Southernettes 2009 Carnival Ball

On January 24th, Southernettes held its 33rd annual carnival ball at the MS Coast Coliseum. More than 1,200 guests were in attendance for this evening of entertainment.

The captains for this year’s event were Julie Cannette, Pam Ferrill, Nan Grein and Ann Medlen. Court Escorts were Gerald Ferrill, Carl Fountain and Mike Medlen.

Master of ceremonies, Kevin Cruise presented the tableau for this year’s theme: “Southernettes Have Southern Style”

The event was opened with our 1st group of the evening representing Cowboy Cheerleaders led by Krista Ely. Next was Strawberry Festivals led by Amanda Moran. Kentucky Derby was next with our jockeys being led by Tammy Harris; Showboat Entertainers were led by Sondra Riser; Flamingos were led by Andrea Arguelles; Dixieland Delights were led by Christi Alford; Cruisin’ the Coast was led by Jennifer Hilton; Sunshine Girls were led by Rebecca O’Keefe. Representing ‘Happy Feet’ our snowbirds were led by Connie Fountain.

After the performances, we took a look back on 2008 King and Queen, John and Darnell Battaya Schreck.

Finally our Royal Court was presented: Duke Curt Fountain and Maid Andrea Mitchell; Duke Glenn Puzz and Maid Alecia Puzz; Duke Scott Carroll and Maid Melanie French; Duke Curtis Spiers and Maid Jeannine Reaux; Duke Joe Lawrence and Maid Fern Jordan; Duke Paul Benigno and Maid Alicia Ladner.

The 2009 Queen is Dorinda Magnuson who represented a ‘Sexy Southern Belle’. She is the wife of Jeff Magnuson and together they reside in Latimer. They have three children Hunter Bickham, Rachael Magnuson and Kyle Magnuson. She has been teaching for twenty two years and is currently a teacher at St. Martin East Elementary. Queen Dorinda was accompanied by her niece, Page Kiersten Elizabeth Allen from Franklinton, LA.

The 2009 King is Shane Langfitt who represented ‘A True Southern Gentleman’. Shane is married to Shellene Langfitt and they have three children, Chelsey, Austin and Savannah. He is the owner of S. Langfitt Coast Company, Inc. and was elected two terms as Constable in 2004 and 2008. King Shane was accompanied by Page Savannah Elizabeth Langfitt.

Group costumes were designed by Denise Corso. Maid costumes were designed by Rhonda Ballinger and Denise Corso. Duke capes were designed by Rhonda Ballinger as were the King and Queen attire. All court costumes were executed by Rhonda Ballinger.

Southernette members were introduced: Michelle Phillips(president), Robin Mullen(vice president), Antoinette Morgan(treasurer), Pam Ferrill(secretary/captain), Connie Fountain(sergeant at arms), Charmaine Landry(sunshine girl), Angela Alley, Rhonda Ballinger, Valerie Brune, Sondra Caillavet, Julie Cannette(captain), Yvette Dahm, Iris Derouen, Terri Fournier, Nan Grein(captain), Tammy Harris, Darnell Iachino, Dorinda Magnuson, Judy Martino, Ann Medlen(captain), Sara Miller, Valerie Miller, Darnell Schreck.

The 2009 ball was dedicated to Southernette member Yvette Dahm and her family, Ronnie, Eric, Joseph and Cherie.

The DJ was Bob Harris and the stage was designed and presented by Wadsworth Design House.

The photographer was Sunset Photography and video was by Augie Taconi.

Hair dresser backstage was Becky Diaz. Flowers were from The Flower Basket and printing was by Sorg Printing.

After the tableau the guests were entertained by the band “Hip Boot Joe."