Krewe of Venus

Gulfport’s Krewe of Venus celebrated its Nineteenth Annual Ball with a trip to the North Pacific Islands of Hawaii.

Discovered by Captain Cook in 1778, Hawaiian tradition and Polynesian legend claim the Hawaiian Islands were settled by natives of Tahiti and Bora Bora . Their culture, beliefs, gods, taboos and traditions blended with perfect weather, lush foliage and deep, cobalt blue water have brought us to “Venus in Paradise”.

Held in the West Harrison Civic Center on January 17, 2009, members and guests entered a Tropical Fantasy of theme decorated tables. The Stage was a colorful illusion of lighted Palm trees, tropical plants and a Tiki Hut that flanked two golden Thrones awaiting the arrival of the enchanted Royalty.

President Jeanette Chedotal began this years celebration with Keesler Air Force Honor Guard presentation of colors and the National Anthem and then turned the program over to the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. William “Bill” Seal. Mr. Seal welcomed everyone to the celebration and introduced the dedicated board members of the Krewe to the music, “You Are the Woman”. Serving as President, Jeanette Chedotal; Ball Captain, Eloise Gryder; Vice President, Linda Gary; Recording Secretary, Betty Gamez; Corresponding Secretary, Dixie Huch; Treasurer, Marie Eck; Historian, Diana Israel; Parliamentarian, Bonnie Owen; Hospitality, Betty Stafford and Edna Loflin; Publicity, JoAnn Munghia and Margaret Strnad; Decorations, Darlene Thurman and Immediate Past President, Darlene Owen.

Recalling the memories of “Scarlett and the Old South” of one year ago, Venus XVIII, Brenda Kraemer and her King, Norvin Kraemer, made their way to the stage with one final promenade. Queen Brenda was presented a bouquet of red roses on behalf of the Krewe by President, Jeanette Chedotal.

Representing the Love, Beauty and Fragrance of the “Hawaiian Lei“, was the first Maid, Margaret Ann Strnad of Tupelo and her Duke, Peyton Scoggins of Long Beach. The second Maid, representing the dance to honor gods and chiefs was Christine Maxwell, the “Goddess of Hula” and her Duke, Brad Haynes of Gulfport .The rare and valued queen of gems, the “Black Pearl”, was Maid Betty Gamez and her Duke, Roy Gamez of Pass Christian.

The giver of life, the “Cobalt Blue Ocean”, was represented by the fourth Maid, Darlene Thurman and her Duke, Sterling “Moose” Amos, II of Gulfport. Born of a flame of the Earth Mother and the Sky Father, was the Fifth Maid, Yvonne “Bonnie” Owen, the “Goddess of Volcanic Fire, Pele” of Biloxi and her Duke, Dr. Bruce Bergland of Gary, Indiana. The Power and Emotion of “The Deep Love of the Aloha Spirit” was aptly represented by the sixth Maid, Becky Robinson and her Duke Dr. Richard E. “Dick” Robinson of Pass Christian.