GALVESTON — Pageantry, frolic and fancy frocks were hallmarks of the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball that kicked off Mardi Gras festivities in a two-tiered evening that began in the Grand 1894 Opera House and concluded at the Hotel Galvez.
Twenty-two duchesses, who will ride floats in the Knight of Momus parade next Saturday, were presented on the stage of the historic opera house while an audience of 650 cheered them on. And cheering was in order as the girls from across the area made their knee-dipping Texas bows in sparkling gowns reflecting Momus' pop culture theme.
Leading the on-stage festivities was King Frivolous XCIX Larry Gillaspia, partner with Jones, Gillaspia & Loyd LLP, and Momus Queen Kimmy Matthews, a senior at Texas A&M University-Galveston. As is tradition with this rollicking presentation is the King's lively retinue comprised this year of Raymond Brouillard, Troy Gillaspia, Richard Helmey, Scott Kusnerik, Johnny Listowski, Larry Marble and V.J. Tramonte.
From the opera house, the revelers moved on to Hotel Galvez where dinner was served and music inspired a packed dance floor. Momus honchos in the mix included gala chairs Beverly and Jim Dowling and Momus president Steve Conner and wife Kimberly.
The party crowd included Joan and Doug McLeod, Kim and Fred Raschke, Monica and David O’Donohoe, Lisette and Anthony Brown, Dancie and Jim Ware, Paige Feritta and daughter Blayne, Cindy and Jim Earthman and Weez and Mike Doherty.
Elle Moody, from left, Kimmy Matthews and Anne Elizabeth Scruggs at the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball.
