Las Vegas Noblesse Style
Las Vegas
Noblesse Style
Krewe de la Noblesse brought the Lake Charles Centre de Civique alive Saturday evening, Jan. 31, 1998 with their 13th year of artistic sovereighty. "Las Vegas Noblesse Style" was this years theme of their Presentation and Ball.
Krewe members and guests were treated to a replica of the most elaborate entertainment city in the world. The aura of Bugsy Siegel's notorious gaming industry was enhanced by the twelve foot pink feathered flamingos adorning the bandstand, noting the influence of the first city casino, "The Pink Flamingo." Colorful showgirl centerpieces carried the theme of the "Ledo" through to each member's table.
An
impressive program started with the sound of the Captain's
whistle, and the lighting of the Krewe Crest. The Louisiana
National Guard posted the Nation and State Colors as the Michigan
State University rendition of the "Star Spangled
Banner" played.
The 1998 Board of Directors of Krewe de la Noblesse were
presented including: Captain Richard Breaux, escorted by his
wife Marilyn
F. Breaux; President Mary Ann Holmes, escorted by her
husband, Dick Holmes; First Vice
President Joe Rabalais, escorted by his
wife, Marie
Rabalais; Second Vice President Mike Giles, escorted by Shirley
Witherwax; Secretary Barbara Chiasson, escorted by her
husband, Jack Chiasson; Treasurer Carmel Fazzio, escorted by her
husband, Anthony Fazzio; and Krewe
Representative Margaret Ellis, escorted by, Jack Miller.
The return of the 1997 royal court of "Noblesse Salutes Disney" was led by King Gabriel Noblesse XII, Keith Jagneaux and Queen Ashley Noblesse XII, Ellen Jagneaux and Dukes and Duchesses, Dave Meacham and Marie Fruge, Barbara Chiasson and Bob Green, Leo and Heather Reddock, and Kenny and Valerie Norwood.
Krewe de la Noblesse with great delight introduced its 1998 Debutantes. Presented were Nicole Elazabeth Angers, daughter of former Captain Joey and Julie Angers; Alicia Leigh Kritsonis, daughter of Doctors William and Mary Alice Kritsonis; Heather Rae Owen, daughter of Rick and Jeri Owen; Anne Elise Wheat, daughter of Elvin and Karen Wheat and granddaughter of Krewe member Betty Hebert Geer; and Rachel Renee Young, daughter of Paul and Laura Young and granddaughter of Krewe member Shirley Roy.
Representing the entertainment capitol of the world, from
"High Rollers' to Jeweled Crooner" was captain, Richard
Breaux. He represented Mr. Las Vegas entering the
coliseum with Show Girls on his arms dancing to Elvis Preseley's
"Viva Las Vegas." His long tunic was of red and white
velvet accented with royal blue, red and crystal stones, and
embellished with silver sequined appliques and rhinestones. His
collar was of large royal blue, red and silver sequin appliques
with jeweled stones and rhinestones backed with large white
ostrich plumes. His matching headpiece, cape and boots
complmented his attire.
The captain, a retired businessman and his
wife, Marilyn have four children
Ricky, Vickie, Geneva and Jason.
Representing Ceasars Palace and its timeless empire was King
Gabriel Noblesse XIII, Rene Vera Sr. He entered
escorted by his granddaughter, Megan Lyn Lebouef. The King was
attired in a royal blue velvet tunic with a white lace overlay
trimmed with rhinestones. His large mantel was royal blue satin
with large gold and silver sequined appliques with a crown in the
center. It was trimmed in faux fur. The massive collar was of
gold and silver sequin with large rhinestones on the white lace
overlay. It was backed by large white ostrich plumes. The costume
was completed with matching boots.
Queen Asheley Noblesse XII, Patricia Vera, was escorgted by her son, Neil Vera and grandson, Joey Vera. Her form fitted bodice had a white lace overlay and appliques and was embellished with rhinesones. It featured a princess neckline and cap sleeve. Her full length skirt was accented with hundreds of lace appliques and rhinestones. They wore matching mantels and collars and silver crowns and scepters featuring Italian rhinestones.
Rene Sr. and Patricia Vera of Lake Charles have been married since 1956 and have four sons, Rene Jr., Peter, Neil, Quin, and one daughter, Gilda Marie Lebouef, and three grandchildren, Megan, Nicole, and Joey. The King is formerly of Port Arther, Tesas and attended Lamar University. He is a retired District Manager of Western-Southern Co., and a veteran of the Korean War. He enjoys traveling, carpentry, gardening and Mardi Gras. The Queen, formerly of Mermentau attended Hotel Dieu School of Nursing of Beaumont. She is a retired registered nurse, and enjoys traveling, sewing, and Mardi Gras. They were a Duke and Duchess of the 1994 "Nobless Explores the Galaxy" court.
