Press Release

There are but a few moments and events in everyone’s life that are hard to capture in words or even pictures. They simply do not do justice. Such is the case of the Washington Carnival Ball and the many experiences that Crissy Michel, Louisiana Queen Sugar XLII attended as she was honored along with 23 Louisiana Festival Queens and 48 Princesses at the activities surrounding the 5 day trip to Washington, D.C. It was not Crissy’s first trip to Washington, but indeed she was given the “royal” treatment as she visited the White House, U.S. Capitol, attended many dinners and luncheons in her honor, and even tea at Senator Mary Landrieu’s Georgetown home. At Arlington Cemetery, Crissy along with the other queens and princesses participated in the ceremonial laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Tours during the day and glorious galas in the evening filled her schedule, with little time to spare.

On Friday evening the Queens and Princesses were presented and they paraded around the Grand Ballroom on miniature floats waving to over 3,000 cheering spectators. Tickets to the Washington Ball are the most sought after tickets in Washington, second only to the Presidential Inauguration.

Saturday Morning Crissy was recognized at a breakfast sponsored by the River Parishes.

On Saturday Evening Queens and Princesses were presented onto the floor of the Ballroom, princesses escorted by their fathers, Queens dressed in full mantels and trains promenaded through the crowds. Miniature floats and costumed crew members paraded through the grand ballroom throwing beads and doubloons followed by the customary callouts and dancing.

Shelly Aucoin, daughter of Rita and Paul Aucoin participated in the events as one of Mary Landrieu’s princesses. Shelly is a student at Louisiana State University.

Reigning as Queen of the Washington Mardi Gras Ball was Meredith Frances Allen and King was William Oliver. Accompanying Crissy to the Washington Ball from St. James Parish was Crissy’s family, Petty Pollet, Cindy Martin, Sheriff Willy Martin and his wife, Stacey. Also, attending was Crissy’s King Sucrose, Mr. Charlie Melancon and his wife Peachy.

To not anyone’s surprise, Crissy agrees that representing Louisiana’s Sweetest Commodity in Washington D.C. for the Ball was an event that she will cherish her whole life. Her all expense paid trip to Washington was part of her award for being crowned Louisiana State Sugar Queen in September 2003. Crissy is the 19 year old daughter of Mark and Edie Michel and a sophomore at Southeastern La. University.