to honor Christine’s mom Anne Draper, whose support was essential to the early

King Henry XII and Queen Anne XII Aaron and Suzanne May

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beginnings of the Krewe in 2005.

Krewe Captain Michelle Gaspard and Co-Captain Christine Draper were next introduced with the song “24 Karat Magic.” Michelle is a resident of Moss Bluff and is employed

by Langley, Williams & Co, CPAs. She is the mother of three children, Austin, Luke and Josee. She has been an active member of the Krewe for six years, secretary and Captain for two years and a Duchess. Michelle is an avid participant in Crossfit and has competed in many fundraiser runs, races and challenges including those benefiting Breast Cancer research in honor of her mother. Christine Draper has been actively involved in Mardi Gras

Krewe Captain Michelle Gaspard

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for 23 years and is a founding member of Krewe des Bons Amis.

She is employed by Stonebridge Place Assisted Living Facility and has two sons, Chance and Charlie. She loves cooking, traveling and spending time with King Henry XI. The presentation continued with the introduction of King Henry XII and Queen Anne XII, Aaron and Suzanne May, escorted by their son Kellan in costume as Jake the Pirate. The King and Queen are residents of Moss Bluff and have been married for 10 years. They are parents of Amanda, Hannah and Kellan. The King is employed as a Captain of the Lake Charles Fire Department and the Queen is a paralegal for Hoffoss Devall Law Firm. Krewe members for six years, Suzanne has served as secretary for the Krewe and the couple were named Duke and Duchess in a previous year. They both enjoy sports and spending time with their family and friends.

Following the King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of the Black Pearl, Jimmy and Jackie Bastow were presented and entertained the guests with “Worst Pirate in the World” by the Pirates of Bedlam, a favorite pirate music band based in Houston. The couple are residents of Moss Bluff. Duke Jimmy is retired from Citgo Petroleum where he was a safety supervisor for 25 years. They are the owners of Lake Area Party Shots, LLC, a Photobooth company. The couple have been married for 26 years and have two children, Jason Jones and Amy Jones, and seven grandchildren. Jimmy and Jackie are founding members of Krewe des Bons Amis and both have held board positions.

The Duchess has been treasurer since 2005; and the Duke has held the position of president and currently is Sgt. at Arms.

They are active in the Buccaneers of Lake Charles, Pelican Coast Parrotheads and Calcasieu Boat Club. They love to travel, especially to Key West where they meet many of their friends every August.

Skit entertainment featured Michael Lewondowski and Krewe member Michael Allen as Blackbeard and his side kick performing to Ray Stevens’ version of the “Pirate Song.”

Duke and Duchess of the Underworld, Ryan and Tracy Doucet next walked to the music “Don’t Stop the Party.” Ryan and Tracy live in Lake Charles and have been married almost two years Duke Ryan is employed by Citgo Petroleum as a draftsman in Major Capital Projects and is a coach at CrossFit Adino. Tracy is employed by Elite Medical Wellness and has taught dance for over 20 years. They have three daughters, Whitney, Sydney and Holly. Ryan has been a member of the Krewe for four years, has held several positions on the board, was named Duke in a previous year and is currently the President of the board. Tracy has been a member for two years. They are both active in CrossFit, Team Citgo and Ainsley’s Angels.

Additional entertainment was provided by a parody of Pirates of the Caribbean staring Krewe members Melissa McDaniel, Monica Faulk, Annie Allen and Zelda Lantier. The new Court was honored with a champagne toast. Immediately following the Second Line Dance began. Music was provided by Southern DJ Productions.

For more information about the Krewe, please visit www. krewedesbonsamis.com.

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Duke and Duchess of the Black Pearl Jimmy and Jackie Bastow

Duke and Duchess of the Underworld Ryan and Tracy Doucet

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Krewe de Carnivale’ celebrated Mardi Gras in grand and glorious style at the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Buccaneer Room on January 21. The Krewe chose “Birds of a Feather” as the theme for their annual Mardi Gras mega party. The event is a costume-optional ball with guests and members alike transforming themselves into characters portraying various birds and people that flock together.

For the evening, guests entered through a huge gilded birdcage into the festively decorated ballroom. Members and guests were dressed in elegant attire as well as elaborate costumes depicting flamingos, peacocks, chickens, as well as sports fans, celebrity families and more.

Ball Captain Tony Duhon served as the Master of Ceremonies as he signaled the start of the Krewe’s updated second line-style procession

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into the ballroom. The introduction of Royalty kicked off the evening with the presentation of the King and Queen of Krewe de Carnivale’ 2017, Logan Morris and Michele Paul-Hurley portraying King and Queen of Carnivale’ Peacocks. He then offered a traditional toast to the members and guests.

Ball Captain Duhon was born and raised in Lake Charles and is the son of Reggie and Barbara Duhon.

He is the owner and proprietor of House of Sole Running Shoe Store in Lake Charles.

King Logan, a native of Leesville, Louisiana, is an independent insurance agent, realtor and partner with Morris Insurance Agency, Inc. and Morris Team Realty, LLC. He is currently serving as treasurer of Louisiana Realtors and is the Immediate Past District Governor

of Lions Club International.

Additionally, King Logan is honored to serve on the board of directors for the Louisiana Lions League for Crippled Children and dedicates much of his free time to the Louisiana Lions Camp for youth with mental and physical challenges as well as the Greater Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce.

Queen Michele is a native of New Orleans. With a degree in nursing from McNeese State University, Michele works at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Health System in Lake Charles where she is currently an Oncology Nurse Manager. She also holds certifications in Oncology Nursing and Hospice/Palliative Nursing. The Queen serves on the Vestry of Episcopal Church of the Good Shepard and on the

board of directors for Imperial Calcasieu Museum. She also honored to serve in the U.S. Army for four years and is the proud mom of Miranda Hurley, a 6th grader at EDS. The Captain, along with the King and Queen, would like to thank everyone who helped to make the evening so memorable.

Krewe de Carnivale’ has two traditions unique to the area. The first is the bead tosses where Krewe members take to the stage to whip the party crowd into a frenzy with their paradestyle bead tosses. The other tradition is a napkin toss where guests are invited to pitch thousands of paper napkins into the air while the disco classic “Love is in the Air” plays on, capping off the evening.

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Queen Classique XXX Betty Carrier

Krewe De Classique, founded in 1987, celebrated 30 years of class on January 28 at the Habibi Temple. The theme was “Celebrating 30 years - Mardi Gras Style!

To start off, five Debs and Beaus were presented: Kaylen LeBlanc, Alexys Peron, Lawrence Sweet, Galen Brown and Zacchea Lewis.

After a brief history of the Krewe and Mardi Gras, Captain and Consort Frederick

and Nellie Rideaux led the festivities.

Representing Purple was the Duchess of Justice, Linda Carrier, a 26-year member of the Krewe. Duchess Linda is a retiree of PPG and loves everything Mardi Gras.

Next, representing Gold were the Duke and Duchess of Power, Keith and Elizabeth Stewart. Both are natives of Lake Charles and have been members of

the Krewe for two years.

Duke Keith is employed with Phillips 66 and Duchess Elizabeth is employed by Dr. Dorsey Family Dentistry.

Representing Green was the Duchess of Faith, Pye Brown. Pye is a 27-year member of the Krewe, is a retired educator with the Calcasieu Parish School System and displays that she’s found the Fountain of Youth!

Queen Classique XXX

is Betty Carrier. Queen Betty is a lifelong resident of Lake Charles and has been employed by the Calcasieu Parish School System for 40+ years. She enjoys singing and has performed with McNeese’s Messiah Chorus and Orchestra for 46 years!

After the presentation, all Krewe members welcomed their guests and led them in the Second Line to begin the party.

Captain and Consort Frederick and Nellie Rideaux

Duchess of Justice Linda Carrier

Duchess of Faith Pye Brown

Duke and Duchess of Power Keith and Elizabeth Stewart Mardi Gras 2017

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Captain Kellery Barton Krewe of Chaos held its 12th annual Chair Codey Lemaire and Carol Gary; the Gumbo Cookoff Team Timmy WilMardi Gras Ball on January 14 in the son, Zak Barton and Dillon Coates; L’Auberge Lake Charles Ballroom. The and Historical Chair Nicole Jackson. year’s theme was “Pirogues and Pearls.”

The emcee of the evening was introChaos Krewe members and guests entered the ballroom through lighted trees duced as fellow Chaos member, Barry Badon. He began by summoning 2016 draped with pearls and moss.

Queen Gaea X, Jessica Vincent MarcThe evening started with Captain antel along with her Court to bid fareKellery Barton welcoming the crowd well to their Chaos members. The 2017 and introducing Treasurer Scott JackRoyal Court was then introduced. son, Fall Event Chair and Co-Chair Kristin Fenetz and Angela Stutes; Float Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen…

Chair and Co- Chair James LaBove and Meat Don’t Burn on the Grill…

Kim Little; Ball Chair and Co-Chair The first Duke and Duchess of the Amanda Meche and Candis Mcevening were spotlighted on the dance Caughey; Royal Court Chair and Co-

King Chaos XI Robert “Sam” Hudson and Queen Gaea XI Shannon Hanson 16 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

floor with “Movin’ on Up” by Keith Frank playing along. Straight out of the heart of Cameron Parish, this Cooyon is from Galveston and his Cher is from Sulphur. They both grew up drinking sweet tea and eating gumbo in Hackberry. This Duke and Duchess have been married for 16 years and have two sons, Tre’, 12 and Aimes, 2. When not alligator huntin’ or shootin’ their shotguns, our first couple is an electrician at Citgo and an ordained minister and she is a teacher’s aid at Hackberry Head Start. They both graduated from Hackberry High School and enjoy ANYTHING outdoors! Duke and Duchess of Gum Cove Bayou were introduced as Ammisty and CR Fountain.

Dance in the Kitchen ‘til the Morning Light… Louisiana Saturday Night The next couple entered to the tune of “Louisiana Saturday Night” by Mel McDaniel. This Duke and Duchess are from Sulphur and Moss Bluff and were married just 11 short months ago. This fiddle and bow will soon celebrate their first year of marriage and first year in Krewe of Chaos. Where y’at, one might ask… When this Duke is not having a cochon de lait or fishing the bayous, he can be found coaching football at Sulphur High School. When they’re not sittin’ on the front porch, she enjoys shopping and decorating and spends most of her time as an assistant princiMardi Gras 2017

pal at T. S. Cooley Elementary School. Both are Cowboys of McNeese State University and kick off their shoes with dogs Pudge and Pebbles. Duke and Duchess of Choupique Bayou were revealed as Melina and Bryan Fralick.

Down by the River in the Full Moonlight…

Taking the floor to “Fishin’ in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the third Duke and Duchess of the evening are both residents of Vinton.

This Boogalee and his Suga Bee have been married for 16 years and have two daughters: Kaitlyn, 14 and Addyson, 10. This Duke and Duchess have a poodle named Emmy Lou, a lab named Rukus, and four chickens named Red, Cooper, Chicken Tender, and Chicken Nugget. When they’re not floatin’ on a breeze, he’s a construction manager for Performance Contractors and she is a stay-at-home mom and substitute teacher. He is a graduate of Plaquemine High School and she is a graduate of Central High School. Even when the fish don’t bite, they both still enjoy hunting, fishing, and makin’ a roux. Duke and Duchess of Pigeon Bayou were introduced as Chad and Marcey Orillion.

Wanna Dance to a Band from Lou’sian’ tonight…

Our last couple hit the floor to the tune of “Twist and Shout” by Mary Chapin Carpenter. This Duke and Duchess couple is from Vinton and Nederland and have been married for 12 years. She finds her feet as a first grade teacher at Episcopal Day School. He learns to swing with a do si do at JP Morgan Chase as a private client financial advisor.

This Who Dat graduated from McNeese State in marketing and management and his Jolie Blanc graduated from Lamar Mardi Gras 2017

University in elementary education. They twist and shout with their two children, Emersyn, 9 and Holden, 6 and eat alligator stew and share it with their dog Charlie. They both love a good Hurricane Party.

Duke and Duchess of Contraband Bayou were revealed as Amanda and Scott Meche.

Duke and Duchess of Gum Cove Bayou Ammisty and CR Fountain

The Krewe of Chaos’ eleventh Royal Couple entered the ballroom to the tune of “Calling Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks while wearing Chaos custom collars adorned with white peacock feathers and robes of purple and white.

King Chaos XI and Queen Duke and Duchess Gaea XI were presented as of Choupique Bayou Robert “Sam” Hudson and Melina and Bryan Shannon Hanson.

Fralick Her Royal Highness has been an operator at Sasol for the past four years. She was the former assistant golf coach at Auburn University and also the head women’s golf coach at Augusta University. She graduated from Sulphur High School and received a general studies degree as an LSU Tiger in 1996.

She was on the LSU Golf Team from 1992 to 1996 and enjoys Duke and Duchess golf, fishing, and running. of Pigeon Bayou His Royal Highness graduChad and Marcey ated from Vinton High School Orillion and has been an operator at Phillips 66 for the past 20 years.. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his daughters Lexi,17 and Alyse, 14.

The King and Queen have four animals Becca, Zoey, Lolo, and Grey-key and have been together for two years.

Music was provided by Southern DJ Productions and Duke and Duchess Upscale Productions. Photogof Contraband raphy was provided by Abby Bayou Gros. Krewe of Chaos was Amanda and Scott chartered in February 2005 Meche as a social organization with the sole purpose of bringing together family and friends to celebrate the merriment of fellowship year round.

FEBRUARY 27, 2017 17

The Krewe de Charlie Sioux was sanctioned by the state of Louisiana in 1997. That same year, Lake Charles and Sioux City officially became Sister Cities at a twinning ceremony in Lake Charles. Members consist of Sioux City, IA and Lake Charles residents.

Each city has its own Krewe president and Ball Captain. Sioux City members come to Lake Charles for Mardi Gras and Lake Charles members travel to Sioux City the week of July Fourth and bring Mardi Gras to Siouxland in the form of a gala, parade and Zydeco concert.

