The lure and luster of Chinoiserie, together with dancing dragons, created a sublime backdrop for the Mardi Gras revels of the Krewe of Thriller Wednesday once they gathered on the Orpheum Theatre for the 114th Ball of the Roses.
Sporting the Thriller crown as queen of the ball was Miss Emily Elizabeth LeBlanc, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton David LeBlanc.
Members of the courtroom of her majesty have been Misses Mary Elizabeth Toso, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brien James Toso; Katie Paige Gardes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Dylan Gardes; Sophia Alise Linn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ralph Linn III; Elizabeth Gale Brooks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schoen Brooks Jr.; Marguerite Lisette Breaux, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Gerard Breaux; and Margo Irene Gilthorpe Weese, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Chaffe Bicknell Weese.
Attending the queen as her trainbearers have been Misses Cecilia Claire Caballero, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Antonio Caballero; and Marin Marie Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Taylor.
Two pages attended the king. They have been Masters Hayden West Janke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin West Janke; and John Thomas Waldrup, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Michael Waldrup.
The 50-year anniversary queen, Ms. Elizabeth Jean “Linda” Diaz, who reigned over the ball when the theme was “Carnival in Venice,” was introduced with Thriller roses. Additionally introduced with the floral tribute was the 2024 queen, Miss Evelyn Blain Argote, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph Argote.
The krewe’s rose-vine throne was flanked by eight tall urns full of tons of of Thriller’s signature long-stemmed pink roses. A backdrop depicting a rose backyard in full bloom accomplished the scene.
Following the grand march, the friends have been invited to hitch in dancing with music by the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra. In step with Thriller custom, the roses have been distributed by the maskers to the ladies in attendance following the seventh dance.
A festive queen’s supper adopted the ball on the Roosevelt Resort.
