PASCAGOULA — The Mystic Krewe of Ulysses held its 32nd annual carnival ball on February 13 at the B.E. Mac McGinty Civic Center in Pascagoula.
The theme was A Tribute to Beach Bars & Tiki Bars. The theme celebrated the music and characters of Jimmy Buffett.
The evening began with the sailors from the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit based at Keesler Air Force Base presenting the flag for the national anthem.
Retiring royalty King Ulysses XXXI, Frank Kirby made his final appearance as he presided over the evenings festivities.
Queen Penelope XXXI, the late Jeanie Jones, was honored with a tribute to her memory by the Ulysses soldiers dressed in the Krewes traditional colors of red and gold. A tribute float with her crown and a dozen silk roses was led to the throne by this years Krewe President, Ed Herrington. He placed in her memory, the royal crown and the dozen silk roses upon the throne.
Krewe Captain, James Barlow welcomed revelers as Jimmy Buffett from his 70s album Havana Daydreamin.
The Ulysses Soldiers presented the sword entrance to begin the royal court presentation. The Krewe slave girls then paraded out to the revelers dressed as Hula Girls.
The Krewe of Ulysses is a mystic Krewe. The royal court is unknown and revealed the night of the ball. Keeping with tradition the court rides out on mini floats and is revealed at the end of the court presentation.
The first masked pair to arrive was third duke and duchess, Doug Reid and Bonnie Reid. They were pushed out on a mini float decorated as the tropical isle of Montserrat where a volcano is about to blow. Doug Reid portrayed a witchdoctor who is about to sacrifice a virgin portrayed by Bonnie Reid. The two paraded out to the song, Volcano by Jimmy Buffett.
Next to make their appearance was second duke and duchess, Joe Loris and Donna Loris. Both were brought out on a mini float built to replica the yacht, Euphoria. Joe Loris portrayed Capt. Joe Merchant who is sailing his guest Ms. Heinz 57 to port for some fun and a cheeseburger in paradise. They were pushed to the tune of Cheeseburger in paradise by Jimmy Buffett.
First duke and duchess, Randall Griffin and Peggy Griffin were pushed out on a mini float built to resemble a beach bar in Negril, Jamaica. Randall Griffin portrayed one of the deadly land sharks that inhabit the beach bars looking for a beautiful mermaid. Peggy Griffin dressed as the beautiful mermaid. Both were brought to the stage to the song, Fins by Jimmy Buffett.
The grand duke and grand duchess, Wesley Devers and Sue Guillote were brought out on a mini float that represented the dense dark jungles of the Caribbean where they are searching for the frozen concoction paradise, Margaritaville. Wesley Devers dressed as the Pirate Captain looking at forty and was joined by his sidekick, Sue Guillote as Parrothead the parrot. Queen Penelope XXXII Kay Kirby was lifted high on the shoulders of the Krewe soldiers for her procession to her throne. After her procession, Queen Penelope XXXII took her spot upon the throne.
King Ulysses XXXII Jamie Jones was presented in the royal Krewe Kings Float. King Ulysses XXXII then paraded around the civic center before returning to the stage to take his place to reign for 2009.
Kelly Bennet of Magic 93.7 served as mistress of ceremonies and Todd Langlinais provided the music during the tableau and for the remainder of the evening.