The purpose of the Krewe is to promote Mardi Gras and share cultural experiences as well as develop tourism in each city. This Mardi Gras season completes the 22nd year that Krewe members have traveled back and forth between the two cities, and the 19th year of presentation of a King, Queen and Court.

This year, King Charles XIX, Kurt Peterson and Queen Siouxland XIX, Melissa Peterson reigned over “Tales being Told� festivities in Sioux City.

Anyone interested in participation in Krewe de Charlie Sioux events should contact Blaine Bourgeois @ 437-7927. Krewedecharliesioux@hotmail.com.

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K rewe of Cosmos The Krewe of Cosmos held their 67th Annual Mardi Gras Presentation on February 25 with the theme Louisiana Plantations. Master of Ceremonies was Mike Field. A member of Cosmos for 27 years, Mike was Captain in 2004, president in 1997 and 1998, and Duke in 1993.

The 2016 Island Odyssey Royal Court was presented for the last time: King and Queen Kerry and Charlene Trahan, their Dukes and Duchess Rocky and Paula Keeley Garrett and Chavanne Stine, Jared and Kenzie LeBoeuf Doug and Kristi Como and Captain Cindy Vincent.

The first stop was deep in the heart of Feliciana. Representing Audubon’s Oakley Plantation are Duke James Pierre and Duchess Eliza Grey, Duke Keith and Duchess Janet from the House of Naquin. Duke Keith is native of Sulphur and a graduate of Sulphur High School. He has been employed by Total Petrochemicals USA for ten years. He has served as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and is a former member of the Lake Charles Buccaneers. He enjoys boating, woodworking, being a pawpaw, and grilling. Duch-

ess Janet is native of Beaumont and is a 1981 graduate of Sulphur High School. She has been employed

by Carl Vincent State Farm for 25 years. She enjoys reading, shopping, boating and is well-known for her cooking and entertaining. She loves being a Mimi to the grandson Jaxon Wenning, and rooting for her son-in-law as he coaches the New Orleans Saints. The Duke and Duchess have two children, Brittany, who married to Robert Wenning, and son Joshua.

The next stop was the charming town of Natchitoches. Representing Melrose Plantation are Duke Claude Thomas and Duchess Marie Therese Duke Kevin and Duchess Bridget of the House of Schlamp.

Duke Kevin is a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and a graduate of Burnaby South High School in British Columbia. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and has practiced family medicine for over 27 years.

Dr. Schlamp is self-employed at Schlamp Family Medical Clinic, serves as the medical director at Holly Hill Nursing Home and as a wound care physician at West Cal-Cam’s Wound Healing Center.

2017 Krewe of Cosmos King and Queen of Oak Alley Plantation Dr. Pete and Mary Jo Bayles 20 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Louisiana Plantations He enjoys running marathons, collecting coins and cheering on the Tigers and the Saints.

Duchess Bridget is a native of Lake Charles and a 1982 graduate of Lake Charles High School.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations from McNeese State University and is a licensed realtor. The Duchess co-owns BKA LLC with her husband, owns and operates Angels and Jacks Healthier 4 U vending, and is the administrator at Schlamp Family Medical Clinic.

She enjoys shopping, plays a mean game of tennis, and participates in obstacle courses. The Duke and the Duchess attend Trinity Baptist Church. They have been married for 15 years and have five children: Brooklyn, Lexi, Angelina, Griffin, and Jacqueline.

The next stop was the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Representing Nottoway Plantation are Duke John Randolf and Duchess Emily Jane, Duke Steven and Duchess Robyn from the House of Settoon.

Duke Steven is a native of Sulphur and a 1984 graduate of Sulphur High School. He has owned Settoon’s Ironworks and Powder Coating in Sulphur since 1985. His enjoys working on hotrods, racing them, and spending time with his family. He is a member of Krewe du Lac and The Mines Theatre in Sulphur, where he serves as vice president.

Duchess Robyn is a native of Slidell and a 1984 graduate of Sulphur High. She has been employed

by First Federal Bank since 1985.

She serves as the executive director of The Mines Theatre and is a board member for Krewe du Lac. The Duke and Duchess are members of Henning Methodist Church.

They have five children: Chase, Logan, Matthew, Sami and Robi.

They have been Krewe members for four years.

We next find ourselves in Vacherie. Representing Laura Plantation is Duchess Laura Lacoul Gore, Duchess Karen Domingue from the house of Harrell. Duchess Karen is a native of Sulphur and a 1976 graduate of Hackberry High School.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1980 from McNeese State University. Duchess

Karen has served the city of Lake Charles for over 35 years, currently serving as the director of finance.

She enjoys playing pokeno with her friends of 30-plus years, traveling, and spending time with her grandkids. She has been a Krewe member for five years.

Further south, things get a bit spicy. Representing Avery Island and the McIlhenny House are Duke Edmund McIlhenny and Duchess Mary Eliza Avery, Duke Shawn and Duchess Madison from the House of Hayes. Duke Shawn is a native of Piqua, Ohio and a 2005 graduate of Leyman High School. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in electronic media from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s in education from the University of Memphis.

Shawn has been an elementary special-education teacher for seven years. He enjoys following college football and basketball and spending time with his family and friends.

The Duchess is a native of Monroe and a 2007 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Dequincy High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Louisiana Tech University and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry. In 2016, Dr. Hayes began her private practice at Janot Vision Source.

She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her nephews.

Duke Shawn and Duchess Madison attend First Methodist Church in Lake Charles. They are first-year Krewe members and are the proud pet parents of one fur baby, Gryffin Nola Hayes.

We return to West Feliciana.

Representing The Myrtles’ Plantation are Duke David “Whiskey” Bradford and Duchess Sara Mathilda, Duke Dean and Duchess Mallory from the House of Padgett. Duke Dean is a native of Baton Rouge and is a 1991 graduate of Comeaux High School. He worked in the bicycle retail industry for over 20 years, but joined the team at Billy Navarre Chevrolet in 2015. In addition to organizing multi-sport events, Dean has worked with local officials to improve road conditions for cyclists and runners. Dean enjoys fishing, Mardi Gras 2017

Duke and Duchess of Audubon’s Oakley Plantation Keith and Janet Naquin

Duchess of Laura Plantation Karen Domingue

Duke and Duchess of Avery Island and the McIlhenny House Shawn and Madison Hayes

family beach vacations, and spending time with his two boys.

The Duchess is a native of Monroe and a 2001 Cum Laude graduate of Sulphur High School.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication and a Master of Arts degree in education from McNeese State University. The Duchess spent eight years as a classroom teacher before joining Stand For Children-Louisiana as an education policy advocate. She is a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles and was recently named president-elect. The Duke and Duchess attend First Methodist Church in Lake Charles.

They have two sons, Ethan and Cooper, and one boisterous black lab, Drake. They have been Krewe members for three years.

The 2017 Captain of Krewe of Cosmos, is Isabella Georgin Camille Warrington, Karen Farnum. Captain Karen was born in Arkansas but has been a lifelong resident of the Sulphur area, graduating from Sulphur High in 1977.

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Duke and Duchess of Melrose Plantation Kevin and Bridget Schlamp

She and her husband Les have four wonderful children. Brandi and husband Kris Powell live in Lake Charles. Jeff and fiancée Victoria Chang live in Houston, Greg lives in Magnolia, TX and Chris lives in Lake Charles. She is Nana to Aaron,7, Kaleb, 4 and Evelyn, 3.

Karen owned Southern Engraving and Gifts for over 18 years and now works for Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. A Krewe member for 24 years, Karen was Duchess in 1993 and Queen in 2005. Karen and Les are members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

The last stop is to the most noble of all plantations, the Grand Dame of the Great River Road: Oak Alley Plantation, where we meet His Majesty King Jacques Eugene Durwood Roman and Her Royal Highness, Queen Vivian Estelle Celina Pilié, Dr. Pete and Mary Jo Bayles.

King Jacques is a native of Cleveland, Mississippi. The son of a truck- driver, Eugene, and a homemaker, Grace Marie, who deeply

Duke and Duchess of Nottoway Plantation Steven and Robyn Settoon

Duke and Duchess of Myrtle’s Plantation Dean and Mallory Padgett believed in the importance of education for their five children, Pete graduated from Delta State University and went on to LSU School of Dentistry. He has practiced general dentistry in DeQuincy for over 35 years. He is a long-time Rotarian, serving a two-year-term as president. The King has been active in mission work since his days as a dental student. He has been a member of Southwest Dental Association for over 35 years, serving two terms as president. He is an active member of DeQuincy Methodist Church.

In 2004, the King married the Queen and became a father to two teenage daughters, Mallory and Madison. He now calls himself “Big Buck” to James, Ethan, Annalea, Cooper, and Mary Grey. You’ll often find him on the dock at Moss Lake, dodging wayward fishing hooks and tugging on crab traps while trying to make sure everyone stays above water. He has been a Krewe member for 11 years.

Queen Vivian, Mary Jo, is a native of Columbia, Louisiana.

Captain Karen Farnum

The youngest daughter of Joe Kenneth and Mary, the Queen’s fondest childhood memories are of summers spent exploring rural Louisiana. She studied education at Northeast Louisiana University and spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher. The Queen currently serves as the city planner for Dequincy. In April, she will bring the Chennault International Air Show to the area, again serving as its director. She has taught vacation Bible school, served as a youth leader, and served on numerous committees at DeQuincy Methodist Church. The Queen is a charter member of the Krewe of Athena, serving as Captain Athena XII in 2014. She has been in Cosmos for 17 years, serving on Court in 2004 and 2010. She is a source of inspiration and strength to her two beloved daughters, Mallory Blair and Julia Madison.

The King and Queen led the Royal Court in the Grand March as they began their reign over the Krewe of Cosmos for the next year.

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Krewe Déjà vu du Monde held their 28th Ball on January 28 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The theme was “We Need a Hero” and the Court followed this theme by representing heroes and villains from DC Comics.

Master of Ceremonies Gayle Marshall presented the hardworking board of directors: President Tom Price, VP/CoCaptain Julie Babineaux, VP of Membership Dina Royer, Secretary/Treasurer Lauren Abate, Krewe Rep Katherine Petty and Advisory Board Member Jennifer Gill.

The Royal Court of 2016, King and Queen XXVII W.L. Pate, Jr. and Sherrene Cook, Duchess Phyllis Hodgkins, Duchess Michelle Elliot and Duke Dan Carlson representing “Shaken! Not Stirred” made their final promenade.

The 2017 King and Queen XXVIII of “We Need a Hero” were Rob Littlejohn and Wendy Lambert. King Rob was born and raised in Granite City,

Illinois. He joined the Navy in 1988 and served six years as an electronic technician before starting his semiconductor career in 1994. He moved to Austin, Texas in 1996, where he worked at AMD and met the late John Lambert, who introduced him to his wife Wendy and a great group of friends.

Work has taken him to Arizona where he was employed

by OEM and traveled all over the world. He currently lives in Gilbert, AZ and works for Intel as an engineering technician.

Queen Wendy is a born-andraised Texan. She comes from a very large, close-knit family of 54 and growing! Six of them are her own grandchildren.

She loves getting her friends and family together. When she attended her first Déjà vu Ball and met some of the wonderful people of Louisiana, she fell in love with them and with the culture. She loves giving back to her community of Austin and Lake Charles has become her second home. Her motto is

2017 King and Queen Déjà vu du Monde XXVIII Rob Littlejohn and Wendy Lambert 22 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

“Live your life to the fullest and make every moment count!”

Captain Phil de Albuquerque represented The Joker.

He was born in Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University with an engineering degree and literally ran off and joined the circus! Captain Phil attended Clown College in Sarasota, Florida and was selected to be a Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus clown, where he performed with many celebrities, including Dick Van Dyke. Phil moved to Lake Charles in 2003 after finding it on the Internet. He has been in the Krewe since 2004 and was King of Circus Circus in 2008.

He is a member of the Children’s Museum board, a Toastmaster, a tour guide for the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Gumbeaux Gator, Auctioneer for the American Cancer Society, and a member of the Buccaneers of Lake Charles. He is an animal rescuer and owner of the number one travel agency in Lake Charles, Travel Partners.

Krewe VP/Co-Captain Julie Lynette Babineaux followed representing Mystique. The daughter of Sigmund and Yvonne Babineaux of Oberlin, she has been a member of Krewe Deja Vu since 2003 and vice-president and co-captain since 2009. She is employed by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, 14th Judicial District Court. Her son, Sgt. Justin Chatman, US Air Force, and his wife Senita are stationed in Salinas, California with her grand-dog Sophie Mae, an Alaskan Husky.

Next, Lieutenant Dr. Bruce Maerhofer came out as Lex Luthor! Bruce hails from New York State and attended the University of Missouri in

Kansas City. He and his wife Monika came to the Pelican State over 25 years ago. A licensed Chiropractor, he retired a few years ago. He is a member of The Buccaneers and the Parrot Heads, and he and his wife Monika were King and Queen of Déjà vu du Monde in 2005. They are also members of Krewe de la Famille and were on their Royal Court in 2014.

Mike and Susan Inscore Represented Batman and Batwoman. Mike and Susan both grew up in the Austin area and live in Dripping Springs, Texas. They were high school sweethearts and have been married 37 years.

Mike has been self-employed for about 40 years; his construction company specializes in concrete work and he is also a home builder. He has been in the quarter horse racing business for about 21 years, mostly racing in Louisiana. Susan works for Mike doing all of the office work. They have two children, Michael Inscore, Jr. and Michelle Walsh, one stepgranddaughter Taylor, 15, and two granddaughters Cadence, 9, and Kennedy, 6. Mike enjoys fishing, hunting, golf and family time, especially time with his granddaughters. Susan enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing crafts, baking and shopping. They have enjoyed coming to the Ball for the past two years and making new friends.

