We've always held that Tilman Fertitta is the king of Galveston Mardi Gras. As of Saturday night, he has the crown to prove it.

Fertitta was anointed King Frivolous XCVI at the white-tie-and-tails Knights of Momus Mardi Gras Coronation Ball that transformed the historic Grand 1894 Opera House into a blazing tableau of silks, satins, feathered masks and carnival beads.

Make no mistake, this is not some stuffy royal ceremony. The Knights of Momus are a spirited bunch and each year the unveiling of the king's identity, a closely-held secret, transpires in comedic manner. For the "Arabian Knights" theme of the gala, Momus member V.J. Tramonte, costumed as a portly genie complete with carriage-sized magic lantern, worked with ball captains Dave Ward and Tom Koch, both Channel 13 news anchors, to introduce the king, his retinue and this year's 26 duchesses.

The only thing more of a surprise than Fertitta's coronation was the fact that Space Shuttle Commander Mark Kelly attended as part of Fertitta's court. While his wife, Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, continues rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann TIRR, Kelly took time out to honor the commitment that he had made to Fertitta last year.

The men are close friends. Fertitta provided the private jet to fly Kelly to Tucson the day of the shooting in which six were killed and Giffords was injured. Kelly is regularly Fertitta's guest at Galveston Mardi Gras and when her schedule allowed, Giffords has accompanied him to Fertitta's San Luis Salute. Kelly was encouraged by friends to take this break. He was accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter, Claire.

Joining Fertitta and Kelly on stage in the playful introductions were other members of the royal retinue Vic Fertitta (Tilman's father), Todd Fertitta (Tilman's brother), Tilman's sons Michael and Patrick and friends Jim Ware, Doug McLeod and the aforementioned Tramonte.

The Knights of Momus queen, Claire Henderson, ascended the stage via the gilded lantern, not unlike Lady Gaga's recent arrival at the Grammy's via a golden egg. She all members of the ladies court performed the challenging Texas Dip (or bow) in which they go down on one knee, arms extended swanlike and bows her head to the floor then rises with grace — without assistance from the nervous dads who accompanied the college-age young women.

The late-night partying followed the presentation in a vast tent erected behind the opera house. Here the 26 duchesses, each in Oscar-worthy ball gowns designed by Miwa Sakashita of Miwa Fashions, danced the night away. Applause, applause to chairs Terry and Lawrence Estes and mistress of the robes Jennifer Dominguez.

Rollicking through the party tent were guests including wives of the gents involved — Paige Fertitta, Joy Fertitta, Brenda Koch, Dancie Ware, Laura Ward and Joan McLeod. Lighting up the night were Kara and Aaron Howes, Nancy and Don Mafrige Sr., Blake Tartt III, Blair and Jon Curra, Carter Ware, Lane Ware, Lisa and Mike O'Leary and Penny and Paul Loyd. Add the Fertittas' 16-year-old daughter Blayne and their young son Blake to the mix.