I love being part of a Carnival krewe, especially one right here on the West Bank. So I was thrilled to see a local business owner named as the 2009 Chief Choctaw at the Coronation Party held Saturday night at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna.
John Dugas, owner of J&K Cafe and Bar in Algiers will reign over the krewe with his beautiful daughter-in-law, Rachel Dugas, at his side as the Princess.
Since the parade falls on Valentine's Day 2009, the theme will be The Mardi Gras of Love. The new Chief and Princess were crowned with red and white headpieces after the traditional passing of the tomahawks from the 2008 royalty who reluctantly gave them up.
Also announced was the 2009 Medicine Man, Matthew Heindel. Yep, I'm a proud mom :)
The most touching moment of the evening, however, was the presentation of the John R. Heindel Lifetime Achievement Award to New Orleans City Council President Jackie Clarkson. Jackie has been a long time friend to the krewe (her father was one of the early members) and she was recognized for all of the support she has given Choctaw through the years. The whoops and hollers from the crowd were loudest when she promised to bring Choctaw back to its original route starting in Algiers and she told me that she would proudly display her award in the her Council President's office for every visitor to see!
City Council President Jackie Clarkson on left, being congratulated on her award
We are just warming up for the 2009 Mardi Gras season...Hail the Chief!
To be a part of the Krewe of Choctaw, visit their website.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Lisa Heindel and West Bank Living.
Lisa, What a handsome son you most be so, so proud. Sounds like you guys had a great time and a lot of awards were given.
Lisa! You are soooo beautiful! What a grand time and woohoo to Matt!
Mana, it was a wonderful time and I am so incredibly proud that my son is carrying on the family tradition of taking part in the krewe!
Sally, aw, thanks :) I'll have to let Matt know he got an "official" woohoo from Woohoo Sally!!
Lisa what is a krewe?
Lisa, kudos and congrats to the fam -- you all have got it going on over there -- what a cool post! C. :-D
Looks like all had a marvelous time and congratulations to your son! I had an opportunity to attend my first Mardi Gras Ball in February (in Biloxi) and I have to tell you it was outstanding. Loved every moment of it.
Lisa, how exciting to you and I know you are happy for your son. marti gras on Valentines Day weekend, sounds interesting, thanks for sharing the photos, you look amazing.
Looks like a grand time was had by all! I love seeing all the happy faces!!!
Your friend in Charlottesville!
Lisa, What a wonderful evening and forever memory that's been created! I'm sure you're thrilled and VERY proud of your son for all his accomplishments.
Miriam, a krewe is the group that puts on a Mardi Gras parade. Each krewe has a different name and different internal rules that they abide by. The krewe that I belong to, Choctaw, has always had an Indian Chief and Princess instead of a King and Queen. The Chief, Princess, maids etc all change each year. It's a honor to be chosen...they ride on special floats during the parade, they are presented in big, flamboyant costumes during the ball and are treated like royalty all year long!
C, thanks - we live Mardi Gras year round in our house :)
Anon, thank you. Isn't a Mardi Gras celebration wonderful?
Missy, thank you! I'm very proud of him and looking forward to parading on Valentine's Day. Guess this gets the hubby off the hook for dinner out that night :)
Charles, we had a great time! Thanks for stopping in :)
Carole, you snuck in there on me! I'm proud of any child that continues to carry on a long-time family tradition, but especially so of my own :) He is very excited about his part this year.
Lisa, what a fun evening -- full of special surprises! Tell your son, Matt, Congratulations on being the chosen The Medicine Man for the 2009 Mardi Gras Season!!! I'm already looking forward to Mardi Gras 2009!!!
Your Matt has the cutest smile! I know this is just the start of another fun season.
Hi Lisa,
Congrats to you and your handsome son! Mardi Gras has always been a blast. You know you look way to young to have a son old enough to be the Medicine Man!
Judi, he is so excited!
E, he does have a great smile, doesn't he? Of course, I'm just a little bit partial to him :)
Lillie, LOL. Oil of Olay is a wonderful thing :)
Lisa, what a great post! thanks for sharing! You look beautiful standing there with your son! Like brother and sister!
Susan, LOL! My kids hate it when people say things like that. I'll be sure to tell him :)
Very cool post. It looks like fun was had by all. :)
Hey Lisa! You look gorgeous in the photo and what a handsome son! I had no idea that Mardi Gras planning starts so far in advance. Sounds like tons of fun!
Sandra, thanks - we had a great time!
Amanda, thank you dahling :) psst - that's the bouncer!
Aw, Lisa, you must be very proud. What a great photo of you and your son. Congratulations....and it sounds like a ton of fun planning that far ahead. Of course it is a HUGE event. ;-)
Teri, thank you! Planning for a parade is a year round production - there is so much more than just showing up and climbing onto a float :)
Lisa- You and your son are looking great together! You must be quite the proud momma!
Jeremy, yep, that's me ;) Thanks!