In Louisiana, the countdown to Mardi Gras season is much like a the countdown to Christmas morning.  There’s so much anticipation and excitement about all of the fun events happening. The food, parades, balls, beads, elaborate floats, KING CAKE , it’s truly one of the best times of the year.  So when long time St. Francisville residents Miles and Missy Higgins, attended a Mardi Gras ball, several years ago in Charleston, South Carolina (yes you read that correctly), they thought – If they can through a ball like this in South Carolina, there is no reason why we can’t do this in St. Francisville. So after many years of talking about it, The Higgins, along with several other St. Francisville residents officially formed the Krewe Of Assisi!

Now, Let me tell you something about the residents of St. Francisville! They LOVE St. Francisville, they love supporting their community, and love to have a good time! So not only would the Krewe of Assisi bring the festive Mardi Gras spirit to the area, but it would also serve as a charitable organization to raise funds to support community efforts and provide opportunities to bring the community together. In a complete community effort, the Krewe of Assisi, used local vendors and residents to design and create almost everything! From the invitations to floral arrangements everythin was created by a local resident or business, with the exception of the costumes.

The Inaugural Krewe of Assisi Ball was held at the gorgeous Hemingbough in St. Francisville. This years theme – Clothed in Feathers, set the stage for exciting costumes and friends joining together to support a great cause. I must admit, I was just as excited about the costumes as I was to photograph the event! And they were exquisite! From head to toe, in true Mardi Gras fashion, they were loud, vibrant and elaborately detailed. The King and Queen along with 8 Dukes and Maids, each wore a costume was designed to represent a different bird bringing the theme to life. As you can imagine there were LOTS of beading, sequins, and feathers! After the presentation, each Royalty member of the Krewe proceeded in a Second Line, throwing custom made beads to the audience and the party officially began!

Guests celebrated and danced the night away. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people on a dance floor, WITH the band for that long, ever in my life (yes the band was on the dance floor too). These people know how to party, and there is one more thing they know how to do. GIVE BACK! As I mentioned earlier, the Krewe would serve as a charitable organization and everyone was anxious to find out just how much money they’d been able to raise. Board member Luke Williamson finally made the announcement while the band took a quick break. The Krewe of Assisi was able to present the Feliciana Tennis Community, an organization that promotes athletic development in the community and the schools, with an astounding $10,000.00!!

You read that right! TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS! I couldn’t believe it!

Who would think that such a small community could give so much, especially in there first year! Needless to say, The Inaugural Krewe of Assisi Ball was a huge success for all parties involved. There’s no wondering why the resident of St. Francisville have casually coined the phrase ” We love it here”! I can certainly see why! I have a feeling this this Mardi Gras Ball will be a new tradition for many years to come!

It was truly an honor and huge learning experience to be a part of this event! For that, I am incredibly grateful. For more information about the Krewe of Assisi or any vendors involved, please see the links below.

LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!!

-Amanda

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