Laissez le bon temps rouler in Ruston.
The community’s own Mardi Gras Krewe of Pomona has announced its King and Queen for Carnival 2024, Stephen and Jessica “Jesse” Bullock.
These sweethearts turned successful business owners are authentic and passionate about Lincoln Parish and want to use their reign as King and Queen to continue to help Ruston flourish.
“As king and queen, we are looking to bring excitement and interest to this Krewe for not only current members, but potential members who are looking to get plugged in the community,” Stephen said. “We want everyone to feel that they have a place to fit in, have fun, and socialize with their community.”
Stephen and Jesse are charter members of the Krewe of Pomona, which began in 2022 and hosted its first events during the 2023 Carnival season. The Krewe is responsible for creating floats, holding a parade, and organizing a ball for members. Krewe of Pomona members hope to create a family-friendly Mardi Gras atmosphere to help make Ruston the premier location for Mardi Gras in north Louisiana.
“Having a Krewe in Ruston is so special and so important,” Jesse said. “Many families in this town grew up being involved in Krewes or have deep roots in famous Krewes from New Orleans. It is only fitting that we have a Krewe here in Ruston and bring the excitement of Mardi Gras to our community.”
Jesse added that living in Louisiana means celebrating Mardi Gras comes second nature.
“Being born and raised in Louisiana, you can’t help but have Mardi Gras running through your veins,” she said. “We have always loved the Mardi Gras season and have loved attending events throughout the carnival season. So being a part of this Krewe, in our hometown, makes this experience that much more special.”
Stephen and Jesse are both graduates of Ruston High School and have two sons – Chandler, 13, and Brody, 10, who attend Cedar Creek School. They are strong local school supporters, holding Corporate Sponsorships for the Bearcat Football Club and Cougar Football Club.
The Bullocks have been in the retail equipment industry their entire career, starting with JPS Equipment Rental. Since selling Iron Oak Services to Sunbelt Rentals in 2022, Stephen and Jesse are now part owners of Parish Site Services and Southern States Equipment. Along with their businesses, this year’s King and Queen are also highly active in the community, serving in community events and helping with area schools and The Bridge Community Church. From 2017-2022, Stephen served as a board member for MedCamps, and Jesse currently is vice president of Cedar Creek Parent Club and holds committee seats for Cedar Creek and the Green and Gold Foundation.
“Successfully growing organizations is an area we’re extremely familiar with,” Jesse said. “As King and Queen we’ll be promoting the Krewe and are excited to see some growth in memberships, specifically within our generation.”
While Stephen has been a member of the Krewe of Endymion for two years, the Bullocks wanted to help get Ruston’s Krewe up and running – and have a little fun too.
“Stephen and I decided to join the Krewe last year because we love to socialize, and we love to have a great time,” Jesse said. “The Mardi Gras season is such a fun time of year in Louisiana.”
Membership is currently open; anyone interested in joining can visit https://www.kreweofpomona.org/general-5 for more information.
“We’re very proud to be part of this Krewe, and we want to see this organization become one with highly sought-after membership,” Stephen said.
Krewe President Michelle Landry said she is honored to welcome the Bullocks as King and Queen, starting with the King and Queen’s Party on Dec. 2. The event will be a holiday cocktail party themed “Christmas in New Orleans,” which is open to members or by invitation only.
“Their energy, excitement, and love for all things Ruston and Mardi Gras are exactly what we’re trying to convey to the community and new members. The Bullocks’ vision for how they’d like to see this organization grow complements conversations we’ve had with the Board. They’re visionaries and are already thinking of ways this organization can financially give back to the community with scholarships and community service. This is exactly what we’re looking for in a King and Queen.
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