Woonsocket Radio News Room

MARDI GRAS QUEEN CROWNED

 

WOONSOCKET — The Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts (NRICA) had its Queen’s Coronation event in advance of next week’s Mardi Gras Ball festivities.

The new Mardi Gras Queen and princesses were crowned Sunday, February 23rd at the Italian Workingmen’s Club.

To become queen, the contestants sold raffle tickets, Mardi Gras Ball and Coronation tickets. Desiree Archambault earned her Queen’s crown by selling the most tickets. The first princess is Jeanne Michon, and the second princess is Trudy Lamoureux. The ladies were welcomed to the Royal Court by last year’s Mardi Gras Queen, Lauren Fagnant.

Shortly after becoming accustomed to her new crown, Queen Desiree Archambault named her king, Robert Beauchesne (her son, in honor of her deceased father)        ;First Princess Jeanne Michon named her prince,Robert Michon (her Husband); and Second Princess Trudy Lamoureux named her prince Denny Lou.

 

At the Coronation, there was music, dancing, a light meal and gift basket raffles. Cochairs for the Queen’s Contest are Tammy Irwin and Barbara Ozanian. The event was emceed by Sharon Charette, the NRICA’s President, and Dominique Doiron, Executive Director of St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, the King of Mardi Gras 2020, who was also the DJ for the coronation.

The new Queen and her Court will preside over the 30th Mardi Gras Ball, which will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center, 84 Cumberland Street. The event is sold out.

Mardi Gras Ball co-chairs Marlene Gagnon and Wally Rathbun noted that the Ball will feature music and dancing with Boston-based Cajun and zydeco band Squeezebox Stompers. A full Cajun, Creole and French-Canadian buffet will be served.

The proceeds from the Queen’s Coronation and the Mardi Gras Ball help the Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts ensure the success of Mardi Gras for future generations, helps to fund the NRICA’s arts scholarships and support local community events.

For complete biographies of the queen and her court and for more information and updates, visit www.nrica.org. For questions, call (401) 486-9380 or (401) 257-5797, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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