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.orgThe 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. The inaugural Bon Amis Ball was held in
Milton in 1978 with King Crawdad James Pelletier and Queen
Spanish Moss Jann Werner reigning. The Bon Amis Ball is a
costumed affair with a contest theme selected by royalty. The
gold spray-painted porcelain throne allows the King to rest and
his staff are just some of the whimsies that Bon Amis brings to
the night. The lighthearted and humor filled evening consists of
great friends and good times.
