By SUE ELLEN ROSS Staff Reporter

DES ALLEMANDS – The decorations at the 2004 Gala of the Des Allemands Krewe Saturday night were reflective of the attitude of the attendees – a colorful, light-hearted traditional celebration.

More than 250 people joined in the festivities that took place in the Father Mac Community Center on the grounds of St. Gertrude Catholic Church.

Saturday’s celebration was an annual event, which included the crowing of the King and Queen of the Krewe. Those honors were given to Simon and Mary Helen Dempster. Their Grand Marshalls this year are sisters Elsie Tauzin and Audrey Matherne.

Mardi Gras displays were evident everywhere. When first entering the community center, guests found themselves walking through a ribbon curtain, resplendent with the colors of Mardi Gras – green, gold and purple. Adding to the elaborate centerpieces at each table, many guests brought additional homemade or store-bought displays, and arranged them around the room. Dozens of helium balloons graced the long banquet tables.

Each family was given the option of bringing their own types of food and drinks, along with their place settings. Additional food and drinks also were available for purchase in a refreshment area of the hall.

Before the 2004 King and Queen were crowned, Former Des Allemands Kings, Queens and Grand Marshalls were called to the stage.

Those in attendance were

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Stanley and Olive DeFrene, 1996 King and Queen; Whitney and Myrtle Naquin, 1997 King and Queen; Merlin and Gladys Schaubhut, 1998 King and Queen; Velma Breaux, 1999 Queen; Sadie Fanguy, 2000 Grand Marshall; P.J. And Genevia Rogers, 2001 King and Queen; Johnny and Louise Schaubhut, 2002 King and Queen; Lester Matherne, 2002 Grand Marshall; Wilton and Elaine Hue, 2003 King and Queen; and Julie Somme, 2003 Grand Marshall.

After the Dempsters received their crowns, the King and Queen gave their first official toast to former royalty surrounding them, as well as to the general audience.

The first dance of the night spotlighted the new King and Queen.

They were joined by the Grand Marshalls, whose escorts were their respective sons.

Other guests then joined in and shared in the revelry until the wee hours of the morning.