Ricardo and Victoria Olivarez represented Green Arrow and Raven. Known to friends and family as Ric and Vic, they are Austin natives who love boating life on Lake Travis and a little two-stepping at the Broken Spoke. They have been married since 2008 and have Mardi Gras 2017

Captain Phil de Albuquerque

Krewe VP/Co-Captain Julie Babineaux

two wonderful sons, Garret Cox and Ryan Amazeen. Ric is an outdoor sportsman and angler, and you will usually find him taking photo and videos for his fishing show. His passion lies with the Coastal Conservation Association and American Sportfishing Association. He has been in sales for over 28 years with La-Z-Boy Galleries. As a US Veteran of the Army, Victoria helped protect our country during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She has continued to serve by protecting children, the elderly and people with disabilities in Texas. She also loves the great outdoors and delights in fishing alongside her husband, camping, boating and horseback riding.

They attended their first Déjà vu Ball in 2011 and were hooked! This will be their first year on Court.

Michael Martin and Jennifer Barry Gill were Superman and Superwoman.

Jennifer is a native of Beaumont, TX and has been in Lake Charles since 1986. She is the mother of three children and has one grandchild. She is a self-employed CPA with a seasonal tax practice and also works part-time for the Literacy Council. Her hobbies are traveling, reading, and enjoying family, friends and life in the most beautiful and fun part of Louisiana. She is a founding member of the Krewe and an advisory board member. Michael was born and raised in Lake Charles and is a graduate of LaGrange High School. He is a pro-

Debutante Emily Hedlesky Mardi Gras 2017

Debutante Carly Cline

Lieutenant Dr. Bruce Maerhofer

cess control specialist at Westlake Chemical/Axiall plant. He has one son, Tanner, a graduate of LSU who is living in Baton Rouge. He enjoys fishing, boating, beaching, landscaping, traveling, good friends and life.

Krewe Déjà vu du Monde presented two Debutantes. Emily Louise Hedlesky is the daughter of Krewe member Marilyn Williams Ducote and Dr. Steven Hedlesky. The youngest in her family with six older brothers, she is a senior at St. Louis Catholic High School where she is an honor student with a 4.0 grade point average. She received the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award for her academic achievement. A member of the National Honor Society, Emily is a student ambassador and a member of Art Club, French Club, and Prom Committee. When she enters college, she plans to major in biology in a pre-med program with a minor in psychology and chemistry. She will later attend medical school and graduate with an MD and PhD--and be the 10th medical physician in her family. Emily enjoys gardening, knitting, art, reading, playing with her cats and cooking with her grandmother. She was escorted by her brother, Andrew Hedlesky.

Carly Elizabeth Cline is the beautiful daughter of Sheila and Bill MacKay. Born and raised in Lake Charles, she graduated from St. Louis Catholic High School where she lettered in soccer. She has a strong appreciation for the arts and was able to travel to London, Paris and Scotland with her English class, which enabled her to experience great works of art and architecture. Carly is also an animal lover and has many pets who sense her affection for them. She is currently studying biology at McNeese State University while working at Hollister and JT’s Seafood. Carly’s hobbies include fashion design and music, and she is a prolific cookie baker. She was escorted

Batman and Batwoman Mike and Susan Inscore

Green Arrow and Raven Ricardo and Victoria Olivarez

Michael Martin and Jennifer Barry Gill Superman and Superwoman by her grandfather, Krewe Déjà vu du Monde King 2010 George “Tip” Cline.

The Krewe partied all night long to “The Issue” from Baton Rouge. Sound and music were supplied by Deep South Productions, and photography was by Monsour’s. Special thanks to John Chavanne for his fabulous costumes!

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nor in engineering psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a professional violinist with the Lake Charles Symphony and a contract engineer for TMW Designs, Inc. She also teaches private lessons for violin, viola, and piano. The Duchess is a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles and is involved in the many activities of her children and their school. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, scuba diving, traveling, and loves to cook and try new recipes.

Duke David and Duchess Heather are Krewe Des Amis King and Queen of 2017 members of St. Michael and All Angels Chris and Laurie Ford Episcopal Church. They have three children, Bryce (15), Caroline (11) and Krewe Des Amis celebrated its 37th Aiden (8). They live in Lake Charles has a degree in business management year on February 11 in the Lake Charles and accounting and is an administrative and have been married for 22 years.

Civic Center Coliseum. The theme for director for CADS Construction. She The Duke and Duchess of Chocothis year’s Ball was “Krewe Des Amis’ late Candies were Brandon and Erin is also the owner and certified coach Carousel of Candy.” The venue was Shoumaker. Duke Brandon attended for Do You World. Duchess Angel is transformed that night for Krewe mem- a member of SWLA Cancer Alliance, both McNeese State and Louisiana State bers and guests to celebrate this year’s Universities where he earned a BachAmerican Cancer Society and Harbor Mardi Gras season. elors and Masters in library science. He House, benefiting at-risk area kids.

The 2016 Royal Court was introis a librarian for the Calcasieu ParShe has two children, Trenton Mays duced for the final time: King and ish Public Library and is a member of (25) and Laikyn Mays (18). She enjoys Queen Floyd and Sharon Saltzman SWLA Genealogical Society and Louimaking memories with her family and and their Dukes and Duchesses, Andy friends. The Duke and Duchess attend siana Library Association. His hobbies and Amanda Saltzman, Randy and include genealogy, reading, watching Church of the King.

Tammi Morgan, and Jerod and Laryn and playing sports, trivia nights and The next Duke and Duchess repAbshire.

Tottenham Hotspur F. C. He also enjoys resenting Soft and Chewy Candies The first 2017 Court Couple, Dawere David and Heather Ritchie. Duke going to the beach. Duchess Erin atvid Stutes and Angel Scott, were tended Centenary College of Louisiana David holds a degree in textile engiintroduced as the Duke and Duchess neering from Georgia Institute of Tech- and McNeese State where she earned of Hard and Crunchy Candies. The her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. nology and is a maintenance manager couple reside in Sulphur. Duke David She is a Licensed Professional Counat PPG Industries. He is the assistant attended McNeese State University for Scout Master of Troop 107 and a vestry selor and is self-employed. She enjoys business and owns CADS Construcplaying Pokeno, crafting with her mom member at St. Michael and All Angels tion. Duke David is a member of the and sisters, and spending time on the Episcopal Church. He enjoys spendMason Lodge 187 and Helping Hands ing time with family and friends, scuba river with her family. The Duchess is of SWLA. He has one son, David Stutes diving, hunting, fishing, camping, and a second-generation Krewe member.

II (22). He enjoys boating, motorcycle cooking. Duchess Heather has a degree The couple resides in Lake Charles and riding, and traveling. Duchess Angel have three children, Nora (4), and twins in mechanical engineering with a mi24 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Mardi Gras 2017

Duke and Duchess of Hard and Crunchy Candies David Stutes and Angel Scott

Duke and Duchess of Soft and Chewy Candies David and Heather Ritchie

Duke and Duchess of Chocolate Candies Brandon and Erin Shoumaker

Oliver and Elias (2).

The King and Queen of 2017, Chris and Laurie Ford finally made their appearance. King Chris attended McNeese State University, where he earned a business degree. He is a senior project controller at Plains All American Pipeline. He is a member of Pipeline’s Young Professionals and is a Krewe Des Amis board member. He

enjoys hunting and fishing. Queen Laurie also attended McNeese, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She is a Registered Nurse for Texas Children’s Hospital. The Queen is also a Krewe Des Amis board member. She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. Their Majesties reside in Tomball, TX and attends Christ The Redeemer Catho-

lic Church in Cypress. They have three children, Aubree (7), Emerson (4) and Bennett (2).

The Krewe then toasted the Royalty and were treated to a final promenade by their Court. Then it was time to party with music by Chinatown. Photography was done by Gary Meeks and all costumes and mantles were designed and made by DVal Designs.

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The 34th annual Krewe du Lac Mardi Gras Ball, one of the few costume-only balls in Lake Charles, was held on Saturday, February 18, in the Buccaneer Room of the Lake Charles Civic Center. Krewe du Lac members display some of the most interesting, timely, and ingenious fashions of any Krewe in the area.

Captain Colvin LeDoux, who reigned as King Charles du Lac XI, served on the Krewe’s board of directors for a number of years before assuming the role of Captain from John Thibodeaux, the founder of Krewe du Lac. Colvin, a retiree of ConocoPhillips, and his wife Pam, a retired elementary school principal, enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and working on home projects. They are members of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and Trinity Baptist Church.

Captain Colvin, along with the Krewe’s dedicated board of directors, Mickey Connor, Chris Ebersole, Phyllis Guidry, Claire Hess, Jon LaFleur, Kevin Miller, Robbie Ortego, Chris Owen, Robyn Settoon, and Celeste Stephens strive to ensure that Krewe du Lac members enjoy fun-filled activities throughout the year.

Don Menard serves as the webmaster for the Krewe, and Brenda Wilkinson and Debbie Carlin are advisors to the Royal Court.

Serving as emcee for the night’s presentation was John Paul Timpa. He started off by introducing Duchess Angelica XXXIV, Summer Richard-Boudreaux, and Duke Andrew XXXIV, Edward “Frank” Webb.

Duchess Angelica XXXIV, Summer Richard-Boudreaux is the daughter of Sheena Franks and Michael Richard.

Summer and her husband James have been married for 12 years and they are very proud of their only child, daughter Alexis, who is a student at McNeese. Summer is a graduate of Barbe High School and McNeese State University and is a local professional photographer and artist and owner of her graphic company, The Bigger Picture. Her photography has been fea26 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

tured by National Geographic and many media outlets throughout the country.

Her local landscape and wildlife photography was recently featured at L’Auberge Lake Charles. In 2016, she was chosen to produce the artwork for the annual Mardi Gras poster representing Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. She is also an employee of BAC Publishing, specializing in outside sales and marketing. Summer has been a Krewe du Lac member for four years, is a member of the McNeese Quarterback Club, is a McNeese Geaux Blue Ambassador, an alumni of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and is a member of the Chamber’s Fusion Five. She enjoys donating her time and skills to multiple schools and charitable organizations throughout the area, especially Ainsley’s Angels. Summer is one of MSU’s most avid supporters as well as one of their volunteer sports photographers. She is a rabid football fan of the McNeese Cowboys and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Her favorite pastimes are cooking and traveling the world with her family and camera equipment.

Duke Andrew XXXIV, Edward “Frank” Webb, was born and raised in Moss Bluff, La., where he resides with his wife Peggy. He is the son of Frank and Billie Webb. He has two sons, Matthew and Jonathan Webb, along with grandchildren Ava, Grant, and Tyler. Frank and Peggy are members of St. Theodore Catholic Church, where he is an ACTS Team member. Duke Andrew is the terminal manager of the Westlake Products Terminal for Phillips 66. A member of Krewe du Lac for four years, he enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with his wife. Frank is also the past Scout Master of Boy Scouts Troop 86, past president of the Moss Bluff Civic Club, past president of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club, and past president of the Ward 1 Economic Development Board. He is an Advisory Council member for the development of the River Bluff Park and has served on the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board representing Ward 1 “Moss Bluff.: Frank and Peggy are also active members of Pelican Coast Parrotheads Club.

Next to be presented was Duchess Caroline XXXIV, Amy Maynard and Duke Edward XXXIV, John “Briggs” Becton.

Duchess Caroline XXXIV, Amy Maynard is the daughter of Morgan Maynard of Bossier City and Hildy LeJeune of Lacassine. A graduate of Sulphur High School and McNeese State University, Amy and her pet family are residents of the Clearfield Ranch area of Lake Charles. She has been happily employed as a paralegal at Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel, and Wilson for over 12 years, working under Tom Filo in the complex litigation department. In her spare time, Duchess Caroline likes to spend time with her cycling buddies, riding bikes thru Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, participating in various MS 150 benefit cycling events in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. As a sports enthusiast, she coaches travel fast pitch softball, enjoys working out, and faithfully watches and/or attends LSU and Saints football.

The beautiful duchess follows PGA golf and enjoys playing as well. Amy has been bitten by the travel bug, recently taking trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Belize, Amsterdam and Belgium. She has been a member of Krewe du Lac for the past three years.

Duke Edward XXXIV John “Briggs” Becton, a resident of Westlake, is the son of Linda Becton and the late John Becton. Briggs is the very proud father of his son, John Michael, who is a sophomore at Sam Houston High School. He is equally proud of his soon-to-be Mrs. Becton, Rebecca “Becky” Spears. He is currently a member of Belleview Baptist Church in Westlake. The new Duke graduated from Sam Houston High where he later taught as a substitute teacher. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. While at Tech, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, holding several offices including president and served as both treasurer and vice president of the Interfraternity Council. After graduation, he started a law enforcement career as a probation and parole officer and a patrol officer for the Westlake Police Department, leaving after 15 years at the Mardi Gras 2017

rank of assistant Chief. He was a founding member of the Lake Charles District Probation and Parole High Risk Warrant Service and Tactical Team and was a defensive tactics and firearms instructor for various academies around the state. Briggs is now the District Sales Representative for Nalco Champion, providing Phillips 66 with specialty chemicals. A Krewe du Lac member for the past five years, Duke Edward is also a member of the Krewe Des Pirates, Calcasieu Boat Club, is a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Buccaneers, helping to “Bring the Boom” at McNeese football games as one of the cannon krewe members. He is an avid cook and is a member of the award-winning Krewe du Lac cooking team.

The last couple to be presented was Queen Katherine XXXIV, Denise Conner McVicker and King Charles du Lac XXXIV, William “Bill” Lastie Willis.

Queen Katherine XXXIV, Denise Conner McVicker, wearing an Oleg Cassini tulle ball gown with a crystal beaded tank illusion bodice and a button-back closure, is a resident of Lacassine and is the wife of Wayne McVicker, who was King Charles du Lac XXIII. They are the proud parents of Christopher. The daughter of George and Elgia Conner of Jennings,

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Queen Katherine graduated from Jennings High School and Stage One the Hair School and has been a special education paraprofessional at Lacassine High School for the past 16 years, garnering Support Employee of the year three times. The McVicker family attends St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where Denise is a member of the Catholic Daughters.

