Celebrating 50 years, the Krewe of Tchefuncte kicked off the Carnival season with their annual ball at the Coquille Sports Complex in Covington.
Royalty who reigned during the 50 years were introduced, followed by the final promenade of the 2022 royalty, Tim Bounds and Jennie Trepagnier Jones.
Reigning was King Paul Gitz. He is the husband of Robin Gitz, son of former Mayor Peter and JoAnn Gitz, and father of Megan and Dillon Gitz.
Queen of the ball was Rachel Sibley Brumfield, wife of Brad Brumfield Sr., and mother of Victoria Lynn and Brad Jr. She is the daughter of the late Mary Ann Heisser.
The royal maids were dressed to represent landmarks, organizations and events in Madisonville.
The Tchefuncte River Lighthouse was represented by Miss Alyssa Catherine Bono, daughter of Kevin Bono and Hollie Bono. She wore a silver sequined gown and her train was a replica of the Madisonville Lighthouse which featured a working beacon. She was escort 2012 king, Myron Bourg.
Miss Caroline Grace Kurucar, daughter of Randy and Celeste Kurucar, represented The Old Fashioned Fourth of July. She wore a red satin gown and her train was adorned with red, white and blue trim with fairy lights and the town’s mascot rooster, Reveille. She was escorted by the 2016 king, Fred Badon.
Miss Cheyenne Elizabeth Green, daughter of Justin Green and Misty Cox, represented the Gar Fish Rodeo. She wore a shimmering green gown with a train that featured a sequined gar and small silver fish. She was escorted by the 2013 king, Bubbie Ostendorf.
Miss Claire Marie Kurucar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kurucar, represented the Wooden Boat Festival. She wore a tan satin gown with a train that featured a large sequined wooden boat, pirate hat and festival banner. She was escorted by the 2002 king, Roland Morris.
Miss Reina Bethany Celeste Keys, daughter of Richard and Vanessa Keys, represented The Madisonville Garden Club. She wore a sequined pink gown with a train that featured purple irises. She was escorted by her uncle, 2018 king Rodney Keys.
Miss Cameron Elisabeth Kurucar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kurucar, represented the Regatta Boat Races. She wore a light tan gown with a train featuring a hydroplane and the Riverboat Tchefuncte restaurant. She was escorted by the 2019 king, Dave Cooper.
Miss Madeline Marissa Baham, daughter of Felix and Cassidy Baham, represented the Youth Boosters. She wore a royal blue fringed gown with a train that featured a gold trophy as well as sequined sports equipment. She was escorted by the 2008 king, Bill Trepagnier.
Miss Jeanne Marie Desmond, daughter of Deanna Desmond, represented the krewe. She wore a sequined purple gown and train which featured the krewe’s logo as well as the Tchefuncte Queen which carried the royal court for many years. She was escorted by 2014 king David Stein.
Ladies-in-waiting were Misses Kate Veronica Baham, daughter of Jason and Stephanie Baham; and Noelle Carolyn Rothschild, daughter of Bradley and Holly Rothschild.
Royal pages were Masters Blaze Ryan Steinhauer, son of Trinidy and Rachel Steinhauer; and James David Wells III, son of James Wells Jr. and Lauren Pennington Wells.
Royal entertainer Elizabeth Burris sang a rendition of "Proud Mary" and the national anthem. American Legion Post #16 presented the colors.
Mayor Jean Pelloat made a toast to the court.
Parade grand marshal Kyle Matthews was introduced and escorted by parade captain Iris Vacante.
The court promenaded with the Grand March before exiting the ballroom. The tableau ended with the ball committee members Jodi O’Berry, Lisa Melton, Amie Aertker, Marilyn Pelloat, Bonnie Dennis, Elaine Gardner and Iris Vacante leading the second line.
Music for the tableau and ball was provided by Uptown Phunk.