Modeled after the city so nice they "Named it Twice"
the Duke and Duchess of New York-New York Hotel and Casino was Romeo and Gaynell
Vera. They were attired in matching costumes of
gold and black velvet accented with large silver sequin appliques
of a New York skline and the Empire State building. Her a-line
gown had a square neckline trimmed with rhinestones and a
shoulder length train. His tunic was complimented with a matching
cape and boots. They wore large headpieces backed with gold
ostrich plumes.
The
Duchess is from Welsh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Romero. Her father
competed in the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif., and
the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. She is presently employed by
Bank One, as Senior Personal Banker with 21 years service. The
Duke is from Port Arthur, Texas, the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Manuel Vera. He is retired from Star Enterprise at Port
Arther, as New Construction Supervisor, with 46 years service.
The couple are the parents of one daughter, six sons, 12
grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They reside in Lake
Charles and are members of St. Margaret's Parish.
The aura of the "Big Tent" came to life with the Duke
and Duchess of Circus, Circus Hotel and Casino. Duke Rene Vera
Jr. and Duchess Marie Fruge wore costumes of
turquoise velvet and satin and trimmed in rhinestones. Her form
filled gown had a princess neckline trimmed with rhinestones and
a cap sleeve with long bugle beads. She wore large sequin
appliques of clown faces, balloons and flags. The Duke wore a
long tunic with a large sequin applique of a leopard and flags.
His matching cape and boots finished his attire. They wore
matching headpieces backed with large turquoise ostrich plumes.
The Duchess is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burchman Fruge. She is a graduate of Barbe High School and attended McNeese State University. She is the secretary-treasurer of Louisiana Escort and Permit Service. Her hobbies are crafts, gardening, traveling, shopping and Mardi Gras.
The Duke
is the son of Rene and Pat Vera. He is a graduate
of Midland High School and now resides in Lake Charles. He is
employed at Billy Navarre Chevrolet. He enjoys hunting, weight
lifting and surfing the net.
The Duke and Duchess of the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino were
Peter and Sue Vera. Their magnificent
oriental costumes of red and gold brocade over velvet were
trimmed with bands of gold sequins and rhinestones. The matching
costumes had bell shaped sleeves and appliques of flowers and
oriental design. He had a long train attached to his shoulder.
Their large headpieces of gold and black sequin appliques were
backed with large red ostrich plumes.
The Duke
and Duchess reside in Lake Charles and have been married for 11
years. He has a lovely 17 year old daughter, Nicole. They are
parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church. The Duke is the
son of Rene and Pat Vera and the Duchess is
the daughter of Theresa LeBouef. The Duke is
employed at Conoco Refinery in Westlake. He is a member of Harley
Owner's Group and enjoys motorcycling and shotgun sports. She is
the proprietor of Lake Street Liquor Store in Lake Charles. She
also enjoys motorcycling and cooking.
Cliff and Gilda
Lebouef, the Duke and Duchess of the MGM Grand
Hotel and Theme Park, wore matching costumes of brown silk and
ivory satin trimmed in rhinestones and bugle beads. Her form
fitted gown and princess style neckline were accented with
sequined appliques of purple, gold and fushia. Her gown was
embellished with matching long arm bands. The Duke's long tunic
had a matching cape and boots. Their large headpieces were backed
with white ostrich plumes.
The Duke and Duchess have been married for 13 years and have one daughter, Megan Lyn. They are parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church. They have resided in Lake Charles for nine years. He is the son of Theresa LeBouef and she is the daughter of Rene and Pat Vera. The Duke graduated from Lacassine High School. He is employed at Conoco Refinery and is now working at the Conoco/Pennzoil Joint Venture, Excel Paralubes as an Operator. He enjoys cooking, traveling, and Mardi Gras. The Duchess graduated from Midland High School. After 10 years in banking, she is now a full-time homemaker. She served a Krewe Secretary for 1996-97. She enjous shopping, traveling, sewing and Mardi Gras.
To our knowledge, this is the first time an entire court has been comprised predoninantly of fanily members. When this court makes an appearance, they'll also be having a fimily reunion.
Rusty
Davis, the man whom Wayne Newton called his
"Greatest Impersonator in the World," was featured as
the 1998 royal entertainment. He was voted Las Vegas Entertainer
of the Year in 1991. Captain's escorts were provided by De-Laine
Fruge and her school "Dance Mania."
Music was provided by Bobby and the Rockers. Emcee was Ron Hayes. Nearly 1,200
people attended the ball.
Web Page by John Richards
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