She has been a member of Krewe du Lac for 22 years. She has also been a McNeese season ticket holder for 33 years. In her personal time, the newly crowned Queen enjoys reading a variety of literary genres, shopping at Dillard’s and Ann Taylor, and watching The Voice and NCIS along with listening to the music of George Strait and Blake Shelton. She also enjoys traveling to various destinations, especially her very favorite place, Disney.

King Charles du Lac XXXIV, William Lastie Willis, a native of Oakdale, is the son of the late John B. Willis, Sr. and the late Hazel Lee Willis. Currently living in Moss Bluff, Bill and his wife Deirdra, who was Queen Katherine XXIII, are the proud parents of sons Todd Blanchard and Kyle Willis, along with grandsons Bennett and Camden. Bill graduated as salutatorian from Oakdale High School in 1975 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree

in medical technology from McNeese State University in 1979. He also earned his Masters of Healthcare Administration from Tulane. Bill amassed 38 years of healthcare experience before retiring this past year. As a Krewe du Lac member for 23 years, Bill was Duke Edward XVII before serving on the board of directors for eight years. He has been active with the Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce and various community, civic and recreational boards, including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, United Way, American Red Cross, Samaritan Counseling Center, Moss Bluff Recreational District, Moss Bluff Gravity Drainage District, Southwest Louisiana Football Officials Association, LHSAA, Louisiana Sports Officials Association, and Moss Bluff Dixie Youth Boys & Major Association. He has officiated football for the past 29 years at the high school, collegiate, and indoor level. In his spare time, he enjoys whacking at golf balls, tailgating at McNeese, attending concerts, traveling, and cruising. The Willis family attends First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff.

With the sound of the Captain’s whistle, this fun-loving Krewe danced to the sounds of the great New Orleans band “No Idea.”

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In 2016, La Krewe Des Gens Extraordinaire celebrated “Festivals of Louisiana” with King Carlos Metoyer and Queen Tara Metoyer and their Royal Court. Their reign came to an end on February 25, when the presented “It’s A Red Carpet Affair,” where they celebrated 22 years of Royalty. The Ball was held at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Krewe member Ricky Armelin, Sr. sang the National Anthem and did a great job with his smooth vocals. The color guard was presented by the Washington Marion High School ROTC. The 2017 Royal Court was led by President Tara Metoyer and 2017 Ball Captain Carlos Metoyer. The Court consists of Duke Brent King and Duchess Prescilla Adams of Hip Hop and R&B 2000s Era and Duchess Dorothy Leger and Duke Bryan Leger of Pop/Crossover 1990s Era. The 2017 King and Queen of the Grammys are King James Thibodeaux and Queen Tammy Thibodeaux. King James is a lifelong resident of Lake Charles where graduated from Lake Charles High and attended Sowela Technical Community College. He is a facility maintenance foreman for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. A sports car and music advocate, King James is a member of the Lake Charles Camaro Club and Knights of Peter Claver and attends St. Henry’s Catholic Church where he serves as an usher and Extraordinaire Minister of Holy Communion. The son of Nancy Thibodeaux and late James Sidney Thibodeaux, he has been married to Queen Tammy for 23 years. He enjoys traveling, going to the casino and spending time with his wife and their son Cameron Blake Thibodeaux. King James dedicated this night in memory of his father, the late James Sidney Thibodeaux.

Queen Tammy is a veteran at public service. She is a 15-year employee of the 14th Judicial District Court and is also employed with the City of Lake Charles as a Community Event Leader. Giving back is a huge part of the Queen’s life. She belongs to St. Henry’s Catholic Church and serves as a lector and Extraordinaire Minster of Holy Communion. Queen Tammy is the president of the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Catholic Daughters of America, Twelfth Night Revelers of Lake Charles, and a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. She is a on the board of

Ball Captain Carlos Metoyer

28 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Duke Brent King

Duchess Prescilla Adams

directors for the Black Heritage Festival and Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc. The Queen has received numerous accolades over the years including 2016 Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. Fall Conference Chair and Active Advisory Commission of the year. In all she does, Queen Tammy hopes to inspire and motivate young women. Queen Tammy is the proud daughter of Clarence Brown, Sr. and the late Rose Marie Brown. She enjoys gardening, shopping and spending time with her goddaughter Jazmine Brown. Queen Tammy dedicated this night in memory of her mother, the late Rosie Marie Brown.

Prince Cameron Blake Thibodeaux is a junior at Barbe High School and attends St. Henry’s Catholic Church where he is an altar server. He is a Star Wars fanatic and enjoys playing video games and spending time with his father, King James.

Princess Jazmine Janee Brown is a junior honor student at the University Of Lafayette Louisiana pursuing a degree in psychology.

Her goal is to obtain her master’s of psychology and open her own practice. In her spare time she studies and enjoys spending time with friends, especially her nanny, Queen Tammy.

The Krewe hosted a champagne hour for their guests while they socialized and enjoyed the elegant decorations. Krewe members entertained guests with performances by New Edition (Girls Group): “Can you Stand the Rain,” the Group Lakeside: “Outrageous,” Betty Wright: “The Cleanup Woman,” and Beyonce: “Drunk In Love.” The Royal Toast and Promenade preceded a night of Second Lines and Royal pageantry. Krewe members and guests danced the night away to the electrifying sounds of Hotline, a live band from Opelousas The night was filled with awesome people, great music, Creole food and Mardi Gras excitement. Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler!

La Krewe Des Gens Extraordinaire was founded in 1995 and is composed of 36 extraordinary people from all walks of life, all dedicated to the festive Mardi Gras celebration. This Krewe of Extraordinary People has made a commitment to foster and promote this joyous celebration by participating in all Mardi Gras activities in Southwest Louisiana. La Krewe Des Gens Extraordinaire is in its 22nd year and looks forward to continuous Mardi Gras merriment in the spirit of the Mardi Gras season!!

Duke Bryan Leger

Duchess Dorothy Leger

King James Thibodeaux

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Queen Tammy Thibodeaux Mardi Gras 2017

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Krewe de La Famille celebrated its 38th Annual Ball on Saturday February 18. The theme was “Famille’s Paris after Dark” capturing the beauty, excitement, and romance of the city. The costumes reflected the multiple cultural offerings of the city, both old and new.

The President’s Award was presented by Anne and Dr. Lee J. Monlezun to Delores Hodges, wife of Krewe member Sonny Hodges.

The lovely debutantes were Kayla Deanne Self, Camille Marguerite Cross, Sarah Jane Levine, and Kasey Breann Self.

Famille’s Captains Johnny “JJ” Johnson and Brigitte Johnson made a spectacular entrance, taking over the Parisian setting and setting the tone for the evening.

King and Queen Famille XXXVIII, Stephen and Kelly

Hagood, reigned over the evening’s festivities. Members of the board of directors of La Famille, the Royal Couple are also board members of the Mardi Gras Museum and the Impromptu Players Theater. Steve is Parade Chairman for Famille and Kelly is the Children’s Parade Chairperson.

Serving as Board Members for the Southwest Louisiana Imperial Calcasieu Mardi Gras Board, they are Co-Coordinators of 12th night, the Gumbo Cook Off, and the Cinderella event of the year, the Royal Gala.

King Steve and Queen Kelly are co-owners of their own printing business, K & S Ink, an offset printing company offering printing services, office supplies and furniture. They are parents to William Andrew Hagood, who with spouse Amy Burks Hagood, have them given grandchildren Abigail Elizabeth Hagood and Hunter Andrew Hagood.

King and Queen Famille XXXVIII Stephen and Kelly Hagood 30 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

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Princesses were Margaret Elizabeth Blevins and Cecillia Marie Buller.

Pages were Max Joseph Blevins and Gabriel LeDoux V. Representing the great French designers was Duc des Architectes Fred Sebren and representing the Love Locks on the Pont des Arts bridge was Duchesse des E’cluses d’Amour Dana Michelle White Sebren. The Duke is an army combat veteran and a McNeese Graduate. The Duchess is an LSU graduate and a member of the Junior League. The Royal Couple own Simmons Group Insurance Agency.

Representing the incredible artists of Paris was Duc de la Artistes Gabriel LeDoux IV and representing the great French sculptors was the Duchesse de la Venus Courtney Michelle Leblanc LeDoux. The Duke is a graduate of McNeese State University, and is an engineer at Firestone. The Duchess is a registered nurse but now works as a full time domestic engineer, raising their three children.

Representing amour was the Duc de Romance Kenneth Scott Kramarich and representing a toast to love was

Duc de la Artistes Gabriel LeDoux IV and Duchesse de la Venus Courtney Michelle Leblanc LeDoux Mardi Gras 2017

the Duchesse de Champagne Melissa Briggs Kramarich. The Royal Couple are natives of New Orleans. The Duke graduated from SOWELA and is employed at ERA Helicopters. The Duchess graduated from Delgado Community College and LSU, and is now a therapist at Synergy Home Health.

Representing the art of fashion photography was the Duc des Photographes David Charles White and representing fashion and design was the Duchesse de la Mod et tu Design Eugenia Joanne Cook White. The Duke and Duchess are natives of Neosho Missouri. Duke Dave is an Army retiree, having served our country for 24 years and is a member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans.

Duchess Gina is a nursing consultant for RF Technology.

The Krewe is led by President Anne Monlezun, CEO Lee J. Monlezun, and the Captains along with board members Ricky and Trisha Guidry, Chuck and Karen Henderson, James and Diane Manning, Fred and Dana Sebren, and Board Members and Krewe Representatives Steve and Kelly Hagood.

Duc des Architectes Fred Sebren and Duchesse des E’cluses d’Amour Dana Michelle White Sebren

Duc de Romance Kenneth Scott Kramarich Duc des Photographes David Charles White and Duchesse de Champagne and Duchesse de la Mod et tu Design Melissa Briggs Kramarich Eugenia Joanne Cook White FEBRUARY 27, 2017 31

The Krewe of Good Times had their sixth annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 11 at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur. The theme was The Krewe of Good Times Casino Royale.

The Krewe was please to present two Debutantes. Harlie Lanae Persing, 17, is the daughter of Michael and Mandy Persing. She has a younger brother, Tate. Harlie has a 3.95 GPA and is a senior at Sulphur High. She is taking Nursing Assistance classes and will graduate with her CNA credentials. She has been offered numerous scholarships and plans to attend McNeese and pursue her nursing career as a nurse practitioner specializing in Pediatrics in the NICU. Her parents want nothing more than for all of her dreams to come true!

Sydney Alyson Lucius, 17, is the daughter of John and Missy Lucius.

A student at DeQuincy High, she has lettered for years in volleyball

and basketball, and was on Homecoming Court. Sydney is involved in BETA, Student Council, and is a class officer. She plans to attend SOWELA for an RN nursing degree and was accepted in the AHEC program this summer. Sydney has enjoyed the Mardi Gras festivities of Krewe of Good Times for the past five years and can’t wait until she turns 21 and can participate in the really fun stuff. She loves to spend lots of time with her river family and she is an expert frogger!

Captain of Good Times V is Lee Ann Garrison. Captain Lee Ann has been married to Jimmy Garrison for 25 years. They have two daughters, Tabitha Garrison and Kelsey Nelson.

Lee has been a member of Krewe of Good Times for three years. When she is not involved with Krewe activities, she travels with her husband.

She and her family spend all their time at their camp on Sabine River with their extended river family. Lee

2017 King and Queen of Good Times V John and Missy Lucius 32 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Lee has enjoyed the fun and excitement of getting the Royal Court ready for this year’s reign. She looks forward to work days and hanging out with everyone. She is known in the Krewe as THE QUEEN OF BLING! The Duke and Duchess of CLUBS are Laben Templet and Tia Harrison.

Laben and Tia have been together for five years. They reside in DeQuincy and have three kids together: Maddi, Paiton, and Jaydan, and also have three grandchildren. Duke Laben is an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad, and Tia is a dental assistant for Dr. Peter T. Bayles and Dr. Jeff Hennigan. The couple enjoys spending their free time out at their camp on the river or at the softball field with Maddi’s team.

The Duke and Duchess of DIAMONDS are Joey and Krystal Keel.

Joey and Krystal have been married for 17 years and reside in DeQuincy with their two children, Caden and Sydni. Duke Joey is a lead lineman employed by Beauregard Electric Co-Op in Moss Bluff. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. Duchess Krystal works in accounts payable and Insurance billing at JCE Healthcare for DeQuincy Home Health. She is a member of the DeQuincy Federated Service League of Women who proudly hosts the LA Railroad Festival, where she has been the director of the pageant for the past six years. The Keels have been Krewe members since 2014 and have been Krewe board members for two years.

They love being a part of the BEST DAMN KREWE around!

The Duke and Duchess of SPADES are Benjamin Brown and Mardi Gras 2017

Sara Red. Sara, 43, is from DeQuincy and has four siblings. She graduated from DeQuincy High in 1991 and Sowela in 1995 with a degree in nursing. She has worked in the medical field since she graduated and is currently employed by Southern Home Health. Duchess Sara’s daughter Paige, 13, is pursuing her way into Country music. Sara is her biggest fan and listening to her daughter sing is where you will find Sara in her free time.

Duke Ben, 29, has been married to Kayla Brown for four years, but they have been a couple for over nine years now. Ben and Kayla have two children, Gage (Duke of Good Times Children’s Krewe) and Adalynn. Ben has worked for Ohmstede for 10 years where he is the bundle shop supervisor. He enjoys fishing, riding four wheelers, boating, hunting, grilling, and working in his shop.

2017 King and Queen of GOOD

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TIMES V are John and Missy Lucius.

