The Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., again played host to the 72nd Mystick Krewe of Louisianans’ annual Washington Mardi Gras three-day event. Louisiana Alive! took place on a Thursday night, a mixer event showcasing Louisiana foods from all over the state and live music from various bands in Louisiana. Friday night included a seated dinner, where the Mardi Gras princesses and festival queens were presented. Saturday night was the grand Mardi Gras Bal Gala, where the king and queen were presented to the crowd of more than 3,000. This year’s festivities also included an appearance by the LSU marching band and Golden Girls danceline. – Mark Crawford

Washington Mardi Gras

1) Julie Gilley Milam, Sabrina Adsit, Megan Chavez

2) Bruce and Denise Busada

3) Margaret Shehee, Mario Chavez, Wendy Rodrigue, Lisa Johnson

4) Mardi Gras Jester and Mike The Tiger

5) Chloe Ramsey, Elizabeth Hover

6) Lisa and Kenn Babin

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted their 72nd annual meeting on the arena floor of the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City. The 2019 Top Business of the Year was Bossier Parish Community College, the 2019 Small Business of the Year was Simply Chic Boutique, and the 2019 Business Person of the Year was Beaux Hayes from BeauxJax Crafthouse. Barry Regula, general manager of Margaritaville Resort Casino, was presented as the new chairman of the board. — Mark Crawford

Bossier Chamber Meeting

7) Lisa Johnson, Tim Magner

8) Mark and Nannette Crews

9) Michael Corbin, Barrow Peacock

Ashley Sugar Bates invited friends and family to celebrate the birthdays of her bestie, Kim Shepherd Carter, and Kim’s hubby Keith Carter. The Carters both turned 50 in February. The over-the-top decorations were by Wynne Glisson Hamiter, and Jennifer Townson Allen made a killer sign for the popular shot bar. – Special to 318 Forum

Carter Birthday

10) Ashley Sugar Bates and Kenny Radic

11) Keith and Kim Carter and Brad and Ashley Bates

12) Brandy Boone Sutter, Kim Shepherd Carter, Keith Carter and Don Jones