From Elders Elegance to The Greatest Show with Gemini
There is just something about Mardi Gras season in Northwest Louisiana. The gowns, the royalty, the traditions, the friendships — it all feels bigger than just a party. It’s community. It’s history. It’s celebration.
The 2026 bal season in Shreveport-Bossier was one for the books, and I was lucky enough to celebrate at two very special bals: the Krewe of Elders and (my personal favorite 😉) the Krewe of Gemini.
Two very different vibes. Both unforgettable.
✨ Krewe of Elders Bal – Honoring Our 55+ Royalty
The Krewe of Elders bal is dedicated to celebrating our 55+ Mardi Gras royalty here in Shreveport-Bossier — and I absolutely love that. There’s something so meaningful about honoring the people who helped build and preserve the traditions we all enjoy today.
This year felt especially personal for me because I’m friends with:
- 2025–2026 King Gary Jones
- 2025-2026 Duke and Duchess of Wisdom Jeff & Auburn Brasher
- 2024–2025 Outgoing King and Queen Tommy & Barrie Stephenson
Getting to watch friends be celebrated as royalty is such a full-circle moment.
The Elders bal is a little more relaxed than some of the larger productions, but it’s still formal and elegant. Beautiful gowns, tuxedos, sparkle — just with a warm, welcoming energy that makes you feel at home the second you walk in.
And let’s not forget… it was SO cold.
Like, real Louisiana bone-chilling cold. The kind where you step outside in a gown and instantly regret everything. It ended up being the last big celebration before what everyone is calling the “Snowpocalypse,” which makes it even more iconic in my mind. We were dancing in formalwear just days before snow shut everything down.
The weather was freezing, but the room was warm — full of laughter, hugs, and a packed dance floor. It was the perfect reminder that Mardi Gras here isn’t just about parades. It’s about people.
💜 Krewe of Gemini Bal – The Greatest Show
Now… my FAVVVV.
As a member of the Krewe of Gemini, this one always hits differently. And this year? Next level.
The 2026 theme was “The Greatest Show” — showcasing the best events and holidays from around the world — and every single detail delivered.
From the moment you walked in, it felt immersive and theatrical. Every table represented a different iconic celebration, and the creativity was unreal.
Some of my favorite tables:
- Louisiana Festivals (mine 😉 obviously)
- Day of the Dead
- The Olympics
- Chinese New Year
And of course, the King and Queen’s tables were absolutely fabulous — as they should be.
This year’s incredible court included:
- Captain Cole Guthrie
- King Sam Cooksey
- Queen Bernie Bitting
- Duke & Duchess of Arkansas: James Patterson & Sandy Putman
- Duke & Duchess of Louisiana: Dr. John Reeves & Amanda Waddell
- Duke & Duchess of Texas: Geoff Perego & Kristie Sheffield
Our Bal Chairs, Mary Gallagher and Stacy Smith, truly knocked it out of the park. The décor, the flow of the night, the energy — it all came together beautifully.
I was lucky enough to help check guests in at the door, and honestly? I loved it. Getting to see all my friends arrive in their stunning gowns and sharp suits might have been one of my favorite parts of the entire night. There’s something so fun about watching everyone step into their main character moment.
The dance floor stayed packed. The energy never dipped. My feet hurt in the best way by the end of the night.
And the celebration continues.
Our parade rides on February 14, 2026 — Valentine’s Day 💜
Come see us!
Even better, join us at the Krewe of Gemini Den on February 13, 2026 starting at 5 PM for our float loading party. It’s the perfect chance to see the floats up close before they roll and experience some behind-the-scenes Mardi Gras magic.
Why 2026 Felt Special
From honoring lifelong friends at Elders to celebrating global creativity with Gemini, this bal season reminded me why I love Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier so much.
It’s glamorous.
It’s joyful.
It’s freezing sometimes.
It’s tradition.
It’s friendship.
And it’s a season I never take for granted.
See you on the route 💜🎭✨
🎥 Watch the Bal Prep & Parade Vlog
If you love a good GRWM moment, behind-the-scenes glam, and all the parade prep chaos — I documented everything.
From bal prep and getting dressed, to outfit reveals, to helping check guests in, to float loading at the Gemini Den… it’s all on my TikTok.
Think:
- GRWM for Elders & Gemini
- Gown details up close
- Pre-bal glam
- Parade prep
- Float loading behind the scenes
- And all the Mardi Gras magic in between
👉 Watch my Mardi Gras 2026 Bal Prep & Parade Vlog on TikTok here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@_taylorrbuggg