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LAPLACE — Krewe Du Monde has passed through various organizers since its inception by the LaPlace Jaycees in 1974. Now headed by the LaPlace Lion’s Club, Krewe Du Monde holds the title as the largest Carnival organization in the River Parishes.

Krewe Du Monde is more than a beloved parade and a classic Carnival Ball tradition. Funds collected through ticket sales benefit children in the community through vision screenings, summer camp sponsorship and academic scholarships, according to organizer John Guillot.

This year’s ball theme is “Krewe Du Monde Tours the World.” The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. and continues through 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. The celebration features the formal introduction of the Royal Court, along with rock-‘n’-roll and horn-powered live music from the Bucktown All-Stars.

Tickets are $95 each, available now at Roussel’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts in LaPlace and Gramercy. Tickets can also be ordered online though the Krewe Du Monde Facebook page or at the local Lion’s Club website, laplacelions.club.

The Krewe Du Monde Ball is open to all, according to organizer Linda Landry.

“Our ball is unique because our money goes back into the community,” she said. “It doesn’t just stay inside of an organization.”

Landry is passionate about the Lions Club’s CubSight Vision initiative.

“We help small children receive glasses, especially for families who can’t afford to buy glasses,” Landry said. “We go into preschools and provide vision screenings.”

According to Guillot, funds from Krewe Du Monde allow the Lion’s Club to give back to national initiatives, which includes help for hurricane victims.

“We also provide to the Crippled Children’s Camp,” Guillot said. ‘Every year, our local Lion’s Club sponsors four campers, so they get to go free of charge. Locally, we also sponsor scholarships for high school students.”

Fourth of July and Christmas parties at Twin Oaks Nursing Home are another Lion’s Club initiative.

Guillot said everyone looks forward to the Krewe Du Monde parade, which will take place this year on Feb. 23.

Francis “Bubby” Guidry and Maddie Guidry will reign as Krewe Du Monde XLI King and Queen in the River Parishes’ largest Carnival celebration.

Bubby is President and CEO of River Parish Contractors in Reserve. He and his wife, Maria, have three children – Trey, Merryn and Maddie. Maddie is the daughter of Francis and Maria Guidry of LaPlace. She is currently attending graduate school at Loyola University and majoring in business.

Pages to the King are Aubrey Claire, daughter of Edwin Joseph IV and Lanie Guidry of Reserve, and Brynlee Elizabeth Perez, daughter of Lacey Perez of Reserve.

Pages to the Queen are Finley Jane Martin, daughter of Robert and Christy Martin of Baton Rouge, and Ellie Marie Long, daughter of Brian and Nancy Long of Metairie.

Captain John Guillot of LaPlace is retired and has two daughters, Mary Terrell (Travis) and Jeanne Guillot, in addition to six grandchildren. Donna Guillot is the Captain’s Lady.

Duke Henri Dufresne is the owner of Dufresne Law Firm, State Title, LLC and works for the St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office. Dufresne and his wife, Caroline, have three children – Amelie, Henri and Daniel. Maid Grace Mohon of Paulina is attending Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, where she is majoring in nursing.

Duke David Rollo of LaPlace is the owner of Rollo Security Services. Maid Sara Louque is the daughter of Nolan and Angie Louque of Destrehan. She is attending Louisiana State University, where she is majoring in marketing.

Duke Eric Deroche of Gramercy is employed as a Director Of Emergency Preparedness with St. James Parish. He and his wife, Melanie, have four children – Adam St. Pierre, Dustin St. Pierre, Kassie St.Pierre and Kayla Vicknair. Maid Alexa Roussel is the daughter of Todd and Angie Roussel of Gramercy. She is attending Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, where she is studying to become a speech language pathologist.

Duke Capt. DJ Rieder Jr. of Destrehan is employed by the New Orleans/Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots. He and his wife, Mellissa, have four children – Carson, Ashlyn , Lauren Lovelace and Nick Lovelace. Maid Megan Landry of LaPlace is employed by Kenner Discovery Health and Science Academy as a special education co-teacher.

Duke Ruben Keating of LaPlace is retired and has three children – Kelly, Mike and Jenna. Maid Lindsay Noyes of Reserve is the daughter of Steve and Lesley Noyes of Reserve. She is currently attending Louisiana State University, where she is majoring in kinesiology. Lindsay is employed by the LSU Rec Program as a lifeguard.

Duke Greg Miller is the owner of Associated Appraisal Service, LLC. He and his wife, Michelle, have eight children – Halie, Chelsie, Alex, Andrew, Anasthasia, Gregory, Beaux and Jackson. Maid Kayleigh Millet of LaPlace is attending Louisiana State University, where she is majoring in sociology/criminology. She is currently employed by Mathernes.

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