I love being part of a Carnival krewe, especially one right here on the West Bank. So I was thrilled to see a local business owner named as the 2009 Chief Choctaw at the Coronation Party held Saturday night at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna.
John Dugas, owner of J&K Cafe and Bar in Algiers will reign over the krewe with his beautiful daughter-in-law, Rachel Dugas, at his side as the Princess.
Since the parade falls on Valentine's Day 2009, the theme will be The Mardi Gras of Love. The new Chief and Princess were crowned with red and white headpieces after the traditional passing of the tomahawks from the 2008 royalty who reluctantly gave them up.
Also announced was the 2009 Medicine Man, Matthew Heindel. Yep, I'm a proud mom :)
The most touching moment of the evening, however, was the presentation of the John R. Heindel Lifetime Achievement Award to New Orleans City Council President Jackie Clarkson. Jackie has been a long time friend to the krewe (her father was one of the early members) and she was recognized for all of the support she has given Choctaw through the years. The whoops and hollers from the crowd were loudest when she promised to bring Choctaw back to its original route starting in Algiers and she told me that she would proudly display her award in the her Council President's office for every visitor to see!
City Council President Jackie Clarkson on left, being congratulated on her award
We are just warming up for the 2009 Mardi Gras season...Hail the Chief!
To be a part of the Krewe of Choctaw, visit their website.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Lisa Heindel and West Bank Living.
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