MISTICK KREWE OF OKEANOS
Grand Ball highlights notable community members
With Mardi Gras only a few weeks away, the Mistick Krewe of Okeanos already has festivities underway, including the annual Grand Ball, which was held at Harper Hill Ranch in Seguin. The night was a formal event with cocktails, dinner and dancing. Helen Jackson Franks and Mike Dillon were the Queen and King for the evening, gracing the throne during the presentation of the debutantes.
The Krewe is a local nonprofit that celebrates Mardi Gras with a “Texas Twist,” according to its founder Wayne Kraemer. The Krewe holds both community and private events in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras.
“The Krewe believes that Mardi Gras is a wonderful way to bring the community together and all join in for a mid-winter celebration,” he said. “Mardi Gras organizations are referred to as ‘Krewes’ and often take their names from mythology. We chose Okeanos, who was the Titan god of rivers and all fresh water. Fitting for San Marcos because of the river and springs.”
The Krewe is also a big supporter of the arts in the community.
“For the last six years we commissioned a local artist to produce our official Mardi Gras poster. Adrian Molina, a senior at Texas State, is this year’s artist,” Kraemer said. “We support music in the schools through our instrument program, and music on the streets by sponsoring bands in the parade. This year we also supported the Texas State Sculpture Club with a float building workshop, and you will see their work in the parade.”
Franks and Dillon were chosen as this year’s royalty for their significant impact on the community.
“Helen Jackson Franks is a pioneer who was one of the first five African- Americans admitted to Texas State. She was a dedicated educator with a decades-long career as a teacher and has been so active in First Zion Church that the church named her a ‘Mother of the Church,’” Kraemer said. “Mike Dillon, our King, ran Crystal River Inn with his wife Kathy, Queen Okeanos VIII, for 40 years, and has served on multiple city commissions, volunteered in schools and helped create the Children’s Playscape.”
The event also had a Debutante ball, and Kraemer said the young women who were presented are “outstanding with regards to their academics, their extracurriculars and their community involvement.” Sarah Rae Barrett, daughter of Ronnie and Holli Barrett, was presented by her father and escorted by David Eugene Followell, son of Clint and Monica Followell. Lauren Gail Hurst, daughter of Randall Hurst and Alysia Marie Hurst, was presented by her father and escorted by her brother Brayden Randall Hurst. Madeline Anne Marie Purcell, daughter of Ross and Kimberly Purcell, was presented by her father and escorted by Eli James Riedel, son of Katie Riedel.
“Some may say that debutante balls are old fashioned, but these young women are modern girls, ready to make a significant impact on their way to their professional lives,” Kraemer said. “Why shouldn’t we celebrate that? And by the way, there is nothing old fashioned about having fun!”
The Krewe’s annual parade will be held on Saturday, March 1.
“It starts at noon and winds its way through the historic districts of San Marcos,” Kraemer said. “We chose this route because we celebrate neighborhoods. It is also fun to see families hosting house parties to watch the parade and neighbors joining with visitors to enjoy the specialness of our historic districts.”
The Krewe has been at the forefront of Mardi Gras activities for over 13 years, and Kramer said they are happy that other businesses and organizations are getting in on the fun.
“Zelick’s hosts an after parade party and so does South Square — where Industry, Davenport, and Gus’ Fried Chicken are,” he said. “The Heritage Association will host Mardi Gras Martinis at the LBJ Museum on Thursday, Feb. 27. The Rotary Club of San Marcos will host a Mardi Gras themed Casino night on Friday, Feb. 28, and the Hays County Food Bank will host their second Mardi Gras Gala on Feb. 22.”
Kraemer thanked the sponsors, which are pivotal to their ability to host the parade: La Cima is the Royal Circle Sponsor; Germer Insurance Agencies is the Captain’s Circle Sponsor and Divided Sky and Zelick’s are the Founder’s Circle Sponsors. He also wanted to acknowledge the support from the San Marcos Arts Commission through sponsorship and Jack’s Roadhouse, which has served as the staging area for the parade for several years.
