Krewe of Bonaparte

In 1972 a new Mardi Gras Krewe was established to help promote the tradition of Mardi Gras in Acadiana and to encourage Lafayette’s young citizens to participate in Mardi Gras. The Krewe of Bonaparte’s first event was a summer cocktail party held Saturday, August 5, 1972 at Oakbourne Country Club. Some 150 people attended the event.

www.KreweOfBonaparte.org

The inaugural Officers:
Harold Abdalla, Charles Chatelaine and Ed Wynne Jr.

The inaugural Board Members:
Jack Ainsworth, Mrs. Ed Wynne Jr., Barbara Abdalla, Mrs. Charles Chatelaine, Tom Black, Mrs. Danny Smith, Ken Mayers, Charles Gahn and Richard Lyons

Although The Krewe of Bonaparte was established in 1972, it wasn’t until five years later in 1977, when its’ first Royals were selected.

King Napoleon I, Mr. Steve Gardes
Queen Josephine I, Mrs. Beverly Gardes

Marquis and Royalty Court were not elected until 1983. The format remains the same today.

The current board and officers of the Krewe of Bonaparte wish to thank those original founders and all of the wonderful volunteers, who over the years have made the Krewe of Bonaparte one of, if not the best Mardi Gras Krewe in Louisiana.