Kim A. Chiasson
February 2, 2010Wednesday, Feb. 4
February 4, 2010Donning an identity-concealing mask and a costume consisting of colors that symbolize justice, faith and power (purple, green and gold), a masked parader sounds more like a superhero than a Mardi Gras’ krewe member.
With the multitude of responsibilities that are required of certain members of a Carnival organization, some may actually benefit from having super abilities.
The marvelous members that krewes may consider invaluable to their organization include captains, co-captains, presidents, chairpersons or board members, the kings and queens, the royal court and the list continues. These members carry out duties according to their organization’s requirements, which can vary immensely between krewes.
A captain in one krewe may change each year, and be chosen simply to honor a person for their dedication to the organization. Their role in the planning of events may be minimal. While another krewe’s captain could hold a permanent position with a long list of responsibilities.
Monica Bourgeois is the krewe captain for the 100-plus members of the Krewe of Apollo in Lockport. From the announcing of the royal court each June, to the different fundraising events throughout the year, to the final piece of their carnival puzzle – the parade, Bourgeois stays busy. After five years as the primary planner for her organization, Bourgeois continues to work hard to bring enjoyment to the community.
“We are a hometown parade.” she said. “We like to keep it fun for the whole family.”
Keith Leonard, the captain for the Krewe of Adonis in Morgan City, which also has just over 100 members, has been with his organization since 1986. Five years ago, upon acceptance of his position as captain, he also accepted a considerably hefty amount of jobs including, choosing the theme, court members and costumes, writing the script for the ball and presiding over a slew of meetings, just to name a few. Planning for any of the Krewe of Adonis’ many different functions can be taxing; however, Leonard is not alone in this feat.
“Most of the duties of the krewe are monitored by the captain, but the board members and float lieutenants are named and assigned as chairpersons to assure that these duties are completed,” Leonard explained. Adonis’ eight Mardi Gras’ committees oversee every aspect – from organizing the parade to prepping for the ball to fundraising.
Just as different captains have different duties, the royal responsibilities often vary. Not all kings and queens merely stand, turn, smile and wave. Requirements of the court include such activities as photo shoots, costume fittings and representing their krewe at various events.
Many also choose to arrange social functions, give gifts to other members of the krewe and keep a cheerful disposition throughout the season. Some even have unique responsibilities.
Jackie Douglas, the 2010 queen for the Krewe of Aphrodite in Houma, has been with her organization on and off for a combined 16 years. From throwing a party for her 400 fellow krewe members to mingling with the queens of other krewes, something Douglas said has not been commonplace in the past, she relishes the multitude of duties she has to perform as queen. Douglas also enjoys her other special assignments as royalty.
“I have to pick a symbol and my symbol is a five-pointed crown,” Douglas said when talking about her costume design. “I also designed the cup, which will have the crown on it as well. These cups are only thrown from the queen and maid’s floats.”
Other responsibilities that are spread amongst the presidents, captains, board members, royalty and so forth include planning a massive number of meetings, perfecting the parade line-up and responding to press questions.
Almost every organization requires people to step forward and take on the majority of the workload. Carnival organizations are no different. They require loads of dedication, tons of time, and heaps of enthusiasm.
Mardi Gras does not just happen. The men and women who play a lead role in planning, ordering and raising funds for the festivities work hard to make it all materialize.
In addition to their full-time jobs and full-time families, they strive to keep something important alive for the enjoyment of the community.
A selfless act for the betterment of others – maybe, they are superheroes after all.
The Carnival season lasts approximately one to two months – starting on Jan. 6th, also known as the Twelfth Night, and ending on Ash Wednesday, which can be anywhere from Feb. 3rd to March 10th.
During this period, Carnival groups host a smattering of parties, dances, luncheons, suppers, meetings, charity events, balls and/or parades. To add to the frenzied excitement, these festivities are not restricted to the merrymaking period of the season. The entire process of planning and celebrating is an all year job for most groups.
During the year, each krewe member has his or her own respective duties to perform, though there is always a select few members who bear the brunt of the workload. Even the first “krewe” had its primary planners.
The word “krewe,” while coming from the French “crew,” supposedly originated from an organization called Ye Mystick Krewe of Comus, which was inspired by the Cowbellion de Rakin Society of Mobile, Ala. The six primary founders of Comus worked hard to bring the festive traditions to New Orleans, and in 1857 they held their first Torchlight Parade with John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” as the theme. Marching in masked merriment the parade was a staggering success and, over a century and a half later, modern day krewe’s still keep with many of the past traditions established by Ye Mystick Krewe of Comus.
Carnival krewes in the Tri-parishes range in size from roughly 30 members to as many as 600 or more. Some have been around for more than 50 years, such as the Krewe of Houmas, while others are still in their toddler stage. Regardless of their size or age, each organization relies on the dedicated diligence of their leading ladies or men to ensure the success of each event.
