In 1993, the Krewe of Victoria was
formed by eight ladies: Debbie Landry, Phyllis Bergeron, Carolyn
Guilbeaux, Nancy Sutton, Teresa Meza, Mary Romagosa, Aimee
Waguespack and the original president, Wendy Harwood. Wendy's
Canadian background provided the impetus to form a
Victorian-inspired krewe and thus, with The Coronation of Queen
Victoria as its first ball theme in 1994, the Krewe of Victoria
was launched.
These ladies’ goal was to create a krewe
that was not only different, but one where lasting friendships
would be forged and nurtured. Membership is limited and may be
attained through invitation, sponsorship of two members, and
approval of the executive board.
www.KreweOfVictoria.com
Annual events and tableaux adopt original
themes often combining the Victorian age with South Louisiana's
Mardi Gras madness. Each May the krewe kicks off its year-long
activities by hosting a High Tea in honor of Queen Victoria's
birthday. At this gathering, the following year’s royalty is
chosen by a drawing whose result is not revealed until the
official announcement party held in the fall. Other events
include general membership meetings, an orientation party for
new members, a Christmas party, and a pre-parade party prior to
participating in the Queen Evangeline parade.
The
membership is diverse and civic-minded as demonstrated by those
who support and serve on other organization’s boards such as
Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Friends of the Humanities, Friends
of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Lafayette Parish Medical
Society Alliance, the Alliance Antique Show, VITA, Pets for
Health, Lafayette Health Care Clinic, and area churches and
schools. Four members are past queens of the Bishop's Charity
Ball.
