Let the Good Times Roll

SPOTLIGHT let the good times roll!

If doormen, lobbyists and taxi drivers are wearing beads, it’s time for the Washington Mardi Gras. The tradition began over 70 years ago when in 1943, C.J. Bourg, Louisiana State Society president, announced that a “surprise demonstration of the spirit of Mardi Gras” would be introduced at the Society’s social on George Washington’s birthday.

This year’s Washington Mardi Gras was a whirl of receptions and parties kicked off Thursday, with a king’s dinner on Capitol Hill, hosted by this year’s royalty, King Richard Lipsey and Queen Madison Smith. Lee Michaels was honored to be the king and queen’s first choice for all the gifts given to Princesses, Festival Queens and special members of the Krewe. Every princess received a pair of Mikimoto pearl studs wrapped in our signature red and black. Members of our Lee Michaels staff attended the week’s events: Lee Michael Berg, chairman of the board, Chad Berg, co-president, and Johnny Tate, executive vice president of Lee Michaels. Featuring music by Michael Bublé, the king’s dinner was just one of dozens of Mardi Gras events that culminated with a parade and ball in the cavernous Washington Hilton ballroom on Saturday night. The featured entertainment for Saturday night included LSU, Southern and Grambling marching bands along with the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps band.

What began as a “demonstration of the spirit of Mardi Gras” has grown into a celebration of Louisiana, its politics and its people. It is a true showcase of the great culture of Louisiana.