St. Paul Carnival Association

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The St. Paul Carnival Association celebrated “Down By The Sea” at its 79th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 21st, at the West Harrison County Civic Center. Queen Christian 2009 Dr. Kimberly Benigno, wife of Dr. James Benigno, and King Christian LXXIX Mr. Stephan Planchard, husband of Queen Christiana 2004 Mrs. Kem Planchard.

The Master of Ceremonies Mr. Donald J. Rafferty, Esq., introduced the Ball Captain who blew the whistle to open the ball at 8 o’clock p.m. After the introduction of the Ball Captain, King Christian LXXVIII Mr. Michael Lamarca and Queen Christian 2008, Mrs. Anne Tucker Taylor were introduced and proceeded to have their final march.

The Master of Ceremonies introduced King Christian LXXIX and his royal pages and heralds, Master Benjamin Benigno son of Dr(s) James Benigno, Jr., Master Jack Dufrene son of Mr and Mrs. John Dufrene; Master Lee Negrotto son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Negrotto IV and Master Stephen Schruff, Jr. son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schruff.

After King Christian proceeded to the throne, the Master of Ceremonies introduced the 2009 Royal Court; Maid Mrs. Lisa Dufrene escorted by Duke Mr. John A. Dufrene, Jr., Maid Mrs. Rita Hall escorted by Duke Mr. Mike Hall, Maid Mrs. Debbie Vignes escorted by Duke Mr. Daniel Vignes, Maid Mrs. Susan Holiman escorted by Duke Mr. Ralph Holiman, Maid Mrs. Brandy Schruff escorted by Duke Mr. Stephen Schruff, Maid Mrs. Becky Trapani escorted by Duke Mr. Chris Trapani, Maid Mrs. Shari Negrotto escorted by Duke Dr. Jeffery Taylor, Maid Ms. Elizabeth Maldonado escorted by Duke Mr. Bill Bradley Maid Ms. Helen Maldonado escorted by Duke Mr. Matthew Planchard.

After the royal court was introduced the Master of Ceremonies introduced Queen Christian 2009 escorted by her husband, Dr. James Benigno, Jr. The little maids were introduced, Miss Madison Bradley daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bradley, Miss Kristi Funk daughter of Mrs. Sherri Funk, Miss Mary Holiman daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Holiman and Miss Carol Ann Trapani daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Trapani. King Christian LXXIX met his queen and escorted her to the throne.

The Master of Ceremonies introduced the king and queen of the Long Beach Carnival Association, elected officials and dignitaries. The Master of Ceremonies introduced all former kings and queens. Queen Christiana 1978 Shirley Sessum who died in 2009 was recognized and by tradition King Christian LIX Mr. Mark Jenkins and Queen Christiana 1989 Pat Scarborough who reigned 20 years ago were recognized. After these introductions entertainment was provided by “The Dance Company.” After the entertainment the king and queen went on their traditional royal march.

The President of the St. Paul Carnival Association, Mr. Robin Rafferty was introduced. He presented royal gifts to the 2009 and 2008 royalty and introduced the Board of Directors; Mrs. Brandy Schruff Vice President, Mrs. Susan Holiman Secretary, Mr. John Dufrene Treasurer, Director(s) Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt Taylor, Mrs. Rita Hall, Mrs. Stacy Garcia, Mrs. Shari Negrotto, Mrs. Kathy Rogers, Mr. Kerry Wittman and Fr. Dennis Carver.

After introducing the Board he thanked all the members of the following committees: Mrs. Julia Guneau, Ms. Beverly Ridgeway and Mrs. Alice Wittmann Court; Mr. Christopher Schmidt Parade Marshall; Mr. John Dane III and Mr. Austin Sperry Grand Marshalls; Mrs. Gayle Parker Parade Moderator; Mrs. Carol Rafferty Door; Mrs. Debbie Fournier and Mrs. Carol Rafferty Program; Mrs. Susan Holiman, Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, Mrs. Brandy Schruff, and Mrs. Shari Negrotto Ball Decorations; Mr. Kerry Wittmann, Mr. Frank P. Wittmann III, Mr. Matthew Shaw, and Mr. Kenneth Wittmann Floor; Mrs. Brandy Schruff Membership and Ticket Sales; Mr. Billy Bourdin Historical Photographs; and Ms. Julie Long Royal Photographer.

At the point the Ball Captain blew the traditional whistle to end the ball. The Krewe was entertained the rest of the evening by Dr. Rock and the Interns.