The Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne held its 18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 7th, at the Hilton DoubleTree in Lafayette. Reigning over the evening were King XVIII Blake Carl Broussard and Queen XVIII Laurie Anne Hulin.
Cort de los Querdos Defuntes: (L-R) Melissa Prejean, Bliss LeBlanc, Dawn Meehan, Michelle Hargroder Smith, Monica Calvert, and Stacey Frederick. Not pictured: Dana Granger, Regina Richard, Mikel Toups, Eric Toups, Mike Touchet.
Reina Del Tequilla: (L-R - front) Hannah Granger, Shawnee Boudreaux, Queen Laurie Hulin, Ellen Hebert, Angelle Broussard
(L-R – back) Chrisina Saab, Amelie Caillouet, Danielle Calvert, Claire Broussard, Kristen Vincent, Aimee Minville.
Corte del Gato: Al Mendoza, Alison Comeaux, Courtney Bernard. Not
pictured : Mike Touchet.
Corte De Jarabe Tapatio (Young Ambassadors): Ladies (L-R) Ellie Goutierrez, Drew Broussard, Ella Caillouet, Erin Bazar, Ann Renee Toups, Reagan Granger. Gentlemen (L-R) Thomas Collins, Andrew Prejean, Matthew Champagne, Mikey Bazar, Nate Touchet, Wyatt Richard. Not pictured: Luke Hebert and Anna-Kate Hagle
Spirit Guides: (L-R) Skye Collins, Hollie Nelms Trahan, and Katelyn “KK” Broussard.
Court de El Presidente: Judge Tommy Frederick and Mayor Roslyn White. Not pictured, President Coco Broussard and his wife Joan Broussard.
Royal Pages: Hulin Langlinais and Finley Broussard.
Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne Celebrates Dia de los Muertos at 18th Annual Bal
The Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne held its 18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 7th, at the Hilton DoubleTree in Lafayette. Guests enjoyed a vibrant and fun filled evening themed Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a celebration honoring life, legacy, and remembrance.
Reigning over the evening were King XVIII Blake Carl Broussard and Queen XVIII Laurie Anne Hulin.
The program followed the symbolic journey of two children guided by spirit animals as they searched for their ancestors, weaving together moments of humor, tradition, and reflection. Throughout the night, guests were treated to creative performances inspired by Mexican culture, including spirit-animal processions, appearances by legendary and “celebrity” ancestors, traditional dances, and crowd-pleasing skits such as Lucha Libre wrestling. The evening featured performances by members of the Royal Court and the Krewe’s Young Ambassadors, whose presentation of the traditional Jarabe Tapatio, or Mexican Hat Dance, added a beautiful cultural element to the celebration.
The official transition of power took place as last year’s King and Queen, Mikey Bazar and Drew Broussard, returned to formally crown King Blake Broussard and Queen Laurie Hulin. Accompanied by their royal pages, Finley Broussard and Hulin Langlinais, the transition of power was met with applause and celebration.
King Blake Broussard is the son of Joan and Carl “CoCo” Broussard and resides in Youngsville with his wife of 10 years, Katelyn, and their two children, Finley and Grey. He serves as a superintendent with Manuel Builders and is an active leader in the community, serving on the Krewe’s Board of Directors, volunteering with local organizations, and coaching youth baseball. Known for his strong work ethic and friendly spirit, King Blake is honored to lead his court this season.
Queen Laurie Anne Hulin is the daughter of Jewitt and Ella Hulin. She is a lifelong Vermilion Parish resident and District Court Judge for the Fifteenth Judicial District Court. A graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School, LSU, and Loyola University School of Law, she has served in numerous leadership roles within the Louisiana judicial system. She is deeply committed to service, family, and community involvement and proudly shared this special evening with her son, Hulin, who served as her royal page.
Following the presentation of the new King and Queen, guests enjoyed the court’s grand parade as it passed through the ballroom as beads and throws filled the air. The celebration continued late into the night as guests danced the evening away to live music by Nola Dukes, bringing the 18th Annual Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne Ball to a joyful close.