MARDI GRAS

LOCAL EVENTS

Franks and Dillon crowned Mistick Krewe royalty

The local Mardi Gras group, The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos, crowned the King and Queen for this year’s festivities: Helen Jackson Franks and Mike Dillon.

“The King and Queen will preside over the presentation of the seventh coterie of debutantes with dinner and dancing at the Krewe of Okeanos Grand Ball on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025,” said Wayne Kraemer, The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos founder. “They invite all loyal subjects to assemble there in rebel.”

Kraemer read a proclamation to honor the king and queen. Franks, daughter of local businessman J.C. Jackson, was praised for her past as a steadfast and tireless San Marcos educator who began her teaching journey at the age of 13 when she taught her grandmother how to write her name.

“That act would begin a decades-long career in education,” Kraemer said. “At 16, our Queen graduated from Dunbar and entered Houston Tillotson University in 1961, and on Feb. 5, 1963 transferred to what is now Texas State University, making her one of the first five African Americans to attend the university. She taught in the high school and at Miller Junior High while she instructed her students to have respect for themselves and others.”

Mistick Krewe of Okeanos King Mike Dillon is married to previous Okeanos Queen Cathy Dillon who “together operated the Crystal River Inn for 40 years, hosting thousands of tourists and also serving as a refuge for Hurricane Katrina and Rita refugees.” Dillon is also a decorated Veteran.

“As an Army Veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star, an Army commendation, [Dillon] is a diligent and tenacious advocate for San Marcos, who has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, the Ethics Commission and the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center board as well as [serving as the] organizer and team leader for the children’s Park Playscape,” Kraemer said. “He has managed investment properties and high-rise buildings throughout Texas, and since 2005, was a disaster inspector for FEMA, surveying damage for more than 2000 properties.”

According to the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce website, The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos is a Mardi Gras Krewe and nonprofit based in San Marcos with a mission to support local music and the arts and bring neighbors together. The Krewe has an annual parade on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, which will occur at 12 p.m. on March 1.