When some 1,000 Krewe Gemini members walked into Live! Casino for Krewe Gemini’s coronation, they faced a sea of starbursts rising from the centers of the tables, with more highlighting the stage.
It was a sight to see.
Gemini kicked off the 2027 Mardi Gras-in-the-Ark-La-Tex coronation season.
The krewe’s theme: “Retro Rewind-Can you Dig it?”
Ruling, but not reigning for Gemini 2007: Captain XXXVIII Patrick Gallagher.
Highlight of the evening: Crowning and sashing of Gemini King XXXVIII Keith Woods and Queen XXXVIII Rebecca Woods.
The two reign over 2027 Gemini festivities, which include the Gemini Golf Tournament, Fall Flambeaux, Mardi Gras Mass and the Grand Bal & Tableau.
Other members of the Royal Court of Gemini 38:
Dukes & Duchesses
Arkansas: Macy Flash and Teri Flash, coming out to “Flash’s Theme” by Queen.
Louisiana: Chris Knight and Amy Knight, introduced to “Turn Down For What,” DJ Snake and Lil Jon.
Texas: Pat Day and Taylor Maughon.
Princes and princesses stepping on stage to: “Levitating” Dua Lipa; “Run This Town,” Jay Z-Rihanna; “Shake It off,” Patrick Swift.
Prince Breydon, Benton High School, son of Wayne Dunn and Cassy Dunn.
Princess Ragan Stephenson, Parkway High School, daughter of Allyson Stephenson and stepdaughter of Christy Stephenson.
Princess Addison Weaver, Magnolia Bend Academy, daughter of Jamison and Tanya Weaver.
Captain Pat told royals they have big responsibilities: “To educate our community, highlight our sponsors and promote benefits of Mardi Gras.”
The evening reached a high point when Captain 2025 Cole Guthrie presented the Dave Michels Award to 2026 Queen Bernie Bitting for volunteer work for the krewe and community. It is named after a king who died before he had time to reign. The 2026 captain described Michels as someone who “gave his heart to our krewe.”
Gemini Party Notes
Toasts held off and on throughout the evening included a farewell for Bitting and 2026 King Sam Cooksey, who removed their crowns on stage.
Glasses were raised for Gemini members who died during the past year: Gerald Brooks, Jerry Talley, Taylor Brown, Gracie McAlister, Greg Watson, Gloria Whitaker, Chris Keenan and Marshall Luttrell.
Presentation of the symbol of royalty, the Ducal Chain, from Guthrie to Gallagher.
As the evening ended, partygoers filled the dance floor, took balloon-inspired props and, for the rest of the evening, tossed them to and fro with gleeful joy.
When all was said and done, 2026 Captain Cole took the microphone: “Serving as your captain has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life…a year filled with incredible memories and friendships.”
He thanked the 2025 court for serving the community while celebrating Gemini’s traditions and told members they were the reason Gemini continues to thrive after all these years.
Guthrie recognized the other krewes for members’ friendships, service and mutual respect. He emphasized that although Gemini kicked off the festival 38 years ago, the entire Mardi Gras community, not just one krewe, makes the region unique.
And a piece of advice: “Embrace every moment, because this year will pass much faster than you think!”
Let’s Crown More Royals
Krewe of Gemini’s glittery coronation was only the beginning of the coronation season. We regretted, but received invitations.
Two other krewes crowned royals:
1. July 26. Krewe Barkus and Meoux, “the animal krewe,” announced during festivities at Lowe McFarlane American Legion. In the gold-on-royal-blue grand invitations, members invited recipients to wear their “Sunday best” and join the krewe “for an elegant afternoon.” The purpose: to celebrate the crowning of the royal court and its mission of supporting animals.
The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux royal court includes Captain Angie Cason and Co-Captain Tricia Williams. Reigning as king and queen are Kenneth Pierson and Shelly Stewart. The Duke and Duchess of Feathers are Chris Liner and Natalyn Peters; the Duke and Duchess of Fins are Chevy King and Kichelle Rowe; and the Duke and Duchess of Fur are Keith Sanders and Misty Sanders. The Krewe’s Princes of Rescue are Kayson Craig and Walker Pace, with Georgia Roy serving as Princess of Rescue.
2. Aug. 1. Krewe of Atlas’ invitation is one of the most sophisticated and sexy of all invitations received so far this season. When opened, the photo was a stunner and one of the most interesting we have received in 38 years of covering Mardi Gras. Recipients see red lips only barely opened holding a lit cigarette surrounded by smoke. The explanation: “Speakeasy. Krewe of Atlas.” An Atlas member wanted you to join them “for a night of mystery, elegance and indulgence as we celebrate coronation in true speakeasy style: Coronation XIX. Held at Live Casino! (What happens behind closed doors…stays there,” the invitation explained.”)
Sooo… What happened behind these closed doors: Dinner buffet, cash bar … Silent auction/Booze Barrel/Gun Raffle … Music by DJ Chica Montez.
An evening to remember? You bet.
What was a girl or guy to wear? “Speakeasy or cocktail attire.”
Atlas royals: Queen Joanne “Jojo” Pappas. (There is no king because he was murdered at the Atlas Speakeasy, said Captain Cassidy, referring to the tableau. “Find out who died it at the 2027 ball,” she explained.)
Other court members:
Duchesses: Murder Amanda Willis; Mystery Jessica Henderson; Mayhem Gayla Boyd; Misrule Sherry McIIwain.
Princess of Mischief Teah Mullen, Northwood High School, daughter of Cash Mullen.
Atlas Co-Captain: John Pumilio.
