Celebrating with one heart, one love for Louisiana

One Love carried more than 5,000 Louisiana residents to Washington D.C. — to celebrate Mardi Gras. Teche Area resident members and guests of The Mystic Krewe of Louisianians packed three days of festivities into a fun filled event.

“It’s fun, it’s everything Louisiana,” Lisa Norris said about her third visit to the Capital city for Mardi Gras. “You try to do what you can during the day, visit hospitality suites and then dress for three nights of parties.

The first night was all about Louisiana with food, music and a carnival atmosphere. The second night was a dinner where the Queens and princesses were introduced. The final night, or masque bal, included mini-floats, costumes and throws, Norris said. Her husband, Pat Norris, was a masked escort for their host, Joann Parker.

Raising Cane’s “One love for Louisiana” was the theme for this year’s event and owner Todd Graves reigned as king with Queen Anna Reilly by his side.

Trinkets and stuffed favors featuring Graves’ famous Cane dog mascot were part of the festivities. And of course, chicken fingers were included in the culinary offerings.

It is reported by guests attending that there wasn’t a dry eye when Graves introduced his newest addition to the Raising Cane’s family — a new puppy. Prior to raising Cane up to the dedication theme from “The Lion King,” Graves told the story about Cane I and II who helped launch the brand. This public appearance was the first for the new mascot and man’s best friend.

“A large stuffed Cane’s dog greeted guests in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, site of Mardi Gras festivities,” said Catherine Wattigny who was there with her husband Dean. “We felt at home staying at a hotel on the street named after our state.”

Governor and Mrs. John Bel Edwards attended the Washington Mardi Gras Ball and conversed with the Wattignys about a common legacy as children of former Louisiana sheriffs, among other things.

Captain of the Krewe, Congressman Steve Scalise, enjoyed the festivities and contributed to the music of the Friday night event by joining the band in playing the washboard on stage.

Presented as krewe Princesses were Caroline Anne LeBlanc, Mr. & Mrs. Lee LeBlanc, Courtney Meihua LeBlanc and Tiffany Mei-Qi LeBlanc, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Tom LeBlanc, all of New Iberia. Alexandra Reese Pharr, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mike “Tiger Pharr of Lafayette was also presented.

Three women representing state industries as Louisiana Festival Queens were from the Teche Area. Sarah Elizabeth Saunier from Delcambre, Shrimp Festival Queen.

Sloane Marie Judice, who began as the New Iberia Farm Bureau Queen, represented the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Her sister Taylor Elizabeth Judice, also from New Iberia, was presented as Queen Sugar for the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival.

“It was very exciting, the entire family was able to attend,” Taylor Judice said. “My sister Blaise is married to Nevin Landry, part of the Loureauville Harvesters, that’s who I represented. Seeing some of the farmers from the sugar cane industry there was great.”

Her first time to Washington D.C., Judice said they enjoyed seeing all of the famous monuments and presenting a Louisiana gift to state Congressman Clay Higgins.”

Representative of New Iberia’s Berry Queens, sans the wigs, were Lynn Flash Deckard and Dr. Tina Theriot who was queried by Congressman and Dr. Bill Cassidy about healthcare provided by chiropractors. 

There was no shortage of conversation and revelry by Louisiana folks.

The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians started in 1944, according to the souvenir program, and this year celebrated its 70th annual Washington Mardi Gras Ball.