The Conde Cavaliers Mystic Society traditionally kicks off the Mardi Gras parade season each year in the streets of downtown Mobile. What many Mobilians don’t know is that the evening parade is the second parade of the day for the Condes. Each year, the Condes graciously bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to the Residents of Sacred Heart and kick off the season in true style.
Led by members of the Mary G. Montgomery marching band, the maskers paraded through the Home distributing beads, cups and sharing the fun and frivolity of Mardi Gras.
Not to be outdone, the Residents at Little Sisters continue the festivities throughout the Mardi Gras season with celebrations of their own. The Royal Cocktail Dinner Party is held to announce the members of the royal court that will preside over the season. This year, Sacred Heart Residents chose Florirose Watson-Walker as their Queen and Daniel Zydiak as their king. Father. Kenneth Klepac was chosen to serve as Mayor and Mrs. Leona Inge as the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting. Mr. Pat Thompson led the parade in grand style as Grand Marshal and Sarah Wilder entertained all as the Court Jester.
Other members of the 2014 court included Lady Shirley Lewis and Knight Father Russell Biven from St. Ann’s, Lady Mary Cassino from Madonna Way and Lady Carmen Menton and Knight Brother Gerald Amos from Lourdes Lane.
The court was presented to their royal subjects (and family, neighbors and friends) in grand style at the first annual Grand Marshal and Royal Court Parade on Feb. 27. Staff and Residents alike paraded in floats, decorated wheel chairs and even a boat, throwing goodies to the crowd. The fun continued the next day at the 40th Annual Royal Coronation of the Sacred Heart Residence. Celebrating “Mardi Gras Down Memory Lane” the court was presented and formally installed with an honor guard from the Murphy High School ROTC and escorted by Court Escorts Bruce Nystrom and Sandy Routh. The court and escorts were all beautifully attired in their formal wear and finery and the King and Queen’s trains were beautifully made.
The Murphy HS Jazz Band provided musical entertainment which prompted Court Jester Sarah Wilder to steal the show showing off her dance moves! Mayor Kenneth Klepac presented the Sacred Heart residence key to King Daniel and Master of Ceremonies Steve Seymour represented Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson in proclaiming the royal court’s reign.
Queen Florirose received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from King Daniel to complete the celebration. Residents and family members toasted and celebrated the court at a lovely reception.
Mobile’s Mardi Gras tradition lives on at the Sacred Heart Residence. Laissez les bons temps rouler!