The good times are rolling in Ruston with the Krewe of Pomona.
The young Krewe’s annual Mardi Gras ball slated for Feb. 3 is fast approaching.
“Just about every major city in Louisiana has a Mardi Gras krewe and celebrates with a ball,” said Gabrielle Woodard, marketing and membership committee chair. “We want to bring the celebration and energy of Mardi Gras to Ruston. The ball is intended to pull the spirit of Mardi Gras out of Ruston, and parade it in the street while celebrating such a rich part of Louisiana culture and history.”
Woodard said each Mardi Gras ball across the state was unique.
“Traditional balls thrown by historical krewes take a more formal approach compared to the extravaganzas thrown by newer/bigger krewes. Regardless of the krewe, the balls will always consist of gowns, glitz, glam, tuxes, Mardi Gras throws, an incredible band and — like most events in New Orleans — a ball is just an excuse to have a good time,” she said. “Our vision is to one day have a parade, and until it rolls, our primary goal of the ball is to celebrate Mardi Gras with our members and fundraise.”
The Krewe’s ball this year will be held at Squire Creek Country Club. Members are allowed one non-members guest. If non-members are interested in attending they can contact a known krewe member or get tickets via sponsorships.
Members are able to purchase one additional ticket for a guest until capacity is reached. Two of the Krewe’s sponsorship levels include tickets, and more information on these sponsorships can be found on the Krewe’s website, https://www.kreweofpomona.org/.
This year’s Mardi Gras Krewe of Pomona King and Queen are Stephen and Jessica “Jesse” Bullock.
“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 Bullock said. “We want everyone to feel that they have a place to fit in, have fun, and socialize with their community.”
Having a Krewe in Ruston is so special and so important because many families in Ruston grew up being involved in Krewes or have deep roots in famous Krewes from New Orleans, Jesse Bullock added, saying the Krewe of Pomona brings the excitement of Mardi Gras to our community.
“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.”
Krewe President Michelle Landry said the Bullocks’ energy, excitement, and love for all things Ruston and Mardi Gras is exactly what the Krewe wants 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,” Landry said. “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.”
Maids, dukes, and princesses for the Krewe of Pomona have been announced as well, and are as follows:
Maids: Cameron Jones- sponsored by Jamie Dendy Consulting; Lily Garrett- Sponsored by Durrett Law & Title; and Stowie Richmond- Sponsored by Lola Magazine.
Dukes: Vincent Jackson III (Tre)- Sponsored by RAW LAW; Hayden Durrett- Sponsored by Durrett Law & Title; and Triston Floyd- Sponsored by The Visual Difference.
Junior Maid: Molly Thornhill- Sponsored by Goldie Boutique.
Junior Dukes: Brody Bullock and Chandler Bullock.
Princesses: Caroline Gibbons, Mary Katherine Bonnette, Vale Owens, Finley Elawadi, and Declynn Walpole.
Sponsors for the ball include Delta Broadband and Origin Bank. Sponsorships are still available on the website.
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