At the Windsor Court Hotel, Chairman of the 2011 Washington Mardi Gras Ball, Sen. Mary Landrieu announced Glen Smith,

of Norco as King and

Leah Aucoin as Queen of Washington Mardi Gras. The annual Washington Mardi Gras, sponsored by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, has evolved from a “demonstration of the spirit of Mardi Gras” to a celebratory event to honor Louisiana people, culture and politics.

The announcement reception took place in The Grill Room of the Windsor Court Hotel. In addition to Landrieu, Smith and Aucoin, other public officials and well-known Louisianans were on hand for the festivities.

Smith is the CEO of the Magnolia Companies, a sixteen company conglomerate based in the River Parishes focusing in the maritime and real estate industries. Smith has contributed innumerable hours to serving a variety of organizations such as the St. John Economic Development Committee and the Louisiana Airport Authority. His philanthropic interests include an emphasis on disadvantaged children, senior citizens and young adult mentoring programs.

The Washington Mardi Gras Ball will take place on Saturday, Feb. 12. For more information on the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, visit www.mkofl.com.