BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Apollo Royalty Dinner Magnificent;
Hedon Celebrates Carnival Season

J uban's was the setting for the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo's Royalty Dinner, and it was perhaps the most successful one to date. Master Restaurateur Richard and a nice young man named Chris worked well together as they provided a luscious dinner for a group of special men. All the kings and queens of balls past were invited to attend by reigning royalty Damon and Terry, King and Queen Apollo XVI. It was another historic night for this outstanding krewe.

Fantastic flower arrangements were furnished by Flowers By Jimmy Thomas, and gifts from King and Queen XVI and the Royalty Club to King XVII-elect Sam and Queen XVII-elect Jim, who will reign over all festivities during 1998, were presented prior to the dinner. Captains Denny and Joe were special guests because of their importance and hard work bringing together Bal Masque XVII.

Now I must tell you a little more about the wonderful waiter for the evening. His name is Chris, and you must all ask for him when you dine at Juban's. He worked his sweet buns off, but it did not go unnoticed. He merged well with all royalty members and managed to mingle and exert his fabulous personality on the visiting men, something that is not always easy to do under the circumstances. He was so comfortable with the work atmosphere that he actually seemed to become a part of the royal realm. He's absolutely great in all respects--beautiful face, magnificent body, charming wit, unfortunately straight, but a perfect al a mode for any dessert. Chris, Chris, darling. I'm awaiting my third choice from the menu. Thanks for your tireless efforts to see that our group enjoyed this special night. A very special thanks also goes out to Richard for overseeing the magic of this restaurant's hospitality and excellent food. (Richard, darling! Don't you have a connection to that fantabulous beauty, Lynette of Chalmette? I seem to recall her last swing through the tri-cities area. You know what I mean - Bunkie, Baker, and Baton Rouge?)

Another Red Stick group brought out the best of the Mardi Gras season with a bash to beat all bashes. The Tyler home on Drehr was the setting for this event and signaled the introduction of royalties for the Krewe of Hedon. The crowd in attendance was very enthusiastic, and many faces from other krewes were common. This spectacular party was given in lieu of a regular ball presentation. John reigned as king, and another Possa beauty claimed the queen's title. All in all, it was a most enjoyable evening.

The Captains' Party and the Royalty Reception were held at the newly expanded Desiree's on Main Street in downtown Baton Rouge. The reception was held first and gave the members of the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo a chance to thank each other for performances well done. Les was honored twice with the president's award and the captains' award. Both were certainly well deserved. Les is that backstage and behind-the-scenes guy who made it all come together, from errands to actual ball participation. Hal was chosen for the Hall of Fame, another award that was well deserved.

Following this reception was the elegant dining surroundings of the adjoining section of the restaurant. The Captains' Party was absolutely wonderful and offered a relaxed setting for what had been a year of hard work to bring about such a wonderful Mardi Gras ball.

Another fabulous party is just around the corner. It's the big Boudreaux Bash that takes place in Spanish Town Saturday, the day of the big parade, and Host Al (the master costume designer) has been cooking up goodies for the occasion. This is an invitation-only party, and it is an invitation that is as treasured as those famous parties held at the Ambush complex in the historic French Quarter. Only the elite of the elites attend this one.

The duo of Don and Tom are still pulling in the crowds at the Blue Parrot. I think this has to do also with their choice of bartenders. Steve has always been the best of all the rest over the years, and this work has been an ongoing love for him. Mr. Bill has a good one in this young man. They are a fine duo too. Bartender Jody was in fine form when I stopped in last week. He had on a pair of jeans that looked as if they were sprayed on, and that wonderful body filled them out perfectly in all the right places. Gorgeous Greg is the other member of this team, and he is absolutely the sweetest little guy I know.

Lady Rhonda was doing her thing at the Mirror Lounge too. Mr. Butt Beautiful of 1998 was with me, and this young stud makes the great lady weak in the knees. Of course, that could also be because she practices the art of kneeling constantly. For lack of a better description, I'd have to say the lady is hot to trot. But, Sweetheart, Darling, Baby Doll! Yes, I did open that Christmas present you desired so much, and it was very nice. Better luck next time, dear lady.

The butt beautiful boy also went to the other bars with me. He especially likes going to the Hide-A-Way. He and Bubba always pass a good time together. The new Hide-A-Way sign is almost complete. The Bubba babe did a good job with this, and this talented youngster is a beautiful companion for other half Marie. They just seem to go together like bread and butter.

George's was a mass of bodies for stripper night, and everyone was having a great time. I ran into so many friends here. One of these I have to tell you about. His name is Bill, and he is really special in a number of ways. I won't tell you his age, but his hormones are raging like a teenager. I've never seen anything like it for one so-how do I say this?-so youthful. All I can say is that he knows how to get around, and he has a wonderful way of charming the pants off of his selected partner for the evening.

Someone else who is charming is a sweetheart named Ronnie, the newest addition to Bungalow Lane in Red Stick's historic section known as Spanish Town. This young man has a beautiful smile, a rather shy way about him, but he's definitely a charmer in all respects. Still another charmer is a beautiful young man named Ron, from Mobile. This one is special, Denny. Hold on to him.

The Time Zone's Mardi Gras tree shines brightly at their Main Street establishment. The dynamic duo here is gearing up for a fantastic day as the parade meanders only a block away. I noticed the sign on another bar calling themselves the Krewe of Thirst. Well, the TZ fills that description all year long. Their regulars realize this as do all the visitors sent their way by mutual friends. Maybe the TZ should be designated the Krewe of the Faithful Thirsters.

Hibiscus is rearranging merchandise again and adding new stock to keep everyone happy. They order items of interest for all gays and lesbians, and they don't even seek business from the straight world. It's a store with you in mind, and your business is definitely appreciated. This business is now in year 10 and still growing.

Traditions claimed a number of people from the Apollo ball and the Hedon bash. Trixxie was a part of the tableau, and she invited me to dance away the remainder of the night, but I had another party to attend and couldn't make it. She is a sweetheart and always so eager to help out. I just think she is a very special human being and definitely an asset for Traditions.

Kyle and Brian at Mystik Coffeehouse and Mystik Treasures (on Government Street) were having fun playing around with one of their new computers when I stopped in. I do believe I interrupted a weenie watch, but then there is nothing wrong with that. Just don't touch that dial, darlings - unless you're going to pull up another big one. A belly dancer performed for the audience that night in the coffee shop. She was quite charming and definitely had moves all in the right places.

Well, I must thank Leonard for his thoughtfulness on all occasions. The Valentine gift was fabulous but so are all the other items I have come to treasure. I value friendships that are sincere, and this one is great. He puts the extra magic in magic, and does it with class and dignity.

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras, darlings!