The Krewe of Gemini celebrated Grand Bal XXVIII on Feb. 11 at the Shreveport Convention Center with a Salute America theme. Captain Mary Louise Stansell represented the Statue of Liberty. King Jack Murphy and Queen Karen Murphy represented the Spirit of America. Duke of Arkansas Keith McDonald and Duchess of Arkansas Karen McDonald represented saluting to all branches of the military. Duke of Louisiana Ted Bryson and Duchess of Louisiana Cathy Bolt represented the Louisiana Purchase, and Duke of Texas Roger Lites and Duchess of Texas Sherri Underwood represented Independence Day.

– Mary Ann Van Osdell

The Mystick Krewe of Louisianans hosted the 69th Washington Mardi Gras Celebration at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., Feb. 9-11. Thursday night’s party, Louisiana ALIVE!, featured foods and companies from all over Louisiana sharing Mardi Gras gifts of all kinds. Friday night’s event included a seated dinner where more than 30 princesses and more than 20 festival queens from all over Louisiana were presented. Saturday night was the Grand Bal. This year’s King, Warner Thomas, and this year’s Queen, Estan Lee Thomas, were presented and reigned over the procession of princesses and festival queens, who donned their full regalia for the ball. The culmination of the ball is a parade through the ballroom with floats and more than 150 court jesters, including yours truly, who tossed Mardi Gras throws of all kinds to the crowd of over 2,500.

– Mark Crawford