King John, 49, is the director of dryer felt applications for Albany International. Missy is 48 years young and is the purchasing agent for Southwestern Graphite. Our King captured his Queen’s heart many moons ago at a Rick Springfield concert. They fell in love and married in 1987. They live in DeQuincy and have two children. Taylor, 23, is currently serving in the US Air Force. Sydney, 17, is a senior at DeQuincy High. The Royal Couple are avid supporters of DeQuincy High athletics. When not involved in Mardi Gras activities with their FAVORITE Krewe, they can be found at their camp on the Sabine River. To them, the best thing about Mardi Gras is seeing the excitement of new members. They have made so many new friends from day one.

They know how to put fun in everything they do and they love their Krewe family!

Debutante Harlie Persing

Debutante Sydney Lucius

Captain of Good Times V Lee Ann Garrison

FEBRUARY 27, 2017 33

Krewe du Grande Bois held its 37th Annual Pageant and Ball on February 24 at the Habibi Event Center. The theme for this year’s ball was “Journey through the land of OZ.” It was a magical presentation, complete with munchkins and flying monkeys portrayed by extras from Cathy Kurth’s Dance Studio, along with Christian Vidrine and Beverly Jones. Krewe President Eric Mire welcomed guests and then turned the evening’s festivities over to the Master of Ceremonies and Krewe member Lynn Jones.

The 2016 King and Queen Lewis (Rusty) and Denise Rougeau made their final appearance and were seated in their honorary spot at the edge of the floor.

Then the magic really began, as the crowd was entertained by a lively production by the Royal Court of 2017, complete with a dance finale to Justin Timberlake’s song “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

The 2017 Captains, Dorothy Gail and Professor Mar-

2017 King and Queen of Krewe du Grande Bois Ray and Phyllis Babin

34 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

vel, were represented by Becky and Dudley Pitre. The Pitres have been members of the Krewe for 10 years. They served as Duke and Duchess of Rock and Roll in 2010, and were King and Queen of Blue Water and Sunshine in 2013. They have been members of St. John Bosco Church in Westlake since 1980, where they currently serve in the music ministry and are involved with ACTS. Dudley and Becky have been members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 14 years, where Dudley serves as Vice Flotilla Commander and Becky is treasurer. They have been married for 43 years (and as Dudley says “Not nearly long enough”) and have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Dudley and Becky love boating, the great outdoors and traveling to Denver to see their kids.

Duchess Gulch and the Duke of Hearts (Tin Woodsman) were portrayed by Marietta and Josh Laughlin.

Duke Josh is an operator at Westlake Chemical and loves all types of hunting, watching movies and hanging out with family. Marietta works for two ob/gyns in the Lake Charles area as an ultrasound technician. She loves serving people in the community, cross fit, and being with family. They have three great children and love just hanging out and having a good time surrounded by people they love.

Duchess Toto and Duke of Courage (Cowardly Lion) were portrayed by Jodi and John Fontenot.

Krewe members for 19 years, they were King and Queen in 2006, Captains in 2010 and were on Court in 2000, 2004, and 2013. Duke John is a past president and emcee; Duchess Jodi was involved with decorations and was a pageant director. John is an active member of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club, is a board member of Oasis Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center, and has served as past president to both. Together, they own and operate Gulf Coast Carpet and Decorating Center and JoJo Investments, which owns and manages rental properties and flips houses. They have seven amazing grown children and five grandchildren, with a couple more due to arrive this year. John and Jodi love to travel; this past year included Greece and Italy. They are currently planning a trip with the entire family. AND THAT IS A LOT OF FUN2KNOWS! Duchess of the NO BRAINER (Scarecrow)

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and Duke Poppy were portrayed by Cathy and Michael Kurth. Cathy and Mike have been Krewe members for 30 years. They have served on Court multiple times and have twice served as pageant directors. They have six grown children and 11 grandchildren.

They attend Crossroads Church in Moss Bluff where they have lived for over 30 years. Duke Mike recently retired from McNeese State University where he was head of the department of accounting, finance and economics and director of the H.C. Drew Center for Business and Economic Research.

Duchess Cathy has taught dance for over 35 years and owns and operates Cathy Kurth Dance Academy in Moss Bluff where she is celebrating her 30th year. Cathy and Mike enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling and politics.

Duchess Wicked Witch of the West and Duke of the Flying Monkeys were portrayed by Sara and Warren Vidrine. They have been married for 37 years and have two sons, Sean and Cody, daughters-in-law Tessa and London, and five grandchildren. Duke Warren is retired from Axiall (formerly PPG) and now spends lots of time hunting and fishing. Duchess Sara is a document control supervisor at Sasol on the Mega Project. They are members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church and are both active in ACTS. They have been Krewe members for over 20 years, have been Court mem-

bers twice and were King and Queen in 2008.

The Grande Royalty, the 2017 King and Queen of Krewe du Grande Bois - King Wonderful Wizard of OZ and Queen Glinda were Ray and Phyllis Babin.

The King and Queen have been Krewe members for six years and were Duke and Duchess of Cuba in 2013. They are both originally from Houma where they were high school sweethearts. They have been married for 38 years with two fantastic children and three amazing grandchildren. They moved to Lake Charles in 1984. They are active members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven parish and are involved with the ACTS Program. Ray and Phyllis have owned and operated ASI Office systems in Lake Charles for the past 33 years. When they aren’t with their grandchildren, they enjoy RV traveling in their motor home.

Ray is a member of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club and is also a vintage die cast car collector and enthusiast. Together they are enjoying life and looking forward to what the next day brings.

After the magic of the Court Presentation, the Royal goblets and Krewe flag were presented to the King and Queen by Krewe co-founder, Pat Fontenot. The Kadillacs entertained the members and their guests with great dance music for the remainder of the night.

Duchess Toto and Duke of Courage (Cowardly Lion) Jodi and John Fontenot

Duchess of the NO BRAINER (Scarecrow) and Duke Poppy Cathy and Michael Kurth

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2017 Captains Dorothy Gail and Professor Marvel Becky and Dudley Pitre

Duchess Gulch and the Duke of Hearts (Tin Woodsman) Marietta and Josh Laughlin

Duchess Wicked Witch of the West and Duke of the Flying Monkeys Sara and Warren Vidrine FEBRUARY 27, 2017 35

Krewe de Gratin celebrated their fifth year in February at the American Legion in Vinton, with the theme Emerald City.

Coming together each year for the celebration of Mardi Gras is just one of the many things they do together. The Krewe will be participating in the Royal Gala, Children’s Parade, Vinton’s Gumbo Cook-Off and the Krewe of Krewes Parade.

The Krewe is honored to announce their Royal Court for 2017.

Jeremy and Lacey Peloquin are Gratin’s King and Queen. They have been married for seven years and have one child, Remington. Duchess Ramona Walker is married to Jess Walker and they have two children, Ava and Jax. Duchess Elva Stine is married to Craig Stine and they have four children, Lacey Peloquin, Samantha Dommert, and Luke and Dawn Stine.

36 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Duchess Nicole Walker Cormier is married to Derek Cormier.

Duke Jerry Baus is married to Tina Baus and they have three children, Tylor, Layna and Parker. Duke John Biondini is married to Jeanice Biondini and they have three children, Jaclyn Biondini Green, Jacob and Joseph. Duke Charles Broussard is married to Marlene Broussard and they have four children, Brittney Doiron, Darla Collins, Laura Oliver and David Broussard.

This year’s Co-Captain is Rene Broussard. Rene is married to Lloyd Broussard and they have three children, Shane, Lacie and Chad. Captain Sheramie LeBrun is married to Jackie LeBrun and they have two children, Devon and Dawson. She has been Captain for two years and would like to thank everyone for all of their support. She loves her awesome Krewe!

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Debutante Allison Baker

Grand Duchess Meloni Buller

Krewe de l’Ecore held its 19th annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 17 at Habibi Temple in Lake Charles. The Krewe’s theme for the evening was “Party in the Decades.”

The celebration began with Debutante Allison Baker. The Debutante resides in Moss Bluff with her parents Garret and Tammy Baker, her brother Kristopher and a puppy named Kaden. Allison is in the ninth grade Sam Houston High School and was nominated to Congress of Future Medical Leaders and National Society for High School Scholars.

She plans to attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette and hopes to become a pediatrician.

Allison attends World Redemption Center in Moss Bluff with her family.

Meloni Buller represented Grand Duchess Cher. The Grand Duchess resides in Sulphur with her two children Cody and Kelly Buller. She has two grandchildren, Zade Deklyn and Mikhail Jude-Paul. The Grand Duchess is retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board after 31 years as a teacher.

Amanda Williams appeared as Duchess of Charlie’s Angels, representing Kelly Garett. Duchess Amanda resides in Moss Bluff with her husband David Williams. They have been married for 16 years and have two children, Hailey and Brylee. The Duchess has been employed at Carmichael’s Pharmacy as a legalized drug distributer for 10 years. She attends St. Theodore Catholic Church with her family.

Sumer McFarlain appeared as Duchess of Charlie’s Angels, representing Farrah Fawcett. Duchess Sumer resides in Moss Bluff with

Duchess Leslie Trahan Duchess Sumer McFarlain Duke Eric Trahan

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her husband Eric McFarlain. They have been married for five years and have two children, Brody and Victoria. The Duchess has been the director of admissions at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital for 5 ½ years. She and her family attend St. Theodore Catholic Church.

Eric and Leslie Trahan appeared as Duke and Duchess of Charlie’s Angels, dressed as Charlie and Sabrina Duncan. The Trahans reside in Moss Bluff and have been married for 14 years. They have two children, Ava and Ross.

The Duke has been an operations assistant manager at Home Depot for two years, and Duchess Leslie has been a licensed insurance producer at Shayne Laughlin State Farm for four years. They attend Crossroads church with their family.

Scott and Tammy Lippon appeared as the King and Queen of Disco dressed as a Disco Man and Disco Momma. The King and Queen reside in Moss Bluff and have been married for five years. They Royal Couple have four children, Logan Lippon, Victoria Lippon, Shannon Lippon and Shannon Fields. The King, director at Northrop Grumman, has been employed there for 34 years, and the Queen is a piping designer and a housewife. They attend First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff.

Clay Rougeau served as Master of Ceremonies and provided the entertainment.

Photography was by Lorri Dailey.

Board officers are Larry and Cathy Huber, Todd and Victoria Huber, David and Amanda Williams, Russel and Shelly McNabb, Shawn and Brandi Croxdale, Joe and Laura Ellis, Justin and Lauren Kallenbach, and Meloni Buller.

Duchess Amanda Williams

King and Queen of Disco Scott and Tammy Lipton FEBRUARY 27, 2017 37

The Krewe of Illusions convoked its 28th annual Mardi Gras extravaganza at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 25 in the Rosa Hart Theatre. This year, Illusions took a flight down memory lane with various animated journeys through time the Illusions way, thus giving the show its title, “The Nature of Time.”

Guests were welcomed to the presentation by stewardesses from US Illusions Airline 69. After formal announcements and introductions by the Mistresses of Ceremonies, the Ball Captain dedicated the show to the valued members of Krewe of Illusions and their hard work and dedication with 28 years of creativity. The Krewe crest was lowered and set the stage for the Extravaganza.

The evening was launched with the welcome committee from Emerald City who danced and sang to “One Short Day” from the musical Wicked. The time had come for Father Time and Mother Nature to reveal themselves.

Illusions King XXVII Dean Guillory represented Father Time and Queen XXVII Richelle Royer Spears represented the woman we all adore as Mother Nature. Their towering platform costumes were adorned with hundreds of crystals that dazzled the crowd. The pieces were set with teal, purple, copper, silver, and gold and were banked in feathers of the same color. After the King and Queen removed themselves from the platforms, they graced the stage with collars representing The Nature of Time.

The King wore a structural, hand-stoned Steampunkstyled suit of teal and copper with a clock face as his adjunct collar. The Queen wore a brown and teal laced dress adorned with gold sequin organza and the wings of the most gorgeous butterfly. The Royal entertainment was provided by the King’s aunt Reta Rebstock and the Queen’s close friend Terry Newman.

The evening began with Minor costumes Cecilia Gilbeaux and James Powers representing Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter. The vibrant colors of Wonderland teased the crowd as they were enchanted by Alice and Hatter showing up late for the Tea Party. After villains from other famous stories attempted to take over the Tea Party, the youth costumes entered the stage with a big bang.

Let’s go Disco! Shake yo’ Groove thang! Come on, can you feel it? It’s the Grooving sounds of Club 69. Put your Afro to the side and swing out for the night--at least, that what the crowd was able to do. The groovy sound of the Seventies stole the night. As the stage lights changed colors and the gold curtain opened, there she was: the Disco 38 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

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Queen. Alexus Curries brought life to the Foxxy Cleopatra era of blazing hot women of disco.

Never fear the cleaning lady is here!

Monica Mere brought to live the very entertaining character Rosie from the Jetsons. She cleaned the stage with her very energetic and vivacious neon lighted costume. She works hard for her money and that’s a fact. Rosie couldn’t grace Lake Charles without the Jetson kids and fellow coworkers assisting her very profitable business.

For years, everyone has asked the question, “Why was the lion in the witch’s wardrobe?” Well, guests found out exactly why the Lion was in the closet. After a fun and energetic number dedicated to sexuality and the empowerment of being comfortable with one’s identity, the White Witch came to slay and not play. Jill Lee Ledoux brought forth fabulous fashion and elegance as the White Witch from Narnia.

Just when the audience thought it couldn’t get any worse, a storm took over the city of Lake Charles. As the lightning ceased and the fog subsided, the silhouette of BrandRick JoS. Levy indicated that the reigning Ball Captain for Krewe of Illusions was now in the building. His costume exemplified the evolution of a Superhero with the ultimate power to control some of Mother Nature’s worst yet most peaceful creations while also controlling time and the sequence in which events happen. He wore a traditional superhero protective garment and his back piece consisted of huge tornados with rotating debris. He jammed on stage and set the crowd up for a night of partying.

