Covering the FUN & Events of the  Carnival Industry

Krewe of Jupiter 7^th Annual Jubilee

2010 Theme: "Jupiter Rocks the Universe"

January 9^th, 2010 ........ Baton Rouge, LA       On Saturday, Jan. 9^th, 2010 the River Center complex located in downtown Baton Rouge, LA hosted the 7^th Annual Jupiter Jubilee and we had the pleasure of being invited to one of the most talked about carnival balls held in this area.

First, let me say it was a cold night and we were fast on my way of becoming the first walking vanilla and fudge popsicle to attend a Carnival Ball! The weather in Louisiana has been unseasonably cold, with temperatures in the teens. Of course, we thought we knew where we were going and did not call for directions.  BIG MISTAKE!  Not only, was the ball not held in its usual place, the hike to the 2^nd floor of the River Center located on the Mississippi River called for thermal underwear.  There were no escalators, nor elevators in operation to accommodate those (like me) in heels trying to look our best and arrive with some style.

IT WAS SO COLD, my shoes were slipping off my feet as we walked (ladies, you know how uncomfortable that is), tears were rolling down my face as we laughed hysterically to and from the event. A commercial for Depends may have been in order!  We were cold but made the best of it and made it a fun night.

When we finally reached the auditorium, I asked the greeters, “When we leave could I have a wheelchair or some hunky man to carry me to my car?” Just joking of course, as I was given a look of “Lady are you kidding?”  I digress, on to the Jubilee…

As we entered he ballroom, the event had been decorated according to the theme: “Jupiter Rocks the Universe”, it was a scene of enthusiastic revelers that were ready for a party.  The band was gearing up for a bang up night.  Now, we have covered various balls in the past and all have their own unique style in relationship to the Krewes personality. This also depends on how much the Krewe wants to follow traditional carnival ball protocol.  The Krewe of Jupiter does not always follow the traditional ball etiquette down to the letter.  Jupiter chooses to relax the rules a bit more than usual so their members can be more of themselves. They are more welcoming that way and make you feel as though you belong.

The start of this lush affair began with the Honor Guard presenting the colors, which is tradition of all carnival balls. The first theatrical act which is there to entertain the guests and court, is also there because they in some way earned that place of honor during the year. The act was a dancer that whirled flaming torches through the crowd. She was very talented in her acrobatic routine as she wowed the crowd to lead the way of the Royal Court.

 The court consisted of three Maids and a Duke.  Each was dressed in costumes that represented parts of the universe. Maids’ Lady Toi-Simone Turner represented Venus, Lady Paige Riley Townley was the Moon, Lady Kathryn Olivier had the honor of being planet Earth and Duke Blake Napoli handsomely portrayed Mars.  Each costume was adorned with elaborate accessories and designed (it seems) to fit the personality of each member.  The couturier did a magnificent job with the designs and colors of the costumes.

Once the Maids and Duke completed their entrance it was time to present the Queen.  Your Royal Highness Queen Tammy Napoli entered the ballroom to receive her subjects.  As she entered, the crowd roared with excitement.  She was radiant as she made her way down each isle to greet her subjects with bows of grace and beauty. The royal regalia was white and designed with lace and gold sequences

Queen Napoli is a graduate of Northeast High School and has a degree in business. She presides as the Board President for the LA Ballet Company, and serves as committee member for the Baton Rouge Cystic Fibrosis wine opener and bunny hop. In addition to other accolades, she is also on the Baton Rouge General Hospital's Father/daughter dance committee that benefits cardiovascular services.  This Queen has a big heart and shows this through her works in the community.  We at Mardi Gras Digest applaud her for her humanitarian efforts and look forward to hearing of her works during her reign as Queen of Jupiter in the year 2010.

Here comes the King!! King Kirk Napoli, enters the ballroom with flamboyance and flair.  He is very upbeat, greets his royal subjects with hugs, kisses and with a grin as wide as the Mississippi!   This grand entrance brought the crowd to its feet with cheers most befitting to a king.  The King and Queen not only reign over the royal court of Jupiter, but also share their life as husband and wife.  What a privilege to have this honor! 

Both of these individuals are humanitarians and enjoy giving back to his community.  King Napoli has rendered services to the Baton Rouge community by opening the Baton Rouge General Pediatric facility known as "Kirk's Kids."  He sponsors fundraisers for the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, the Purity Ball and Cystic Fibrosis.    This act of kindness shows how these servants of humanity are willing to go beyond the norm to help a community.

We would like to “Thank” the Krewe of Jupiter for having us at their ball and we look forward to an invitation next year.  Look for more on the King and Queen in the March issue of Mardi Gras Digest Journal!