Alvin “Ko” Hebert and Nancy Bergeron Hebert have been married for 62 years – and there’s still at least one more brand new experience for them to share together this Sunday.
The two will reign as King and Queen of the Krewe of Des Allemands when the parade rolls out at 1 p.m. It won’t be their first time riding in the event, but indeed their first time reigning.
“I’m looking forward to getting on the float and just having fun doing it,” said Alvin. “Seeing our friends on the side of the road … just laughing and having a good time.”
Said Nancy, “I’m one that likes to stand on the side of the road and look at everybody, not having everybody looking at me – so this is going to be a little different.”
Nancy was actually a bit hesitant at first when asked to take the crown.
“We were at a faith group meeting, and then my son and daughter-in-law and some people come in,” said Alvin. “And we thought something had happened. But they surprised us. I said yes, my wife said no … everybody was saying, ‘oh, come on Ms. Nancy, come on Ms. Nancy.’”
She ultimately agreed, and as the big day comes up she’s warmed up to the idea.
“It’s an honor,” Nancy said. “We’re 81 and 82 years old … we won’t have the chance again. It’ll be fun and it’s exciting. Seeing all of our friends on the side of the road, hollering at you, ‘Hey Nancy and Ko!’ And throwing things to them.”
Quipped Alvin with a laugh, “And probably getting mad if they don’t get nothing.”
And the couple and their family know how to let the good times roll. They’ve won a few “best in parade” trophies, including for best float. That particular trophy is familiar to the family.
“My daughter-in-law is going to be right behind us. They’ve won for best float the past three years,” said Nancy.
Added Alvin, “And they have a beautiful float this year. She’s been helping us a bunch, too, with decorating our float and getting everything ready for Sunday.”
The two first met at St. Gertrude Catholic Church as they were going to make their confirmation.
“She decided, ‘Oh, who’s that good looking boy over there?’ It just happened to be me,” Alvin said with a chuckle. “We got out of high school and got married that October.”
They have been going to the Des Allemands parade as long as its been in existence.
“We worked with the Catfish Festival and we’ve always done everything in Des Allemands,” Nancy said. “And my brother lives right on the parade route so we’d be there, and we did ride in it a few times also.”
They’ve got their cups, koozies, medallions, stuffed animal and scrolls ready to go among their throws.
