Talk of the Town - February 2016

Carnival Queens

We adore them.  They are our royalty, sort of like Queen Elizabeth, but a lot more colorful, with year-long reigns.  And now, they share what it's really like being a Mardi Gras monarch!
- by Ana Balka

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Here in Bay St. Louis, we have three krewes who name queens to preside over their parades: Krewe of Nereids, whose parade took place Sunday, January 31; Mystic Krewe of Seahorse, who roll on Lundi Gras, February 8; and Krewe of Diamonds, who parade through Bay St. Louis on Mardi Gras itself, February 9 (for details, see our Upcoming Events page!).
 
We thought it would be fun to ask each krewe’s queen some particulars about her reign. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Krewe of Diamonds' queen wasn't available by press time, but there is no doubt the Diamonds parade on February 9 will be as fantastic as ever! Here are our conversations with this year’s other two reigning queens:

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Krewe of Nereids

The 49th annual procession of the Krewe of Nereids paraded through a jubilant crowd of thousands on January 31st.  The identity of the parade’s royal Queen Doris is always a secret, but we managed to arrange an anonymous interview!

Queen Doris - photo by Shannon Lutkin photography

How long have you been a member of Krewe of Nereids?
This is my 26th year.
 
What are a couple of your favorite childhood Mardi Gras memories?
One of my favorites was meeting [“mad scientist” horror movie host] Morgus the Magnificent and his assistant, Chopsley!

Also, my family used to go to all the parades on St. Charles [in New Orleans]. Everybody would have a favorite spot that they would go to year after year. You knew everyone, and you didn’t dare go on somebody else’s spot. It was family oriented, and we loved it.
 
Is this your first time being named an event queen?
Yes! And it’s wonderful! I got the call and ... of course I screamed and almost broke the poor woman’s eardrums. I think she finally got her hearing back!
 
What is your favorite Mardi Gras tradition?
King cake. You have to have king cake. And of course the parades. And I love the balls. I think we put on the best ball on the Coast.
 
What are some of your duties?
The whole court gets up in costume, and we tour the welcome centers, nursing homes and some of the schools. The kids ask questions about Mardi Gras — we like to get out in the community.
 
What are you most looking forward to about the day of the parade?
It’s going to be a fun, family parade! I’m just looking forward to getting out riding on the float, seeing all the people, and seeing that we make them happy.
 
Tell us something special about your costume. 
It is heavy and gorgeous! Carter Church designed and made it. He has done Nereids costumes as long as I’ve been in. They’re just breathtakingly beautiful.
 
Nereids is an all female krewe. There is also a king.
Yes! My king is from New Orleans. His name is Kevin Champagne. Since we’re all female, this poor soul has to put up with a lot. He is also our choreographer. Bless his heart dealing with all these women!
 
Do you get to keep the crown and scepter? 
Yes!
 
Anything else?
We hope everyone comes out and has a wonderful time. We have some super throws this year. Gonna rock the world!

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photo by Shannon Lutkins Photography

Mystic Krewe of Seahorse

The 2016 Queen of Seahorse and her court

This is the third year rolling for the Mystic Krewe of Seahorse, named for a schooner that bought time for the home troops against the British in the 1814 Battle of Bay St. Louis.

Mystic Krewe of Seahorse parade begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, February 8 at Blaize Avenue and Bookter Street. This year’s Queen Tethys, a goddess of the sea in Greek mythology, is Social Chair owner Yuki Northington!
 
How long have you been a member of Mystic Krewe of Seahorse, and what drew you to that krewe?
From the beginning three years ago. We love Mardi Gras and do anything that we can to support Bay Saint Louis.
 
Is this your first time being named queen for some sort of event?

I'm a former pageant girl so rhinestones and glitter are a part of my DNA. I was the Fair Queen of my hometown of Washington, Missouri back in college. I founded the Hancock County Fair Queen Scholarship Pageant and The Queens (formerly known as The Half Baked Sweet Potato Queens).  We have been around for ten years and ride in the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
 
What are a couple of your favorite childhood Mardi Gras memories?
I grew up in Missouri but I drove down to New Orleans every chance I could. We moved here in 2003 and can't imagine ever leaving!
 
What is your favorite Mardi Gras tradition?
Specialty throws.
 
What are you most looking forward to about the day of the parade?
Riding with my kids. They are so excited. The only one that won't be able to make it is my son Alex, because he is studying in Spain this semester. 
 
If you could make a world-changing decree as the queen, what would it be? 
That everyone would recycle.
 
Tell us something special about your costume. 
The foundation of my gown is special because my daughter, McKenzey Northington, wore it when she was Bay High Homecoming Queen.
 
Do you get to keep the crown and scepter? 
Yes!
 
 

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