Krewe of Elders Mardi Gras coronation features sports theme with a touch of romance

Maggie Martin, Shreveport Times
·2 min read

It wasn't in the Krewe Elders XXVI Coronation script, so just crowned Elders Queen XXVI was stunned when her boyfriend of three years, newly crowned King XXVI Jesus Eguia, pulled her from the royal lineup in the midst of the tableau, and onto the dance floor.

He took her in his arms and pulled her close to him for a dance to "Keeper of the Stars."

She wept.

The dramatic scene may have been a surprise to Davis as cameras/cell phones clicked but not to the some 200 Elders' members and guests. Word had passed slowly through the crowd early in the evening and partygoers crammed the dance floor, as The Eric Craig Band and Emcee Doug Warner watched from the stage.

Doubly Special! Just-crowned Krewe of Elders XXVI Queen Sharon Davis receives a marriage proposal from Elders King XXVI Jesus Eguia at the Krewe's coronation event in August 2023.
Doubly Special! Just-crowned Krewe of Elders XXVI Queen Sharon Davis receives a marriage proposal from Elders King XXVI Jesus Eguia at the Krewe's coronation event in August 2023.

Weeping continued for it was Davis' reaction to such a surprise! "I didn't know what was going on until he got down on his knees and reached in his pocket and I saw the box. There was something special about it," said Davis.

As they danced - slowly - the king pulled out a four-diamond, silver ring and put it on the fourth finger of the queen's left hand.

Luckily, it fit, for Eguia had no idea what size was the finger, though at the store, he had tried it on his little finger.

"I asked her if she would accept the ring as our engagement. She said, 'Yes,' remembered Eguia.

The engagement was a fairy tale come true for Eguia and Davis, both 69 and retired, who were divorced from their spouses after 40-plus years of marriage.

Golf, anyone? In keeping with the Krewe of Elders coronation theme "Sports Spectrum", Elders XXV Queen Janie Hudson is fashionable chic at the August 2023 event.
Golf, anyone? In keeping with the Krewe of Elders coronation theme "Sports Spectrum", Elders XXV Queen Janie Hudson is fashionable chic at the August 2023 event.

The duo met three years ago at the Moose Lodge when Eguia spotted Davis across the crowded room, asked friend how old she was and suggested they dance.

It was love at first sight for both.

Too soon for wedding plans, but the honeymoon includes a trip to Caldwell, Idaho, where they will attend, Eguia's 50th Class Reunion of Valley View High School.

Eguia and  Davis shared the spotlight for Krewe Elders Coronation XXVI "Sports Spectrum" with the Royal Court at American Legion Post 14 with a view of a sparkling Cross Lake at sunset provided its own magical, special  scene-setting vista.)

Friendly rivalry: Dallas Cowboys fan John Smith (left) and New Orleans Saints fan Carl Darrius Murphy (right) face off while referee Richard Murphy (center) keeps the peace at the Krewe of Elders coronation in August 2023.
Friendly rivalry: Dallas Cowboys fan John Smith (left) and New Orleans Saints fan Carl Darrius Murphy (right) face off while referee Richard Murphy (center) keeps the peace at the Krewe of Elders coronation in August 2023.

The court:

  • Duke of Prosperity Don Crowe, who was not able to attend.

  • Duchesses Wisdom Marilyn Creswell, Longevity Reba Martin,  andProsperity Dianne Harmon.

  • Captain XXVI Pat Stell and Co-Captain XXVI Patsy McGee were alsointroduced and tossed sports-themed beads to the crowd.

Special note: Krewe of Elders Grande Bal XXVI "Fairy Tale Reunion" is Jan. 19 at LeBossier Hotel Event Center, Bossier City, an old venue, which appears to be a new hot spot for Mardi Gras splashy galas.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Krewe of Elders king proposes to queen during coronation event