Beneath soft violet lighting and shadowed silhouettes, the Krewe of Denham Springs ushered in the heart of Carnival season with its 2025 Mardi Gras Ball, Ghostly Gala: an evening that balanced theatrical flair with the enduring traditions that define Mardi Gras in Livingston Parish.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere set the tone. Gothic-inspired décor, delicate masks, and ghostly accents transformed the venue into an elegant nod to mystery and masquerade, while still honoring the unmistakable warmth of a community celebration. It was a night where craftsmanship, preparation, and pageantry took center stage, each detail thoughtfully woven into the experience.
The evening formally opened with a welcome from Krewe President Emily Barclay, followed by the introduction of the Master of Ceremonies, Scott Robb of Eagle 98.1, whose familiar voice guided guests through the night’s events. As tradition dictates, the retiring King and Queen were honored next, recognizing Scooter and Kay Keen for their service and reign before passing the torch to the next chapter of the krewe’s story.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night followed: the announcement of the 2026 King and Queen of the Krewe of Denham Springs. With applause filling the room, Susan and Chuck Hazleton were introduced as the incoming royal couple, marking the beginning of their year representing the krewe and the community it serves. Their selection reflects the krewe’s continued emphasis on leadership, commitment, and deep roots within the parish.
The introduction of the Royal Court further highlighted the collaborative spirit of Mardi Gras, bringing together representatives from krewes across the region. Each couple, dressed in elegant attire befitting the evening’s theme, stood as a reminder that Mardi Gras is not a single-night affair, but a season built on shared tradition, volunteerism, and connection.
Ball Captains Jeff and Mindy Lewis were recognized for their leadership and dedication, followed by the introduction of the 2025–26 officers; each playing a vital role in shaping the krewe’s year ahead. From parade planning to historical preservation, the officers’ roles underscore the extensive preparation that occurs long before beads ever hit the streets.
A special moment of the evening came with the Mayor’s Proclamation, as Mayor Gerard Landry presented the Key to the City and offered a toast in honor of the krewe and the Mardi Gras season. The proclamation served as a reminder of the longstanding relationship between the city of Denham Springs and the traditions that help define its cultural identity.
As the formal program concluded, the ballroom gave way to movement and music. The King and Queen’s Dance, followed by dances from the Royal Court and past royalty, honored the ceremonial rhythms of Mardi Gras balls past. The night culminated in a spirited second line, an unmistakable Louisiana tradition, bringing guests together in celebration and signaling the official start of the Carnival season.
Interwoven throughout the evening was a moment of reflection, honoring cherished krewe members Loron Barclay Teig and Donald Burgess, whose legacies continue to shape the spirit of the organization. Their remembrance served as a quiet, meaningful pause within an otherwise jubilant night.
The Ghostly Gala was more than an evening of elegance: it was a living expression of tradition, community, and continuity. As the krewe looks ahead to parade season and the reign of its new King and Queen, the ball stood as a reminder that Mardi Gras, at its core, is about honoring the past while celebrating what’s still to come.
