The Orange Grove Carnival Association held its sixteenth annual ball Saturday, January 10, 2009, at the West Harrison County Community Center. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Mike Regenold of Gulfport.
The 2008-2009 officers are President Mike Valentine, Vice-President Jesse Lott, Secretary Tamara Coolidge and Treasurer Stacey Meyers. Members of the Board of Trustees are , Donnie Skinner, Lari Ann ORouke, Jerry Boggess, Brandi Lonnborg and John Maloncon.
The 2008 Queen, Ms. Brandi Lonnborg and King Mr. Mike Ernst, entered the stage after the presentation of Officers. They brought back 2008 theme of Going Hollywood."
Acting as hosts for the Oscar presentation and representing music legends Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Jr. was the Ball Captain, Carolyn Skinner, and Parade Captain, Andy Dedeaux.
The maids, dressed in gowns with decorated mantels and accented with head pieces, and dukes, dressed in tuxes with decorated capes and cowboy hats entered the stage as follows:
Representing the group Sugarland was maid Ms. Jamie Kirby and her duke, Mr. Brandon Boggess. They entered to the song Everyday America
Representing what is considered the reigning king and queen of country music and the pride of Star, Mississippi was maid Ms. Amber Boggess as Faith Hill and duke Mr. Paul Watts as Tim McGraw. They entered to the song Its Your Love and This Kiss
Next to enter representing Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood was maid, Ms. Martha Coble and duke, Mr. Matt Dedual. They entered to the song Can You Squeeze Me In
Entering the stage to the song Islands in the Stream and representing Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers were maid Ms. Tamara Coolidge and duke Mr. Donnie Skinner.
The next maid and duke proved it only really takes two to have a party. epresenting Shania Twain and Billy Currington and to the song Party for Two were maid Ms. Amy Kahler and duke Mr. Tim Perry.
Representing two of Nashvilles greatest were maid Ms. Mary Taunton and duke, r. Jesse Lott. They entered the stage to the song Golden Rings as made famous by Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
Our next famous duo represented the coal miners daughter, Loretta Lynn and the pride of Mississippi, Conway Twitty. Entering to the song Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man were maid, Mrs. Dixie McClelland and duke, Mr. Daniel McClelland.
Our last famous duo could be best characterlized as the master of party music and the sweetheart of country music. Entering to the song Trip Around the Sun and representing Martina McBride and Jimmy Buffett were maid, Mrs. Tiffany Skinner and duke, Mr. Justin Skinner.
Representing Orange Grove Carnivals King and Queen of Country Music was Queen Mrs. Dawn Boggess and King Mr. Dallas Meyers.
Queen: The queen for 2009 is Mrs. Dawn Boggess. Dawn has been a member of Orange Grove Carnival Association since 2003. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Dawn and her husband Jerry have 4 children and 1 grandson. She has previously served as a Maid.
King: The king for 2009 is Mr. Dallas Meyers. Dallas has been member for the past two years and has served as a Duke previously. A graduate of St. Johns High School, Dallas works as an Assistant Manger for Winn Dixie. Dallas is single and has lived in the Orange Grove/Lyman Community his entire life. Dallas also is the youngest King. Dallas is the son of Stacey Meyers.
The 2009 King and Queen were given their scepters by the 2009 Queen and King and began their reign. They greeted special royal family members and guests.
Royal pages to her majesty were Miss Michela Alicia Nelson daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Nelson and Miss Emily Taylor Hopkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Boggess and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hopkins
Royal pages to his majesty was Miss Hannah Victoria Craig daughter of Ms. Jennifer Craig and Mr. and Mrs. Joel Craig and Miss Kaley Madison Taunton daughter of Ms. Mary Taunton.
Backstage attendants were, Josh and Hillary Craig.
Tableau music was provided by Mr. Nathan Lott. Entertainment was provided by Triggerproof of Biloxi, MS. Costumes were designed by Mrs. Sally Romero and seamstress was Mrs. Barbara Lonnborg. Photography was by Ms. Carol Hopson.
The Associations logo was designed by Mrs. Becky Taylor. Stage setting and decorations were designed by Mrs. Carolyn Skinner, Stacey Meyers, Leslie Harmon and Lari Ann ORourke.
