Kandee Denise Coates
February 16, 2007Ruthie Mae “Betty” Smith
February 22, 2007
A Houma-based center for people with disabilities celebrated Mardi Gras 2007 in style, as King Daniel Dupree and Queen Ruth Pontiff were chauffeured around the campus in a white stretch limousine.
Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens’ Executive Director Valerie Wallace said the parade has gradually increased over the years, and every year it gets a little more extravagant.
Wallace said the king and queen are treated like royalty as they dress up for pictures, have parties and enjoy the Mardi Gras season. Every year, after the parade the TARC clients have a king cake party in the courtyard, where the Marine Corps League and Auxiliary prepare food.
The parade is only for TARC clients and their family. However, outside entities do come to the campus to participate in the festivities. Wallace said every year members of the Shriner’s club, the Kajon Grotto, Ellender High School and Oaklawn Junior High School bands and the local law enforcement agencies come out to show the clients a whopping good time throwing beads and trinkets just like at any other Houma Mardi Gras parade.
This year Tarkus Barkus, a Houma canine crew, joined the parade as did the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Sam’s Limousine Service of Houma donated the use of the limo. Dupree and Pontiff were chauffeured to the TARC campus from their homes for a brunch before the parade.
There, the couple, along with the Sunshine Express Early Care and Education Center prince and princess, shared an entertaining breakfast/lunch with their family members and some of the TARC staff. According to Wallace, this part of the parade was started several years ago and has become a running tradition.
After Dupree and Pontiff were dressed in their royal best, Terrebonne Parish President Don Schwab presented royal court, which included the daycare prince and princess, with a proclamation.
Wallace said the TARC clients voted on their king and queen. She said this year several of kings and queen candidates politic for their royal votes. TARC Queen for 2007 Pontiff gave out Baby Ruth bars for her campaign.
Pontiff’s mother Susan said the 24-year-old TARC client was very excited about the day’s festivities. Dressed in all white, Pontiff said she has been waiting on this day to come. Her mother said Mardi Gras is one of her favorite time of the year. She loves watching the parades.
King Daniel Dupree’s mother Doris said the biggest task was making sure that he stayed calm and enjoyed his day of royalty. With a sense of humor, Dupree said he is glad to be the king, and he had fun riding in the limo.
Dupree’s all-white attire was rented from Norman’s in Houma. Jokingly, Dupree’s mother said he summoned for his twin brother Derrick to help him dress.
In addition, the day care royalty was selected by the luck of the draw. The prince was four-year-old Nicholas Fanguy, the son of Houma residents Keith and Marissa Fanguy. The princess was five-year-old Jazzmine Blanchard, the daughter of Houma residents Nolen and Brandy Blanchard.
Staff photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN • Tri-Parish Times * Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizen’s King Daniel Dupree and Queen Ruth Pontiff traveled in style as the organization celebrated its annual Mardi Gras parade Thursday.
