The Krewe of Gemini is the oldest parading Mardi Gras krewe in the Ark-La-Tex and they're crowning the royalty this Saturday that will preside over their 30th year!

Linda Frost, publicity chair for the Krewe of Gemini, tells us that Mardi Gras first came to our area after the Civil War and continued to be celebrated into the 1920's. The festivities then faded out in the Ark-La-Tex during the Great Depression and World War II years.

Mardi Gras then saw a resurgence more than 50 years later when a committee from the Bossier Chamber of Commerce decided to renew the tradition. Thus, was born, the Krewe of Gemini in 1989.

Frost says, "More committees were formed, logos were designed, throws were ordered, floats were built and the first theme was declared 'The Pride of the Ark-La-Tex.'" Then, on February 24, 1990, the first Krewe of Gemini parade rolled through Bossier City and Shreveport, complete with 14 floats.

The name 'Gemini' was selected from the signs of the Zodiac. It's represented by a pair of twins, symbolizing our twin cities of Shreveport and Bossier.

As the Krewe of Gemini enters 2019, they are also entering their 30th parading year, celebrating with the theme, 'Gemini's World Adventure.'

Over the past 30 years, Gemini members have given back continuously to the communities of Shreveport and Bossier through their annual parade and community service projects, including support of the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank, Toys for Tots, local schools and more. Members and royalty also visit numerous schools, hospitals and retirement homes during the Mardi Gras season.

Here are some other fun facts about the Krewe of Gemini:

  • The first theme was “Pride of the Ark-La-Tex.”
  • Jimmie Davis was the Grand Marshal of the first parade.
  • There were 14 floats in the first parade.
  • Although there was a presentation with a King and Queen, the first bal was very simple with peanuts and chips on the table.
  • The Krewe of Gemini began with about 200 members and currently averages 350 members each year. Along with a growth in size, their exquisite costumes, colorful floats and lavish social events have developed into show-stopping attractions.
  • The Boomers played quite a few of the bal gigs those first Gemini years and will provide music at the Gemini XXX Coronation

Krewe of Gemini Themes Throughout the Years:

1989-1990 – Pride in the Ark-La-Tex
1990-1991 – Movie  Memories of the Ark-La-Tex
1991-1992 – Christopher Columbus 500 Years of America
1992- 1993 – Through the Eyes of a Child
1993-1994 – Love Makes the World Go Round
1994-1995 – Fantasy Cruise
1995-1996 – A Magic Carpet Ride
1996-1997 – Gemini’s Great Carnival
1997-1998 – Color My World
1998-1999 – Party Time
1999-2000 – Fairy Tales
2000-2001 – Gemini on Broadway
2001-2002 – Stars of Gemini
2002-2003 – Ancient Civilizations
2003-2004 – Gemini Explores Louisiana
2004-2005 – Sing Sing a Song
2005-2006 – Gemini Dreams
2006-2007 – World Celebrations
2007-2008 – Gemini’s Favorite Things
2008-2009 – Remembering the 80's
2009-2010 – Gemini Goes Fiction
2010-2011 – Gemini Salutes the Blues
2011-2012 – Bad Boys of Gemini
2012-2013 – Gemini Loves Television
2013-2014 – Throw Me a Memory Mister
2014-2015 – Rhythm and Romance
2015-2016 – Mardi Magic
2017-2018 – For Those About to Rock, Gemini Salutes You
2018-2019 – Gemini’s World Adventure

This Saturday, August 18, 2018, Captain Mary Ann Edens would like to invite you to witness the unveiling of the royal court for the Krewe of Gemini XXX at the Horseshoe Riverdome. Doors open at 6pm and the royal court will be presented at 8pm.

In addition to meeting the new royalty, you can take part in a 'Cork n' Fork' pull. For $20, you can pull a cork for a nice bottle of wine or a fork for a restaurant gift card. One lucky winner will get to take home a bottle of Dom Perignon! There will also be plenty of items to bid on in the silent auction, as well as a seated dinner at 7:30pm, cash bar and music by The Boomers! Dress is black tie/formal. This event is sold out.

Let the good times roll!

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