Are you reading this wondering, “What in the world am I going to do this weekend? Here it is, Valentine’s Day, and I haven’t done or planned a thing” Well, the Krewe of Phoenix has come to your rescue.

Utilizing our theme of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” this weekend marks the culmination of many months of hard work as we bring the Mardi Gras season to a close with a weekend packed with fun.

At 5 p.m. Friday, our annual parade rolls through downtown Natchez. This year’s parade is being led by Grand Marshall Scott “Jiminy Cricket” Smith. Scott’s home is Spring Hill, Tenn., but because of his “crazy little love” of Natchez, he makes the trek to Natchez at least twice a year to help and host during Spring and Fall Pilgrimages. Scott’s love for Natchez is evident, and we are very fortunate to have him leading the way for what promises to be the best parade ever.

Rene’ Adams and Curtis Moroney have been hard at work lining up an incredible parade with more than 40 entrants. There will be tons of those precious beads, doubloons and cups to catch and collect, and I am told the competition is fierce among the floats as they vie for the coveted first place trophy.

Rex XXXIII Billy Ulmer and Rosalie XXXIII Lisa Mayers will reign over the affair with the help of their royal court. Look for them as they roll by throwing out royal favors and administering their “Royal blessings” on the people of Natchez.

Possibly the most anticipated new entrant in this years’ parade will be the Pleasant Acres Day Care “Throw Back Float.” Established in 1959, Pleasant Acres is devoted to the care and education of special needs children as well as adults. One of their primary funding sources comes from the recycling and selling of discarded Mardi Gras beads and trinkets. Positioned at the rear of the parade, this float will give us all a chance to throw some love their way. If you have a stockpile of old beads cluttering up your closets there could be no better way of cleaning them out. You’ll want to test your own bead throwing ability as “The Throw Back” rolls by collecting trinkets that next year will be a part of Mardi Gras, but surely with much more meaning. Get to Canal, Main or Franklin streets early for the best viewing and bead catching spot.

Your Valentine weekend continues Valentines’ night, with the fabulous Krewe of Phoenix Grand Ball, an evening of dining and dancing to be held at the Natchez Convention Center.

A night of glamour and romance, the doors will open at 8 p.m. No party in Natchez would be complete without wonderful food and drink, so enjoy the sumptuous treats prepared by the chefs from the Castle Restaurant as well as beverages from the open bars. Rex and Rosalie and the Royal Court will be there to greet you as you mingle with Natchez’s version of the Royal Couple. The “Compozitionz Soul City Revue” will then take the stage and what a night it promises to be. An integral part of the Revue, “The Love Notes”— a trio of beautiful and multi-talented young ladies will ignite the stage with their incredible vocals, timeless outfits and dance steps reminiscent of the greatest girl groups in history. “The Compozitionz” will then be on with music ranging from the magic of Motown (complete with choreography), the clubs of early Vegas and even current artists. This is a treat you don’t want to miss.

A black tie affair, admission to the ball is $60 per person for non-members. If you are interested in joining the Krewe of Phoenix, yearly membership applications will be available at the door.

On behalf of the board of directors, I look forward to seeing you there as we “Let the Good Times Roll!”

 

Darby Short is the chairman for the 2015 Krewe of Phoenix Grand Ball.