Miss Washington Catfish at Queen of Queens

Former Queen Ray*La*Ne and 2008 Miss Washington Catfish,

Heather Elise Hickey shows the span of activities included in Queen of Queens:

from the casual 1950’s drive-in party (which she is dressed for in the photo

with her catfish door decoration), to her turn as Cruella DeVille at the Hollywood

costume event on Friday, and then on to Saturday, which involved preparations for

the big night and the chance to make a dazzling entrance in red. Though she’s sad to be

giving up her current title in a couple of weeks, she already has been chosen to re-join

the Rhinestone Sisterhood: in May, she becomes Steamboat Queen, her third opportunity

in as many years to serve Louisiana’s festivals. (Photos courtesy of Heather Elise Hickey)

Queen of Queens: Update

I will not be posting my own photographs of the wonderful LAFF Convention and Queen of Queens weekend, but will post photos taken by the participants and sent to me. This way they can show their own personal experiences of the events. For Top 15 and other awards, visit www.laffnet.org .

Mardi Gras: An Amazing Mystick Krewe

The evening winds down with dances led by the costumed Krewe, who call out audience members for seven special dances, leading to boogeying by all. DC Mardi Gras is truly one of the most unforgettable events of any Louisiania queen's year (and the same may be said of all of us fortunate enough to attend).

Mardi Gras: I love a parade

Things get really unbelievable when the King's float separates from the stage, the back "wall" of curtains splits apart, and a half dozen parade floats appear in the ballroom, leading to a bead-throwing frenzy, with all the bands and krewe members joining the floats in a forty-minute loop.

Mardi Gras: Crowning glories

The festival queens sit onstage above the ball's King and Queen (this year a father-daughter duo), and add glamour to the scene, while enjoying festivities themselves. Shown here are Strawberry, Rice, Crawfish, Troubadour, and Yam queens, with the Troubadour queen in a hoop skirt so big she had to sit over her chair instead of on it.

Mardi Gras: Hail to the Queens, II

The queens were often cheered on by attendees from their own parishes. Cattle Queen Kristen, Gonzales Jambalaya Queen Jenna, Queen Cotton Brandy, Dixie Gem Peach Queen Jennifer, Fur & Wildlife Queen Lauren, and Frog Queen Chelsea are shown taking their turns in the spotlight, with especially raucous supporters for Fur and Frog. (Note: If I have mixed up any queens, please do correct me.)

Mardi Gras: Hail to the Queens, Part I

The final dignataries presented are the festival queens, who glide through the ballroom led by krewe members carrying signs proclaiming each girl's name and festival. I was unable to get good shots of all the queens (and I sincerely apologize to those not pictured), but they all deported themselves well at the ball, earning applause from the crowds. Seen here: Strawberry Queen Jeni, Rice Queen Devin, Crawfish Queen Nonnie, Troubadours Queen Elizabeth, Yambilee Queen Meghin, and French Food Queen Kayla