Shift between 'Reality and Fantasy' at the Krewe of Gemini's Grand Bal | Maggie Martin
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King Gemini XXXV Roger Lites, a muffler man, and Queen XXXV Gemini Betty Amy Reeves, a registered nurse, reigned Jan. 27 over Krewe Gemini XXXV Grande Ball "Reality and Fantasy," at Shreveport Convention Center.
Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler arrived to pay homage to his friend of 45 years, King Lites. He was among 1,100 kicking up their heels at Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex's oldest public krewe, founded in 1989.
Bossier City First Lady Paula Chandler, wearing a slim, deep purple, floor-length velvet ballgown was also meeting and greeting Mardi fans.
Krewe Gemini's ball is not only the most formal of the 16 balls but is the most glittery and animated in the way it presents its former kings and queens, decorates its tables and walks each member of the 2024 court through the ballroom crowd. Gives the previous year's top royals - like the 2023 King Bob Elder and Queen Bess Elder - an elevated gold couch on a dais in the spotlight at the end of the ballroom for all to see and celebrate with.
Other Court Members:
Dukes and Duchesses: Arkansas Alex Anderson and Amanda Herrington; Louisiana Cole Guthrie and Mindy Guthrie; Texas Steven Bailey and Linda Bailey.
Princes: Parker Allums, Kilgore High School, Texas, son of Ben and Melissa Allums, of Kilgore, Texas, and the grandson of royals, Gemini XV Queen Rachel Brian, and the late King XV Don Brian; Prince William Coleman Smith, Loyola College Prep, son of Ryan and Leslie Smith; Cameron Lee Jordan, Benton High School, son of Nick Jordan and Stephanie Jordan.
Princesses: Julia Claire Guthrie, Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tenn., daughter of Cole and Mindy Guthrie; Aubrey Larkin Weir, daughter of Jason and Tracy Weir, great-niece of Queen Gemini XXV Judy French and the late King Gemini XVV Clyde French; Sydney Landan Weir, Benton Middle School, daughter of Jason and Tracy Weir and the great-niece of Queen Gemini XXV Judy French and the late King Gemini XVV Clyde French.
A nod, too, to Bal Co-Captain Queen XXV Judy French who kept things rolling, along with Noreen Dockendorf and others.
As the tableau kicked off, Captain Tom Wyche dressed as a rabbit made his appearance as Poka, the Rabbit. He masterminded Gemini's 2024 year of revelry and community service and said the krewe had worked on the unusual ball presentation since the summer. "We let the tableaux sparkle as always," said Wyche, in the program notes.
In explaining the theme, "Reality and Fantasy," Wyche said: "A 'Fantasy' that stepped over the line and is still with us is 'Reality' to the jester who became king."
By the way, the Master of Ceremonies took the role of actor Rod Sterling of "Twilight Zone" - remember that show? - to explain the theme as the royals commanded the stage.
Gemini's Parade Grand Marshal Chief M. Sgt. Melvina Smith, U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, had to regretfully miss the Grand Bal XXXV but look for her at the Feb. 10 Gemini Mardi Gras Parade.
Speaking of royals, King Roger represented Poseidon, "the god of the sea and the watery element," according to "Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary."
Four pals who created the king's elaborate front-and-center table deemed "Poseidon's Temple: Chad and Crysta Bernatowicz and Chana Ziermamon.
Gemini Dots and Dashes
...The purple dress First Lady Bossier wore was not her first choice but one she ordered earlier did not arrive. Being a good sport, she shopped within a few days of the bal at Dillard's and found the one she wore by her favorite designer Xscape.
... King Roger is the 8th of 10 kids born to Johnny and Betty Lites, of Many. Another claim to fame: he won the APA 9-Ball National Championship in Las Vegas in 2008.
... Duke Cole. A dream came true for him when he completed the Texas Ironman in 2013.
... Duke Steven and Duchess Linda own a working cattle ranch in Utopia, Texas.
... Prince William. He was the author of a short story published by Young Writers USA, which inspired him to continue writing.
... Prince Cameron. A baseball player, he was among the winners who took home the Louisiana Dixie Boys State Title in 2021 and competed in the World Series to represent the tri-state area as the Louisiana State Champions.
...The Gemini Bead Sale is from 10 a.m. to Noon, Feb. 3 at the Krewe Den, 2101 East Texas St., Bossier City. Phone: 741-9364. Info@kreweof gemini.com.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Go inside the 'Reality and Fantasy' of the Krewe of Gemini's Grand Bal
