Ark-La-Tex Mardi Gras coronation season kicks off with 'Oceanus in the Outfield'

Maggie Martin
·2 min read

Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex's member  Krewe of Oceanus opened the local Mardi Coronation season - a prelude to the glittery winter balls - with a  baseball theme.

"Oceanus in the Outfield" was held on a sultry summer eve at American Legion with Cross Lake as a misty backdrop, as the sunset began turning day into evening.

Some 200 Mardi Gras stalwarts carried out the theme wearing baseball-inspired shirts like Derrick Jeter's New York Yankees, Tim Bost's LSU and Captain of Captains Paul Lopez's Texas A&M.

Krewe of Atlas King XV John Smith and Captain XVI Theresa Miller are visiting krewe members at the Oceanus coronation.
Krewe of Atlas King XV John Smith and Captain XVI Theresa Miller are visiting krewe members at the Oceanus coronation.

Though their rule is complete, royals from 16 krewes who ruled over Mardi season '23 wore crowns and sashes bringing glitz and glamour to the bash.

There was beer to guzzle, wine to sip and sodas to drink with hot dogs to chow down on.

There was cheering for Oceanus King III Jason DeLoach and Queen III Danielle Driver-Roussel who hopped, skipped and jumped off the American Legion stage.

Krewe of Oceanus III newly crowned royals: Co-Captain Julie Gill, Queen Danielle Driver-Rousell, King Jason DeLoach and Captain Parker Ward at the krewe's coronation event.
Krewe of Oceanus III newly crowned royals: Co-Captain Julie Gill, Queen Danielle Driver-Rousell, King Jason DeLoach and Captain Parker Ward at the krewe's coronation event.

Other court members:

Dukes and  Duchesses: Cross Lake Oscar Martinez and Angela Martinez; Red River Kevin Cobb and Tina DeLoach; Black Bayou Bill Wellemeyer and Lori Oswalt.

Princes:  Maddox Caldwell,  Sterling Caldwell, Sutton Driver.

Princesses: Gabby Martinez, Harper Grace Samford, Jayden DeLoach, Areanna Caldwell.

Planning, commanding, and cheering the Krewe's activities in 2024: Captain: Parker Ward. Co-Captain Julie Gill.

Following a long set tradition, Krewe Gemini hosts its more stately, royal and glittery black-tie coronation July 29, with 14 other groups following with dressy or casual parties through October.

The Coronation Season which includes  Krewe Excellence's Natchitoches coronation, runs through October. Krewe Gemini - the first public krewe kicked off the area mayhem 34 years ago - holds the first black-tie glittery, dazzling bash at Sam's Town.

The 16 krewes, - with membership open to all - will celebrate at small and large venues in Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Mansfield, and Natchitoches. Membership is open to all and all coronations and balls and brunches. Anyone can join in for the price of a ticket.

And, during the winters provide some host highly popular parades which draw fans from around the country and bring millions of dollars into the community.

Mardi Gras Q&A:

How did Mardi get started here?

With a simple meeting at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce whose members were pondering a way to grow the economy during the New Year.

How do I join a krewe?

Easy. Just pay your dues.

How do I get into one of the coronations or balls so I can eat, drink, be merry and celebrate Mardi?

Nothing to it.  Just buy a ticket. Follow the dress code.

You are in.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Ark-La-Tex Mardi Gras coronation season kicks off