By Leonard Gray / L’Observateur / February 16, 1998

LULING – The Krewe of Lul celebrated its 21st year Saturday with its third Carnival ball, playing tribute to lifelong residents Rene and Mae Champagne.

Theme of this year’s event is “21 Blackjack.” The parade is scheduled Feb.21 at 1 p.m.Emcee Edward Dufresne Jr. greeted the couple at the Esperanza Room, andthe 1998 royalty were toasted by the 1997 honorees Clay and Patsy Faucheux.

1997 Grand Marshal Lena Lacroix received special recognition, as she was unable to attend last year’s ball, and the 1998 Grand Marshal Lydia Bergeron was also honored.

The room was decked out in Carnival colors, and 1994 King Dudley Webre led the 200-plus attendees in second-line dancing. However, the romantichigh point in the evening was the solo dance by King Rene and Queen Mae, followed by dancing by most of those attending.

Past Lul royalty, most of whom attended, were recognized and presented gifts by the reigning royals. Dufresne also presented the 1998 royal couplewith a special memorial plaque.

Past kings and queens include Jennie and John Busalacchi, Ernestine and William Mongrue, Clothilde and Clamay Babin, Maggie and Lupton Brown, Audrey and Gus Champagne, Julia and Earl Tastet, Lillian and Frank Bosco, Lucie and Maurice Loupe, Aline and Sidney Gassen, Juanita and William Woodruff, Eula and Matt Lauve, Bernadine and Harry Matherne, Earline and Linton Bergeron, Lorraine and Hubby Foret, Marcia Mae and Lionel Troxler, Barbara and Archie Mollere, Brenda and Dudley Webre, Sylvia and “Rock” Gisclair, Carol and Charles Oubre Jr. and Patsy and Clayton Faucheux.The 1998 parade was also dedicated to the memory of Gina Bosco Chaisson.

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