The Royal Promenade was the culmination of the show with all of the members and Major Costumes brought back to the stage for a final bow. The Krewe and their guest Second Lined to the exhibition hall where everyone danced to the jamming sounds of Big E’s Entertainment.

The production was supported by Krewe of illusions board of directors and all the members who worked as performers, dancers, singers, scriptwriters, backstage hands, sound supervisor and technical masters.

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Krewe de la Louisiane celebrated their 15th Anniversary Ball on Saturday, February 18 at the West-Cal Event Center in Sulphur. It was a formal event where the Krewe Jesters (male and female) performed a high-energy dance routine dressed as retired/senior female Krewe Jesters. The 2017 Royal Court wore costumes representing the Krewe’s colorful, whimsical version of “Through the Looking Glass.”

The celebration began with the Ball Captain, Eric Vincent as The Mad Hatter. The orange-haired hat maker was born in Crowley, graduated from Iowa High School and has two degrees (instrumentation and electrical) from Sowela Technical Community College. Currently, he resides in Kaplan and is an operator for Plains All American Pipeline. He enjoys hunting, fishing, frogging, watching sports (especially if LSU is playing), hanging out with friends and family, old country music and of course “drinking beer.” His favorite color clothing is camouflage.

The possibility of being a future heir to the throne are high as his only sister and brother-in-law were the Krewe’s 2016

King and Queen.

Duchess Monica Lafleur represented Cheshire Cat. For the past 12 years, she has lived in Sulphur. She has three children, two grandchildren and is approaching her 23rd anniversary with her husband, John. A graduate from McNeese State University, she obtained a BS in accounting and business administration. The medical industry has been her calling for 20-plus years. Currently, she is the Director of Patient Financial Services at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Duchess Monica is a travelaholic (she takes at least one cruise per year), enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves being from Louisiana so she can participate in all of the state’s great festivities and traditions.

Duke Brandon Walker represented Time. He is a graduate of Sulphur High School and continued his education at McNeese State University where he supported the Pokes by playing the trumpet in the college band. He is a member of the Lake Charles Retriever Club and the Hunting Retriever Club. Currently, he serves as the president of the Carlyss Professional Firefighters Local-4802. Putting his life on the line is a daily occurrence for this guy as he responds to various emergencies with his job as a firefighter at the Carlyss Fire Department. Our local hero is also an Eagle Scout, which is the highest level of scouting. He enjoys training Labrador retrievers, duck hunting, fishing, socializing with friends and always likes to have a good time.

Duchess Savannah Fontenot represented Caterpillar.

This thirty-two-year-old is the proud mother of two. She and her high school sweetheart, Jesse Fontenot, have been together for 17 years and have been hitched for 13. She is an alumni of Sam Houston High and Demons Beauty School.

Making people more beautiful through her cosmetologist Ball Captain Eric Vincent

King Louie XV Allen Joyner 40 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

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skills is her profession and she loves being her own boss. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, fishing, hunting and exploring the ocean as she is a certified scuba diver.

Every year she looks forward to the Mardi Gras season.

Duchess Laci McDaniel portrayed Alice. She is a lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana and a graduate of the Lighthouse Christian Academy and Stage One Hair School. She is the very proud mother of four rowdy little boys who are her world. She was a stay-at-home mom until the spring of 2015 when she took her passion for wanting to make the world a more beautiful place (one hair transformation at a time) as she began her journey to fulfill her dream with a career as a licensed cosmetologist. She loves glitz, glam, spending time with friends and family and most of all, anticipates partying all of the Mardi Gras season with Krewe de la Louisiane.

His Royal Highness, King Louie XV is Allen Joyner, our ruler of Wonderland, The King of Hearts. King Allen resides in the heart of Carlyss where he raises his two children who are the reason he wakes up in the morning and the reason he drinks at night (just joking). He works for

Duchess Monica Lafleur Mardi Gras 2017

Louisiana Mortgage Associates and has been blessing members of our community with mortgage loans for over 16 years.

Some of his other community involvement include the Sulphur Sunrise Rotary, the Theta Chi Alumni Association, the Masonic Order, Shriner’s International, West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce and the Calcasieu Parish Trust Authority.

He is an affiliate member of the Board of Realtors and the Home Building Association along with being a proud McNeese State University alumni.

The Krewe toasted their 2017 Royalty and kicked off the night performing the Second Line parade. Live entertainment was provided by the New Orleans super pop group, “Bag of Donuts.”

Special thanks to Big South Entertainment for providing the production, Simple Memories for the photography, all the krewe members and guests for their attendance and lastly, our hard-working board of directors for laboring all year to make this Krewe extraordinary: Tab Finchum, Misty Finchum, Kari Felice, Russie Rogers, Randy Favre, Monica Lafleur, Arlette Gass, Ada Louviere and John Watkins. Krewe information can be found on the Facebook page, Krewe de la Louisiane.

Duke Brandon Walker

Duchess Laci McDaniel

Duchess Savannah Fontenot FEBRUARY 27, 2017 41

Krewe des Lunatiques celebrated its 29th Mardi Gras ball in the Contraband Room of the Lake Charles Civic Center on February 18. The theme was Lunatiques Travel to Disney.

Krewe members and guests entered into a Disney wonderland with beautiful décor by Tammy Cossey.

Chad Austin, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the hard workers of the 2016-2017 board of directors and elected officers, including Chairman Marion Bordelon along with Heather Bourgeois, Mark Bordelon, Leslie Materne, Mark Lavergne, Debbie Lavergne, Charlotte Kohlenberg, Denise Hite, Ashley Bourgeois, Tammy Cossey and Tammy Romero.

The evening festivities were underway with the sounding of the Captain’s whistle and a final farewell was given to King Raphael XXVIII William Bruce and Queen Evelyn XXVIII Heather Bourgeois.

The presentation continued with the arrival of Captain Ashley Bourgeois and Co-Captain Leslie Materne. Ashley is a graduate of Barbe High School and resides in Lake Charles. She is employed by Stine Lumber as a pricing analyst and has been a Krewe member for seven years.

Leslie is a graduate of McNeese

Captain Ashley Bourgeois

Co-Captain Leslie Materne

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State University and resides in Lake Charles. She is employed

by Buccaneer Exchange and has been a Krewe member for 12 years.

Queen Evelyn XXIX Denise Hite and King Raphael XXIX Jessie Hite were presented to members and guests. Queen Denise is a graduate of Grand Isle High and resides in Moss Bluff. She enjoys sewing, quilting, monogramming and other crafts. King Raphael XXIX Jessie Hite is from Ware, Missouri and graduated from Desoto High in Desoto, Missouri. He is employed by Headwaters as the director of business development. He enjoys fishing, kayaking, and loves to take his wife to Disney World. King Jessie and Queen Denise have two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

They are members of Parkway Church of Christ in Moss Bluff.

They have been Krewe members for nine years.

Duchess Elsa of Frozen Marion Bordelon is a graduate of McNeese Sate University with a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She is employed by Calcasieu Parish School board and resides in Moss Bluff. She has been a Krewe member for 19 years Duke Olaf of Frozen Patrick

Duke Olaf of Frozen Patrick Bordelon And Duchess Elsa of Frozen Marion Bordelon

King Raphael XXIX Jessie Hite and Queen Evelyn XXIX Denise Hite

Bordelon is a graduate of Sam Houston High School. He is employed by Mark Dodge and Sam Houston High School part time and resides in Moss Bluff.

He has been a Krewe member for four years.

Duke Jack Sparrow of the Caribbean is Joey James. Duke Joey is a graduate of Grand Isle High School and is employed

by Headwater Resource. Joey is being escorted by his beautiful wife Lori, who is employed by

Duke Jack Sparrow of the Caribbean Joey James and Lori James

Mann Insurance Agency. Joey has been a Krewe member for five years.

Krewe Des Lunatiques is dedicating their 2016-2017 Mardi Gras season to Grayce Larocca.

Grayce is the 9-year-old daughter of Krewe member Tammy Romero. Grayce has been diagnosed with medulloblastoma brain cancer and is currently going through radiation and chemotherapy at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Grayce Larocca Mardi Gras 2017

On Saturday, February 11, Krewe du Masque held their 19th Ball. This year’s theme was Louisiana Festivals. King Etienne XIX is Todd Dupuis and Queen Andrianne XIX is Shannon Dupuis. Duke and Duchesses are J.R. and Diane Morales and Brandon and Pattie Rathman, with Jesters Margo Arceneaux and Hope Droddy.

Krewe du Masque was started by Judy Gautreaux with the first Ball held in 1998. Masque is a small, family-oriented Krewe but they enjoy holding their ball and riding in the parades.

Laissez bon temps rouler!!!

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King Charles XVII and Queen Catherine XVII Richard and Theresa Foreman 44 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

The Krewe de la Maison de Calcasieu celebrated its 18th Annual Ball with a celebration of the uniqueness and beauty that is the state we love, Louisiana.

“Maison Celebrates Louisiana” was the theme for this year’s festivities held on Saturday, February 18. The VFW on Lake Street was decorated in purple, green and gold with a scattering of fleur de lis, crawfish, and more. Guests were also welcomed by the sounds of a traditional Cajun Mardi Gras. Master of Ceremonies John Bridges welcomed guests and members to a night to remember.

The Krewe said farewell to the 2016 “Maison Goes to the Super Bowl” Royal Court. Bidding farewell were the Duke and Duchess of the Patriots Phillip and Rachel Oliver, Duke and Duchess of the Colts Thomas and Sarah Townsley, Duke and Duchess of the Saints Kurt and Sherry Klein, Captains (Referees) Troy and Angela Kiser, and King and Queen of the Jets, Chad and Erin Davison. After the past royalty took their last walk, the Krewe crest was presented by members, Bill and Linda Tassin. The Krewe presented one debutante this season, Miss Madison Taylor Simmons of Lake Charles. Madison is a senior at Barbe High School and plans to attend ULL in the fall.

The Krewe presented the Duke and Duchess of Louisiana Festivals, Cody Williams and Julia Thompson.

Cody and Julia reside in Lake Charles. Cody works at Suddenlink as a broadband technician. Julia works for KPLC-TV as a digital sales assistant and is the director of communication for the Krewe. They have been members of the Krewe since 2014.

With duck calls and shotgun shells, guests were presented with the Duke and Duchess of Sportsman’s Paradise, Banjo and Inez Powell. Residents of Sulphur, Banjo works for Citgo as a complex lift advisor/ subject matter expert. Inez is retired from banking and an expert spoiler of her grandchildren. The couple has been members of the Krewe since 2015.

It wouldn’t be Louisiana if there wasn’t a storm brewing. With a siren anDebutante nouncing the approach of a Madison Taylor Simmons storm, the Krewe presented the Duchess of Hurricanes, Mardi Gras 2017

Amanda Walker. Amanda resides in Houston and is CEO of the Walker residence. She has been a member of the Krewe since 2015.

Throw in a little bit of this, a smidgen of that, and some hot sauce to present the Duke and Duchess of Louisiana Spices, Shaun and Becky Melancon. The couple are residents of Sulphur.

Shaun is an operator at Sasol and Becky is a paralegal to Rob McCorquodale and an Administrative Assistant at Solutions Counseling and EAP. Shaun and Becky have been members since 2015.

The VFW darkened as shadows emerged from the curtain. The King and Queen of Voodoo appeared dressed purple and black. Greeting members and guests for the first time as King Charles XVII and Queen Catherine XVII were Richard and Theresa Foreman of Lake Charles. Richard is a three time Purple Heart recipient while serving in Vietnam and is a life member of the VFW Post 2130. Theresa is a claims specialist and web administrator for Management Data System and is currently the President of the Krewe. The couple have been members since 2003.

Revealing the Captain at the end of the presentation and chosen to be the Captain for the 2017 Mardi Gras season was Marty Thompson of Lake Charles. Marty paid homage to Louisiana’s unique political history as Governor Huey P. Long. Marty retired from the aerospace industry in January of 2016 and has been a member of the Krewe since its establishment in 1999.

The night ended with a return performance from the Men of Maison. After a toast to the newly crowned Royal Court, members and guests danced the night away to the sounds of The Kadillacs.

The Duchess of Hurricanes Amanda Walker Mardi Gras 2017

The Duke and Duchess of Louisiana Festivals Cody Williams and Julia Thompson

The Duke and Duchess of Sportsman’s Paradise Banjo and Inez Powell

The Duke and Duchess of Louisiana Spices Shaun and Becky Melancon FEBRUARY 27, 2017 45

The Krewe of Mischief held its 4th Annual Ball on February 4 at the American Legion in Sulphur. The theme was “The Roaring Twenties.” Krewe members used costumes and table decorations to represent iconic themes of that era.

Captain and founding member Mike Richard led the parade of founding members which included Co-Captain, Melissa Richard, Co-Captain Celina Wilburn and CoCaptain Garland Holbrook. Captain Mike welcomed guests to the Ball and recognized members of the board: President Devon Theriot, Vice-President Mike Trahan, Secretary Bridgette Culpepper, Treasurer Melissa Richard and Sergeant–at-Arms Jamie (Kalop)Vincent.

Captain Mike then presented the 2016 Royal Court as

2017-2018 Krewe of Mischief Court 46 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

they made their final walk: Duke Mike Trahan and Duchess Melissa Trahan, Duke David Newman and Duchess Tammy Newman, and King James Dronet and Queen Lauren Richard.

Finally, the time approached to introduce the Royal Court of 2017 to members and guests.

Duke Mitchell Doget and Duchess Melissa Doget.

Duke of Mischief Mitchell Doget and Duchess of Mischief Melissa Doget have been married for one year and reside in Sulphur.

Mitchell is a graduate of Elton High and is employed at Martin GMC. He enjoys riding his motorcycle and hanging out with friends and family. Duchess Melissa is a graduate from Barbe High School and Sowela Tech. She has been employed at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA for 10 years and Gordon’s Drug store for two years. Melissa enjoys crocheting, shooting pool, motorcycle riding, and spending time with loved ones.

