Krewe of Allegro Mardi Gras Ball BY MARLEN WATERS
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his was the first year for the non-profit arts organizations housed in the Dixie Center for the Arts to work together as the Krewe of Allegro: Dixie Center for the Arts, North Central Louisiana Arts Council, Ruston Civic Symphony Society, Ruston Community Theatre and Troupe Dixie. This year, funds raised from the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball established a “Sustaining Building Fund” to maintain the historic 1928 Dixie Theatre building and its adjacent properties. The Dixie Center for the Arts has served a pivotal role in the Ruston community over the years by providing a prominent place to promote the arts, and by safeguarding a piece of Ruston’s architectural and cultural history. Collaborating on the Mardi Gras Ball Committee and giving the Ball a fabulous “facelift” was Grace Tirado (Ball Committee Chairperson), Sandra Hart, Libby English and John Emory, Jr. The Title Sponsor for the ball this year was Bank of Ruston. Marsala Beverage was the Drink Sponsor, and National Jewelry Company Inc. was the Coronation Sponsor. The music for the evening was provided by celebrated local band, the Buddy Terzia Band. Buddy and his 10-piece show band provided tunes that spanned several decades. They also provided the traditional Second Line featuring the band’s horn section. Food for the evening was a variety of delectable Louisiana-inspired dishes. Crowned as King and Queen was Lou Charles Napper and Elizabeth (Libby) English. They represented Ruston Civic Symphony Society. The rest of the Royal Party consisted of: Troupe Dixie- Duke Estevan Garcia and Duchess Stephanie Smith; Dixie Center for the Arts- Duke John Emory, Jr. and Duchess Mary Ann Woods; North Central Louisiana Arts Council- Duke Richard Lewis and Duchess Janine Lewis; Ruston Community Theatre- Duke Saul Zalesch and Duchess Dianne Douglas One of the highlights of the event each year is the Silent Auction held by North Central Louisiana Arts Council. The Silent Auction Committee was chaired by Nancy Wallace, with Catherine McVea as Co-Chair. Amanda Simoneaux, a NCLAC intern from Louisiana Tech, worked with Nancy and Catherine, and these ladies did a wonderful job. NCLAC Executive Assistant Laura Hunt Miller’s brainstorming played a pivotal part in the planning as well. The Silent Auction is an important NCLAC fundraiser that goes towards funding NCLAC’s programming, like Summer Art Camps for Kids; held in Ruston, and in various locations within Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, and Union Parishes, and Holiday Arts Tour; a premier local economy-boosting event for local artists, craftspersons, and business owners. Auction items included prized local artworks, high-quality items donated by local merchants and individuals and entertaining “experience packages” and much more.
108 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
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On the BayouScene at Ruston’s Krewe of Allegro Mardi Gras Ball: 1 April and Chris Honaker 2 Libby English and Lue Charles Napper 3 Janine and Richard Lewis 4 Mary Ann Woods and John Emory Jr. 5 Fred and Tonika Blake 6 Steele Moegle and Dianna Grigsby 7 Meg and Heath Allen 8 Yvette and John Emory, Sr. 9 Jim and Loretta Owens 10 Peggy Fallin and Janie Cherry 11 Jean and Monique Gourd 12 Stephanie Smith and Estevan Garcia 13 Josh and Leigh Chambers, Meg Allen 14 Dianne Douglas and Saul Zalesch
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