All hail the King & Queen

Luling and Des Allemands parade organizers announce hi year’s royalty

Photo by Heather R. Breaux

KREWE OF LUL. Dolores and Irvon “Cookie” Gomez accepted the honor and will reign as king and queen.

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Krewe of Des Allemands

From the moment you meet Hugh “Nunnie” and Betty Dufrene, you can clearly see that reigning as the Krewe of Des Allemands’ king and queen means much more than just riding on a float - it’s an honor they’ll both treasure for years to come.

Parade organizers popped the big question last Thanksgiving, when the couple was surrounded by family and friends, and Betty says that there was nothing to think about, they immediately accepted the offer.

“When Janet (Folse) asked us to participate, all Hugh could do was in return ask her ‘what date,’” said Betty.

As far as the Dufrenes were concerned, it was a done deal and they’ve since kept busy planning and preparing for the big day.

“We’re getting everything together for our float and were even able to design our own special beads and doubloons,” said Betty.

Hugh and Betty, who've been married since 1952, share four sons, 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Both are now retired, Hugh from the oil field and Betty from the St. Charles Parish Public School System.

“After we were first married, we moved a lot because of Nunnie’s job, but we always came back home to Des Allemands,” said Betty. “We love this town and are proud to serve as the Krewe of Des Allemands' king and queen."

The Krewe of Des Allemands rolls on Sunday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.

Krewe of Lul

A few months ago, the committee for the Krewe of Lul had a particularly important task ahead of them, choosing who would serve as the parade’s king and queen.

But once graced with their presence, it doesn’t take long to figure out why the organization’s board choose Irvon “Cookie” and Dolores Gomez.

The Luling couple is a delightful double dose of charisma, friendliness and from the looks of their neatly decorated living room they’ve got what every king and queen of Carnival should have - the Mardi Gras spirit.`

“A few years back, Dolores and I were asked if we wanted to ride in the parade as king and queen,” said Irvon.

“We declined because the timing just wasn’t right, but now we're both retired and have the time it takes to help plan such an event.”

Dolores says that as king and queen they will be formally introduced at a parade-sponsored luncheon next week, but until then she and her husband are focusing on getting their float and throws ready to roll.

This couple of nearly 54 years share five sons, 12 grandchildren and one step great-grandchild.

Irvon, 77, is retired from a career of teaching, coaching and serving in the U.S. Army.

In his spare time, the first-time king enjoys golf, traveling and photography.

Dolores, 76, is also retired. She formally worked for New Orleans Customs and was a St. Charles Parish kindergarten teacher.

She says that she loves gardening, bird watching, cooking and watching LSU football.

The Krewe of Lul hits the streets on Saturday, Feb. 2 at noon.