Let the good times roll

Photo by Paul L. Schuetze/The Times

Photo by Paul L. Schuetze/The Times

Did you know that Mardi Gras started 19 years ago by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce to boost the economy during quiet January and February. (Krewe of Apollo was already in existence, but not open to the public.)

As Cary Petty has told us, "We were sitting around and someone suggested we start Mardi Gras."

And, although the celebration has changed dramatically from those early days, it is definitely part of our culture and heritage now.

And, not only does the festival boost the economy in January and February, but all year.

There are also Mardi Gras sponsored events and benefits for charity, things such as golf tournaments and garage sales.

All of them give much to charity.

On this blog, we’ll I thought I’d share photos snapped at the Aug. 11 Krewe of Centenary Royalty Coronation and Mid-Way to Mardi Gras Party and the Aug. 12 Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Royalty Coronation. Centaur’s was at Riverview Hall and Barkus held forth at the Mardi Gras Museum, Bossier City. (Definitely, a well kept secret.)

The 2008 King and Queen of Centaur are David Johnson and Barbara Zerrahn and 2008 King and Queen of Barkus & Meoux Queen’s Ambassador Cheryl Lynn Rockwell and King’s Ambassador Raymond R. Abney Jr.

The first is a photo of the Centaur court and the second, revelers enjoying hors d’oeuvres before Barkus begins and giving you a glimpse of the museum.