Duke Jeff Landry and Duchess Shana Thibodeaux.

The next Duke and Duchess of Mischief, Jeff Landry and Shana Thibodeaux, are residents of Hackberry. Jeff is a 1992 graduate of Sulphur High School and has been working in the plumbing industry since graduating. He is now the proud owner of Absolute Plumbing & Piping, established in 2015. The son of Steve and Celeste Landry, Jeff has two beautiful daughters, Abby and Claire Landry of Sulphur. Jeff ’s hobbies are cooking, camping and spending time with his family.

Shana is a graduate of Hackberry High School and has been employed by Intertek for the past two years. She is the daughter of Raymond and the late Connie Thibodeaux. She is the proud parent of three children: Dillion Thibodeaux and wife Ashton of Singer, Shelby Seay of Iowa and Laken Thibodeaux of Sulphur. The Duke and Duchess are the proud grandparents of Kynzlee Brooke, Channing Charles and Cooper Tayt. Shana enjoys organizing functions, cooking, camping and spending time with her family.

Finally, all eyes were focused on the 20172018 King of Mischief, Devon Theriot, as he escorted his Queen of Mischief, Bridgette Latiola Culpepper.

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His Royal Highness, King Devon, is from Creole and resides in Sulphur. The son of Kenneth and Angela Theriot of Iowa, he is a 1996 graduate of South Cameron High School. He attended McNeese State University and played football for them from 1997 to 2000. He is the service and parts director for Kia of Lake Charles and is the proud parent of two boys, Bryce Cormier and Layne Theriot. His hobbies are fishing, hunting, cooking and spending time with friends.

Her Royal Highness, Queen Bridgette is the daughter of Johnny and Barbara Latiola of Iota. She is a graduate of Iota High School and is employed by the Calcasieu Parish School Board as a career coach for the Career and Technical Education Department. Her hobbies are cooking, sewing and spending time with family and friends. She is mother to three beautiful children: Emily, Grace and Ryan Culpepper.

A toast was then made by all the founders and board members to the new 2017-2018 Royal Court.

Jester Jamie (Kalop) Vincent began the party with the Second Line as the Royal Court followed and invited guests to join in the dance to kick start a night of fun and excitement!

Duke Jeff Landry and Duchess Shana Thibodeaux

2017-2018 King of Mischief Devon Theriot and the Queen of Mischief Bridgette Latiola Culpepper

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Duke Mitchell Doget and Duchess Melissa Doget FEBRUARY 27, 2017 47

Sand, Surf, Sun and Fun was the theme for Krewe de la Noblesse’s 32nd Mardi Gras Ball held on Saturday, February 4, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. In keeping with this year’s theme, the Coliseum entrance was decorated with palm trees, hammocks, and beach chairs. The Court Entrance was an island scene highlighted by an airplane modeled after Jimmy Buffett’s plane, the Hemisphere Dancer; other areas represented East and West Coast beach themes and a Tiki bar.

The script was written by Krewe member Kristine Lyons and directed by Krewe member Lattie Polk. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Dale Mann, with Deep South Productions providing the lighting and sound.

The presentation began with the posting of colors by the United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps – Chennault Battalion and the singing of the National Anthem. The Krewe Board for 2016-2017 was introduced: Mrs. Valerie Norwood, President, escorted by her husband Kenneth Norwood; Mr. Anthony Vincent, First Vice President, escorted by his wife Mary Vincent; Mr. Mike Parr, Second Vice President, escorted by his wife Joy Parr; Mrs. Brenda Cimini, Secretary, escorted by her son-in-law, Rodney Russell; Mrs. Chris-

tine Fontenot, Treasurer, escorted by her husband, Keith Fontenot; and Mrs. Dorothy Conner, Krewe Representative, escorted by her husband, Tom Conner.

The Royal Court for the 31st Ball, “Festivals Abroad” was introduced: King Gabriel Noblesse XXXI, Mr. Kenny Elkins, Queen Ashley Noblesse the XXXI, Mrs. Donna Elkins; and the Court which was comprised of Duke and Duchess of the Chinese New Year – Steven Hart and Rene Dever; Duke and Duchess of the Carnival of Venice – Tim and Kelly Huffer; and Duke and Duchess of the Day of the Dead –Mike and Beth Frazier.

Next, the 2017 Debutantes were presented. Miss Madison Jade Aguillard is the daughter of Angelina Pearson and Jody Aguillard and the granddaughter of Krewe members John and Judy Porche’.

Madi attended Robert E. Lee High School grades 9 – 11 and graduated from Parkview High School. She plans on attending McNeese State University majoring in physical therapy. She enjoys reading, writing and photography in her spare time. Madi was escorted by her grandfather, John Porche’.

Miss Jaina Renee’ Ange is the niece of Krewe Member Danee’ Caraway and the daughter of Sam and Evette Ange. Jaina is senior at St. Louis High School where she is a member of the Student Council, Students for Life, National Honor Society, and a St. Louis Ambassador. She was on the St. Louis Homecoming Courts in 2015 and 2016 and the Twirp Court in 2016. Jaina has studied dance for 15 years and has been Principle Dancer with the Lake Charles Civic Ballet for three years. She attends St. John Bosco Catholic Church and has been an altar server and a member of the Teen ACTS. Jaina was escorted by her father, Sam Ange.

Miss Victoria Slone Cole is the niece of Krewe Member Dawn Cole and the daughter of James and Jennifer Cole. Victoria is a 2015 Honor Graduate of Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, where she was on the homecoming court her sophomore year, first runner up in the Darling of Woodlawn, and Prom Queen her senior year. She is a sophomore at McNeese State University majoring in mass communications with a concentration in public relations. Victoria is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and volunteers at the Young Life Camp for children with disabilities, the Ronald McDonald House and the St. Nicholas Center. Victoria was escorted by her father, James Cole.

Leading our journey to the Krewe de la Noblesse’s own Fantasy Island to enjoy Sand, Surf, King Gabriel Noblesse XXXII and Queen Ashley Noblesse XXXII Sun, and Fun” was our Captain, Joe Cimini, and Paul and Sheila Pounders

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Duke and Duchess of the West Coast Beaches Jim and Debbie Campbell his sidekick, Krewe Member, Tony Comeaux. Captain Joe and his wife Brenda are residents of Lake Charles and are the parents of Mrs. Laura Piercy and Mrs. Jo Ellen Russell. They are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren – Jillian, Evan, Ally, Bethany, and Megan Piercy and Caleb and Sydney Gates. Joe, a graduate of West Virginia University, is retired from PPG Industries. He is president of the board of directors of the Banyan Resort in Key West, Florida. The Captain and his wife attend Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church and the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. They are members of the Pelican Coast Parrothead Club and the Key West Parrothead Club and enjoy traveling and spending time at their home in Key West.

Next, the Royal Court for 2017 was introduced. Representing the East Coast Beaches were Duke Wayne Caraway and Duchess Sylvia Caraway. Duke Wayne Caraway is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a BS in business administration and data processing. The Duke is retired and enjoys fishing and gardening. Duchess Sylvia Caraway is also a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a BS in fine arts and advertising design and is employed by MCS Corporation in Plano, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, and cooking. The Duke and Duchess reside Captain in Arlington, Texas.

Joe Cimini Representing the Mardi Gras 2017

Duke and Duchess of the East Coast Beaches Wayne and Sylvia Caraway West Coast Beaches were Duke Jim Campbell and Duchess Debbie Campbell. Duke Jim Campbell is a graduate of Barrington University with a BS in business management.

The Duke is plant superintendent at CertainTeed Corporation. He enjoys time on the beach, golfing, and motorcycle riding. Duchess Debbie Campbell attended Joliet Junior College and enjoys crafts and creating handmade jewelry.

The Duke and Duchess are parents of three children, Jimmy, Jason and Marisa and have seven grandchildren. They are members of the Living Way Pentecostal Church, Partners in Property Wise, LLC, a real estate investment company and own MOPA Properties LLC of Lake Charles.

Debutante The audience was asked to stand for the arrival of Madison Jade Aguillard King Gabriel Noblesse XXXII, Mr. Paul Pounders and Queen Ashley Noblesse XXXII, Mrs. Sheila Pounders.

The King is regional manager for Entergy and has a BS in industrial engineering technology, AS in electronics and an AS in design engineering. He is also a Master Electrician and a member of the Louisiana Gas Association and the Electric Advisory Board for ITI Technical College.

The Queen has been employed by Entergy for 33 years and is the director of customer service. She is a graduate of McNeese State University with a BS Degree in management. She received her MBA from Louisiana State University. The Queen is president of Educations Next Debutante Horizon, chair-elect Capital Region Red Cross and serves Jaina ReneĂŠ Ange as a board member of LSU MBA Alumni. King Paul and Queen Sheila are parents of Blake Johnson, Christopher Pounders, Jesse Pounders, and Jessica Pounders-Fernandez and enjoy cruising to exotic islands and spending time with their grandchildren, nieces and nephew.

Royal Entertainment for the evening was provided by Tim Gerami who serenaded the guests with a collection of Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett favorites.

Following the traditional toast by the Royal Court, the Captain and Royal Court, lead by Krewe Member Tony Comeaux, participated in our annual Jazz Funeral March. Members and guests were invited to join in.

The remainder of the evening was enjoyed dancing to Debutante the music of Jet Seven.

Victoria Slone Cole

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Chandeliers adorned with jewels were suspended from the ceiling, along with Krewe flags. Guests were taken back to the days of black magic voodoo, the adventures of pirates in the forests and bayous, and the many treasures buried there as they celebrated the 2017 ball Louisiana Treasures.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was mate Joe Vezina. Board members presented were President-Elect Manley Sims, Ball Chairperson Lottie Courvelle, Secretary Pam Harris, Treasurer Eddie Langley, and advisory members Vicki Vezina, Chris Guidry, Allen Abshire and Cheri Trahan.

The 2016 Court, Duke and Duchess Cindy and Richard Long, Duke and Duchess Donnie and Lottie Courvelle took their last walk of the plank with King Pierre VI and Queen Jacqueline VI, Mike and Chris Guidry along with Past Captain On February 25, a raucous group of Pirates, bold Eddie Langley.

President and Captain 2017-2018 Johnny swashbucklers all, made their way to the meeting Duhon was introduced. Captain Johnny is a place, the VFW on Lake Street, to do what Pirates resident of Lake Charles and has been married to do…wreak chaos and have a good-humored time at the Seventh Annual Ball of the Krewe des Pirates Mona Duhon for 25 years; they have four children and eight grandchildren. Johnny graduated from to celebrate Louisiana Treasures.

Lagrange High School and Sowela Technical ColThe venue was befitting of Pirates that roamed lege and has been employed by Westlake Chemithe forests, bayous, and mystical areas for magic cal Corp. for the past 26 years. Johnny enjoys potions and buried treasures of coins and jewels. hunting, fishing, sport shooting, and cooking for

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family and friends. Johnny and Mona are charter members of Krewe Des Pirates and served as the Krewe’s first King and Queen. Johnny has also served in many different capacities on the board over the past seven years.

Tim and Kelli Huffer were presented as the Duke and Duchess of The Spirit of Wildlife. Tim and Kelli have lived in Lake Charles for the past 20 years. Tim is a native of Oklahoma, and Kelly was born and raised near Amarillo. They have lived in Hobbs, New Mexico, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Kingwood, Texas. They are parents of three beautiful daughters. Duke Tim is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and employed as an engineer by Targa Resources. He enjoys playing golf and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. Duchess Kelly is recently retired after a 32-year career as a registered nurse, but has stayed busy this past year by planning two of their daughters’ weddings. She is an avid basketball fan and enjoys rooting for the McNeese Cowgirls.

Kenny and Donnie Elkins were presented as Duke and Duchess of Black Magic Voodoo. Kenny works at Westlake Chemical and Donna works at Grand Lake High School. They have four children and five grandchildren, and enjoy spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors on their boat shrimping, crabbing and fishing,. They love taking their camper to state parks and hope to eventually visit all 50 states and explore the small towns in each. Most nights you can find them playing cards, cooking great food and drinking some nice wine.

The crowd rose to their feet as they welcomed the Krewe des Pirates King Pierre VII and Queen Jacqueline VII, Shawn and Jessica Duhon, the King and Queen of Louisiana Treasures 2017.

The King and Queen resides in Grand Lake. They were married in true Pi-

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rate fashion 10 years ago on the island of Jamaica. Together they have two sons, Cameron and Jonathan. King Shawn works at Axiall/Westlake Petrochem and Queen Jessica works for the Cameron Parish School Board. In their spare time, they love to fish at their camp in Toledo Bend and travel. Both represented Krewe des Pirates in 2010 as Duke and Duchess of Contraband. Jessica has served as past advisory board member for the Krewe.

The 2017 Ceremonial Sword was presented to King Pierre VII by Past King Pierre VI, Mike Guidry. Queen Jacqueline V graciously presented flowers to Queen Jacqueline VII. A toast was led to the room full of pirates: “Let us drain a goblet, twirl a can and shake a leg to our success in the future! Drink up. me hearties!”

Members and guests danced to the sounds of The Kadillacs. Ball photography was compliments of Gary Meek of Quiet Light Photography. Krewe des Pirates was founded in 2010 and is proud to have a roster of over 100 members. Membership is by recommendation of a current member.

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The Krewe De L’Possede held their annual Mardi Gras Ball at Burton Coliseum on February 24. This year’s Ball dress was cocktail and played off the travels of the Griswolds from the National Lampoon movies. In true Possede fashion, they put an imaginative spin on the adventures by creating their own “Family Vacations.” From Wally World to Europe, then throwing in some Christmas holiday spirits, only to hop off to Vegas and finally showing off the rarely watched Island Adventure, everyone’s imagination was sparked and funny bones tickled by the variety performance of the dedicated Jesters of Krewe De L’Possede.

