2026 / KREWE OF ROMANY IS IN A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
The Krewe of Romany brought the magic of Manhattan to Baton Rouge as it celebrated its 76th annual Mardi Gras Ball on January 31, 2026 at the Raising Cane’s River Center. This year’s theme, “New York State of Mind,” transformed the venue into a vibrant tribute to the city that never sleeps, setting the tone for an evening of elegance, pageantry, and tradition. Under the leadership of Ball Captain Ashley Day Fabre, a third‑generation Ball Captain, and the wife of Travis Shawn Fabre, King Romany LXIV, guests were guided through her artistic vision—an immersive and sophisticated homage to New York City and its most iconic landmarks.
The tableau opened with krewe member Lauren Regner Smith, who appeared as a young woman arriving at JFK Airport to begin a new life in the city. Her performance of “Not for the Life of Me” from Thoroughly Modern Millie set the stage for a narrative journey through New York’s most celebrated destinations.
Ball Captain Ashley Day Fabre represented Times Square, honoring both the vibrancy of the city and her personal connection to it. Her backpiece featured MTV Studios, where she worked as Studio Coordinator during her years living in New York City. It also included two meaningful family touches: the M&M Store, a favorite of her daughter Evangeline, and the three‑story McDonald’s, beloved by her daughter Adelaide.
Reigning over the festivities were Queen Romany LXXVI Amelia Catherine Lambert, representing the Statue of Liberty, and King Romany LXXVI Matthew Thomas Vaughn, representing Wall Street. Queen Amelia is the daughter of krewe president Collette and Brent Lambert, and King Matthew is the husband of krewe secretary Adrienne Vaughn.
The queen was attended by pages Adler Grace Grand and Alice Joelle Grand, daughters of krewe member Ashley and Todd Grand; Laikyn Renee Gwatney, daughter of krewe member Megan and Jeremy Bello and Scotty and Brittany Gwatney; and Eliana Joy Winans, daughter of krewe member Nicole and Fonville B. Winans.
The king’s pages included Duke Douglas Boyd and Mickey Joseph Boyd, sons of Angela and Matthew Boyd and grandsons of krewe member Denise and Clinton Dobson; Houston Kirk Pardon, son of krewe member DeShae and Christopher Pardon; and Christian Keeton Ray Smith, son of krewe member Lauren and Micah Smith.
During the tableau, each maid portrayed a distinguished New York City landmark:
· Miss Faye Malyn Buco, daughter of krewe member Rebekah and Daniel Buco, appearing as Coney Island.
· Miss Audrey Anna Greely, daughter of krewe member Julie and Frank James Greely III, appearing as Yankee Stadium.
· Miss Lily Elizabeth Hayden, daughter of krewe member Julie Martin and Steven Hayden, appearing as Central Park.
· Miss Shaunnessy Ann Rose, daughter of Molly and William Rose, appearing as Fifth Avenue.
· Miss Layton Alexandra Weems, daughter of Dabney and Joel Weems, appearing as Grand Central Station.
All maids were formally escorted by their fathers.
The 2025 court was recognized as it took its final bow: Ball Captain Heather Knost St. Germain, Queen Romany LXXV Mary‑Hannah Kathryn Varnado, King Romany LXXV Brant Bennett Richard, and maids Kay Genevieve Frederickson, Ashlyn Paige Gitz, Bella Leigh McGucken, and Nataleigh Grace Mincin.
The krewe’s board of directors was introduced, including Collette Lambert, president; Chelsea LeMieux, vice president; Carla Brown, treasurer; Adrienne Vaughn, secretary; Sarah Brooks, costume officer; Kristi Hammatt, publicity officer; Leslie Day, special advisor; and Heather St. Germain, past ball captain.
As part of the krewe’s longstanding tradition, members presented two choreographed dance performances. The Romany “singles” appeared as the famed Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall, performing to “On Broadway” from Smokey Joe’s Café. The Romany “couples” followed with a lively flash mob set in Grand Central Station to “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars. Both numbers were choreographed by krewe member and Past Ball Captain Jerisse Grantham.
Stage attendants for the evening were Daniel Cavalier, William Day, Jeremy LeMieux, Stephen Losby, Jay Ratelle, and Yakoot Taj. Robert Chandler served as master of ceremonies, and Celeste Angelle Veillon delivered a distinguished performance of the National Anthem.
Costumes for the royal court were designed by Aimee Burslem and constructed by D&D Creations, Inc. Production, lighting, and staging were executed by Deep South Production, Inc. Guests were provided LED bracelets by CrowdLED of the Netherlands, creating an immersive, synchronized lighting experience for more than 1,500 attendees.
Following the tableau, the celebration continued with dancing to the music of Dat Band of New Orleans and DJ Krumptime, concluding an evening that beautifully captured the spirit, sophistication, and vibrancy of New York City.