Southernettes 2010 Carnival Ball

On January 30th, Southernettes held their 34th Annual Carnival Ball at the MS Coast Coliseum. This year’s Captains were Valerie Miller, Robin Mullen and Michelle Phillips. More than 1,300 guests were in attendance for this event themed “Southernettes Perform under the Big Top”. The “Ring Master” of Ceremonies, Charles David Curtis, kept the audience’s attention on the entertainment. Escorts for the Royal Court were Phillip Mullen, Johnny Phillips and Mike Vereker.

The event began with dance performances….The first group were the Lion Tamers led by the “Lady of the Jungle” Janice Marie Ferguson. Next were the Elephant Trainers led by the “Dominating” Carolyn Raymond followed by the Jugglers, led by the “Multi-talented” Kristie Centanni. The Tight Rope Walkers then performed and were led by the “Incomparable” Josette Clements. The “Sizzling” Amy Byrd and her Fire Eaters lit up the audience with their performance and the Snake Charmers, led by the “Hypnotizing” Kerry Nall, entertained all. The “Thrilling” Renae Davis and her Knife Throwers wowed the audience with their moves and the Magicians led by the “Enchanting” Yvette Cvitanovich captured everyone’s attention. Last, but certainly not least, the Clowns entertained all and were led by the “Comical” Ann Medlen.

After the performances, the 2009 King and Queen, Mr. Shane Langfitt and Ms. Dorinda Crowe Magnuson took their final promenade. The Southernettes 2010 Royal Court includes the following: Duke Ryan Morgan (Tattooed Man) and Maid Tara Adas (Palm Reader); Duke Bobby Simmons, Jr. (Human Cannon Ball) and Maid Sondra Riser (Dog Trainer); Duke Mike Jimerson (Wall of Death) and Maid Vicki Spiers (Elephant); Duke Brandon Mullen (Sword Swallower) and Maid Amy Byrd (Macaw Bird). Duke Richard Pinette (Strong Man) and Maid Krista Ely (Tiger); Duke Edward Riddle (Circus Food Vendor) and Maid Mikel Henry (Circus Food).

The 2010 Queen, representing the “Carousel”, is Antoinette Uram Morgan. She resides in Biloxi with her husband, Stanley and they have three children – Joy Morgan, Susie Gilson Judd and Ryan Morgan – a Duke this year. Antoinette has participated in Southernettes for the past 18 years. She was a Maid in 1997, became a member in 2003 and currently holds the office of Treasurer. She is employed at Coast Cardiovascular Consultants.

The 2010 King is Bob Harris who represented the ‘Ferris Wheel’. Bob is married to the former Tammy Boyd and they currently reside in Biloxi. They have three children - Scott (Spouse is Autumn), Jessica, and Rachel as well as a new grandbaby, Gage. Bob was a Duke in 2002, his wife a Maid in 2007 and she became a Southernette member in 2008. He is employed as the Network Database Manager at Gulf States Marine Fisheries.

The talented Rhonda Ballinger designed and executed all Court costumes as well as designed the group costumes.

Southernette members include: Angela Alley, Rhonda Ballinger, Valerie Brune, Sondra Caillavet, Julie Cannette, Denise Corso, Yvette Dahm, Iris Derouen, Pam Ferrill (Secretary), Connie Fountain (Sergeant at Arms), Nan Fountain, Terri Fournier, Tammy Harris, Darnell Iachino, Charmaine Landry(Sunshine Girl), Dorinda Magnuson (President), Judy Martino, Ann Medlen, Sara Miller, Valerie Miller (Vice President / Captain), Antoinette Morgan (Treasurer), Robin Mullen (Captain), Michelle Phillips (Captain), and Darnell Schreck.

This year’s Carnival Ball was dedicated to Southernette member Rhonda Ballinger and her husband, Ronny, for their extraordinary talent with the costumes as well as their never ending support of this annual event. Tableaux music was prepared and executed by Bob Harris and the stage and all decorations were provided by Paul Arguelles & Brenda Sergeant (dba Details). Photos were taken by Tommy Triplett and video was conducted by Augie Taconi. Hair dresser backstage was Becky Diaz and flowers were provided by The Flower Basket. Tickets and programs were designed and printed by Sorg Printing.

After the tableaux, guests were entertained by the spectacular band, “SHIMMUR”, from Lafayette, La.