King 2017 Raymond Roy Ravia represented “Family Vacation” with a mantle of Marty Moose of Wally-World. King Roy was born in Arkansas, but is a lifelong resident of Sulphur, graduating from Sulphur High School in 1982. He married his childhood sweetheart Katie Lynn Lyons Ravia in 1985. They have two children, Dorothy Renee Scioneaux, (husband Keith) and son Randall Roy Ravia (wife Morgan). He has three beautiful grandbabies that he adores; Garrett Jude Scioneaux, 6, Neely Rae Ravia, 4, and 1 year old Rustyn Roy Ravia. Roy is a Mr. Fixit guy. “Paw-Paw can fix it”. He has been a carpenter by trade since high school and is currently a superintendent for Orion Marine Group (formerly F. Miller and sons) where he has been employed for over 20 years.

In his spare time you can find him on the river cooking and entertaining family and friends. He enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking and remodeling old houses. Roy has been a member of the Krewe for five years, currently serves on the Krewe’s Executive board, and is one of the float captains.

2017 King Roy Ravia Mardi Gras 2017

2017 Queen Katie Ravia

Queen 2017 Katie Lynn Ravia represented “European Vacation” with a mantle of the Eiffel Tower. Katie was born in Lake Charles, and is lifelong resident of Sulphur. She has been with her childhood sweetheart King Roy Ravia for over 36 years. The Queen has two children Dorothy Renee Scioneaux, and son Randall Roy Ravia. She has three grandbabies, Garrett Jude Scioneaux, 6, Neely Rae Ravia, 4, and 1 year old Rustyn Roy Ravia. Katie has delivered mail for the United States Postal service since 1996. She loves spoiling her grandbabies the most. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, spending time at the beach or on the river with family and friends.

She has been a Krewe member for five years.

2017 Duke Kenneth Thomas represented National Lampoon Christmas Vacation with a mantle of the famous RV. Kenny was born in Colorado Springs and moved to California in 1957. He joined the Air Force in 1963. After four years of service he attended an electronic school for computer technology. After his military tours he worked for Digital Corporation and for the State of California, now retired. Kenny met his lovely wife Stephanie at a bowling alley. They have four children, Ron, Shanna, Rene and Jamie, along with seven grand and three great grandchildren.

Kenny has been involved in Mardi Gras since 2007 with MGSW and various Krewes. Although a part of Krewe de L’ Possede’s family for five years, he officially became a member last year. Kenny enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, playing card games, and especially visiting the great State of Louisiana.

2017 Duchess Stephanie Vollmer Thomas represented “Vegas Vacation” with a roulette table

2017 Duchess Stephanie Thomas

mantle. Stephanie was born and raised in southern California, living in Huntington Beach, California for the last 42 years. She has been married to her husband Kenny for 35 years. They have four children, Ron, Shanna, Rene and Jamie, along with seven grand and three great grandchildren. She retired 10 years ago after working at the same restaurant for 28 years. Stephanie enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends.

She and her husband came to visit their son Ron during Mardi Gras in 2007 and enjoyed it so much that they have been back every year since then and decided to join Krewe De l’ Possede’s family.

2017 Captain Kim Dyer represented “Christmas Vacation 2” with a Christmas adventure in the Tropics Kim was born in Lake Charles and raised in Moss Bluff. She has been married to T-Ron for 20 years and they have three children, Brittany, Tanner and Colston. Kim is a McNeese graduate with an associates degree in nursing.

She is currently employed with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Her hobbies include baking and decorating cakes. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching LSU and Saints football and taking mini vacations. Kim has been a member of the Krewe for 14 years and served on Court as Krewe de L’ Possede Queen in 2009.

Krewe De L’Possede (the Krewe of Mischievous Children) was established in 2002 with the purpose of promoting the heritage and celebration of the Mardi Gras Season throughout the community. To the members of Possede, Mardi Gras has come to mean year-round gatherings for activities, socializing and celebratory events.

2017 Duke Kenny Thomas

2017 Captain Kim Dyer FEBRUARY 27, 2017 53

Krewe Captain Chris Burnworth

Krewe De Ruckus 2017 King and Queen Jeffro and Deedee Oquain 54 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Krewe De Ruckus celebrated their Mardi Gras Ball on January 28 at the West Cal Arena in Sulphur. The theme was A Night In Paris. Deep South Productions provided the entertainment and Trish Leger was the photographer.

Krewe De Ruckus 2017 King and Queen, Jeffro and Deedee Oquain, are both residents of Sulphur and have been together for 28 years. They have three children, Samantha Young, Dancy Oquain, Frankie Oquain along with son-in-law Caleb Young and two grandbabies, Cayden and Colton Young. Jeffro and Deedee love spending time with their family and playing with those grandbabies.

Jeffro is the life of the party, throwing a few back and dancing on the tables, Deedee is his biggest fan, always cheering him on. Mardi Gras is their favorite time of year!

Duke and Duchess Josh and Courtney Thibodeaux were born and raised in Sulphur. They have been married for six years and have a daughter, Harvey Belle, 4. They enjoy hunting, fishing and spending time with their daughter, family and friends. They especially love causing a Ruckus with their Krewe family.

Duke Nicki Burnworth was born and raised in Sulphur. He is married to Chazo Burnworth and they have three kiddos, Ayden, Adisyn and Darian.

Nicki loves all animals. He is the owner of Tease’d Salon in Sulphur and works with the most awesome cousins ever, Deedee Oquain and Bridget Mardi Gras 2017

Daigle. Nicki devotes his spare time to helping others by cutting hair for the homeless called Hugs for Cuts.

Duchess Ashley Lejeune was born and raised in Sulphur. She is married to Ricky Lejeune and they have three children, Mayson, Emma and Shelbee. Ashley lives for summer pool parties, traveling with her husband, watching her daughter dance and her son march on Friday nights. She is a proud two-year Krewe member and is

always up for causing a Ruckus!

Captain Chris Burnworth was born and raised in Sulphur. He and his wife Amber Burnworth have been married since 2011 and have three children, Collin Burnworth, Canon Burnworth, and (angel) Madelyn Grace. Chris’s passion has always been cooking, and he looks forward to spending time with his family and friends.

Duke and Duchess Josh and Courtney Thibodeaux

Duke and Duchess Nicki Burnworth and Ashley Lejeune

Mardi Gras 2017

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Krewe du Sauvage celebrated its 14th Annual Ball on Saturday, January 21 in the L’Auberge Ballroom at L’Auberge Casino Resort. It was a black tie event where guests enjoyed music provided by Bag of Donuts and Deep South Productions. Samy Stone provided photography.

The theme for this year’s Ball was “Purple Reign--A Tribute to Prince.” The Royal Court followed this theme by representing popular songs written and performed by Prince. All Royal Court costumes were designed and constructed by John Chavanne of Lake Charles. Sam Reeves and Ryan Abell served as Masters of Ceremonies.

The evening began with the emcees welcoming a crowd of over 900 people to the biggest party in town. The 2016 “Mobsters and Mayhem of the Roaring 20’s” Royal Court was introduced for the final time: King Henri XII and Queen Sophie XII, Christopher Martin and Deanna Russell, Duke Philippe XII and Duchess Henriette XII, Sam and Paige Reeves, Duke Louis XII and Duchess Antoinette XII, Bob and Nikki Crooks, Duke Charles XII and Duchess Elizabeth XII, George Paul Jr. and Allison Sonnier and Duke Pierre XII and Duchess Anne XII, Jeff and Tanis Sewell.

The 2017 Royal Court presentation began with the introduction of Duke Pierre XIII and Duchess Anne XIII, DeWitt and Tara Poole of Lake Charles. They were presented in fuchsia costumes representing the song “Raspberry Beret.”

Duke DeWitt is the son of Dan and Regina Poole of Lake Charles. A graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in business management, he owns the local businesses Gulf Coast

King Henri XIII and Queen Sophie XIII Jason and Jacqui Elliott 56 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Power and Controls and Gulf Coast Water and Ice, and is also a canine handler for CPSO. DeWitt is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Delta and Waterfowl, Lake Area Industrial Alliance and Whitetails Unlimited. He enjoys coaching, hunting and fishing, and entertaining friends and family.

Duchess Tara is the daughter of Benny and Eloise Sanders of Natchitoches. A graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in business administration/word processing, she is an IT analyst with Westlake Chemical Corp. Tara is a member of Westlake EIC Group and enjoys watching her kids play basketball, softball and rodeo. The Duke and Duchess have four children, Addilyn, Ashlyn, Aubrey and Alexandra.

Representing “Little Red Corvette” in red costumes were Duke Charles XIII and Duchess Elizabeth XIII, Jeremy and Jennifer Istre of Lake Charles. Duke Jeremy is the son of JC and Judy Istre of Lake Arthur. A graduate of McNeese State University with degrees in accounting, management and information technology, he is an operations supervisor at CITGO. He is a member of Lake Charles Racquet Club and enjoys tennis, watching football and playing Xbox with his boys.

Duchess Jennifer is the daughter of Henry Chaumont and Alicia and Darrell Martin of Lake Charles. A graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in marketing and management, she is a public relations/marketing coordinator for Iberia Bank. She is a member of Fusion Five, Lake Charles Racquet Club, a board member for Kids Can of SWLA, and Classroom Facilitator for Junior Achievement of SWLA. The Duke and Duchess are members of St. Martin de Porres Church and have four boys, Conner, Jacob, Christian and Jackson.

Representing the song “Let’s Go Crazy” in green costumes were Duke Louis XIII and Duchess Antoinette XIII, Matt Young and Jana Meaux of Lake Charles. Duke Matt is the son of James Young and Susan Nugent, both of DeRidder. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in public relations, he is the Public Information Officer for Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach. Matt is a member of the Economic Development Alliance and the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. He has served on the board of Fusion Five and as Chairman for the Quality of Life Taskforce. Matt is a member of Water’s Edge and enjoys spending time at home with Wayne Smith and his dog, Lucy.

Duchess Jana is the daughter of James and the late Carol Meaux of Lake Charles. She was the owner of Meaux’s monogramming and screenprinting for 16 years. Jana served on the Mardi Gras of SWLA board for six years and was president in 2011. She enjoys painting and cooking at home and spending time with her wonderful Mardi Gras 2017

friends and family.

Presented in blue costumes and representing the song “1999” were Duke Philippe XIII and Duchess Henriette XIII, Ryan and Jamie Monceaux of LeBleu Settlement. Duke Ryan is the son of Mike and Linda Monceaux of Iowa. He is the regional sales representative for Doerle Food Services and enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and cooking.

Duchess Jamie is the daughter of Jackie Royer and Jim Morris, both of Lake Charles. A graduate of McNeese State University with a bachelor of science in nursing, Jamie is a registered nurse in the Cardiology Clinic at Moss Memorial Hospital. She enjoys tennis, reading and shopping. Ryan and Jamie are the owners of Big South Inflatables and members of the NRA, Lake Charles Racquet Club and St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. They have two children, Madelyn Camille and Grayson James.

Reigning over “Purple Reign--A Tribute to Prince” were King Henri XIII and Queen Sophie XIII, Jason and Jacqui Elliott of Westlake. King Jason is the son of Jimmie and Betty Elliott of Westlake. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from McNeese State University and is president of Civil Construction Company & Environmental Services, LLC. Jason is a member of Knights of Columbus and serves on the Chuck Fest Board. He enjoys boating and grilling.

Queen Jacqui is the daughter of Thomas and Dorothy Conner of Westlake. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from McNeese State University and retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board after teaching for 20 years. Jacqui enjoys biking and shopping. Together, the King and Queen are members of the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation and St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

They are also members of the LSU Family Association and both serve on the Council. The Royal Couple enjoys traveling, attending LSU football games and spending time with family and friends.

They have two children, Jessica and Jillian.

Krewe du Sauvage was founded in 2003 by Ashlee LeLeaux Milazzo of Katy, Texas. Ashlee is married to Joe Milazzo and has one daughter, Campbell Elisabeth Lemons. She is the daughter of E. Stephen LeLeaux and Donna Richey Ortego, both of Lake Charles and is a member of the McNeese Alumni Association and Phi Mu Fraternity Alumnae Association. A board member of Krewe du Sauvage, Ashlee has served as Captain and holds the honor of reigning as Queen Sophie I. Gena Richard Millslagle of Iowa serves as the Krewe Captain.

She is married to Erik Millslagle of San Diego and is the daugh-

Duke Louis XIII and Duchess Antoinette XIII Matt Young and Jana Meaux Mardi Gras 2017

ter of Ivan and Linda Richard of Iowa. A health care consultant, she’s employed by The Greeley Company. Gena is a member of the McNeese Alumni Association and Phi Mu Fraternity Alumnae Association. She has served as Krewe president and holds the honor of reigning as Queen Sophie VIII. She and her husband have two sons, Luke Patrick and Jack Henry.

Board members of Krewe du Sauvage include Terri Aubey, Donovan Dupuis, Scott Helms, Elizabeth Laughlin, Deanna Russell and Lisa Smith.

Duke Pierre XIII and Duchess Anne XIII DeWitt and Tara Poole

Duke Charles XIII and Duchess Elizabeth XIII Jeremy and Jennifer Istre

Duke Philippe XIII and Duchess Henriette XIII Ryan and Jamie Monceaux FEBRUARY 27, 2017 57

Krewe des Bons Amis We want to say a great big thank you to our 2016-2017 Captains, board and committee members.

We also want to give a shout out to the King and Queen and Royal Court!

Captain Michelle Gaspard Co-Captain Christine Draper President Ryan Doucet Vice President and Ball Chairperson Diana Hebert Treasurer Jackie Bastow Secretary Zelda Lantier Sergeant of Arms Jimmy Bastow Float Chairperson Chris D’Errico Social Chairperson, Historian and Webmaster Leslie Cubbage

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Founding members are Leslie Cubbage, Jimmy and Jackie Bastow and Christine Draper

58 FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Mardi Gras 2017