Your Life - Mardi Gras - Mardi Gras balls

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

Krewe of Venus pre-ball party

Gulfport's Krewe of Venus held their 19th Pre-Ball Royalty Party on Saturday evening, January 3, 2009, in the 'Sunset Room' of the 'Great Southern Club' atop the Hancock Bank building.

As in the past, this Krewe tradition is held to unveil the incoming Royalty to the membership and their guests prior to the annual ball.

Mistress of Ceremonies, President Jeanette Chedotal, introduced the Officers and appointed chairwomen:

Lynda Gary, Vice President; Marie Eck, Treasurer; Betty Gamez, Recording Secretary; Dixie Huch, Corresponding Secretary; Bonnie Owen, Parliamentarian; Eloise Gryder,BallCaptain; Darlene Owen,Immediate Past President/Advisor; Diana Israel, Historian; Betty Stafford and Edna Loflin, Hospitality; JoAnn Munghia and Margaret Strnad, Publicity and Telephone; and Darlene Thurman, Decorations.

The 'Queens Eternal' of the Krewe were recognized with their Kings.

They are: Venus IV, Eloise Gryder; Venus V, Marie Eck; Venus VIII, Bonnie Owen; Venus IX, Betty Price; Venus X, Jewel Huch; Venus XII, Marge Justice; Venus XIV Joy Koniak; Venus XV, Dixie Huch; and Venus XVII, Jeanette Chedotal.

The presentation of the reigning Court of the Krewe for 2008 was led by the introduction of Her Majesty, Queen Venus the 18th, Brenda Kraemer and her King Norvin Kraemer. Queen Brenda was resplendent as the ultimate Southern Belle, Scarlet O'Hara.

Her Maids and Dukes were: Lynda Gary and Gaylord Wilson; Charlene Stagg and Fritz Mueller; Betty Gamez and Roy Gamez; Ronnie Niolet and David Wescovich; Kathleen Hoffmeyer and Donald Hoffmeyer; and Barbara Copeland and Charles Copeland.

Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Royal Court for 2009. Selected to Reign as the 19th Queen of Venus is Darlene Owen and her King, Scott Owen.

Royal Maids and Dukes will be: Margaret Ann Strnad and Peyton Scoggins; Christine Maxwell and Craig Wells; Betty Gamez and Roy Gamez; Darlene Thurman and Sterling Amos II; Bonnie

Owen and Dr. Bruce Bergland; and Becky Robinson and Dr. Richard Robinson. Queen Brenda and King Norvin presented a Royal toast to the incoming Royalty. Maid Bonnie Owen and Duke Roy Gamez led the champagne toasts to Queen Darlene and King Scott.

Gifts of Silver and Pewter were exchanged between the Court members. Krewe of Venus members gifted the incoming Royalty with jeweled King and Queen pins.

Following the buffet and open bar, music for dancing was provided by "Dee and the Sax Man."