Captain’s Message

Welcome to the Krewe of Gemini, the first parading Krewe in modern times in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. The Krewe of Gemini is a nonprofit volunteer organization including folks from all walks of life who enjoy promoting the Mardi Gras spirit in the area. I would like to extend an invitation to you to be a part of this great organization.

Our den is located at 2101 E. Texas Street in Bossier City, Louisiana. At this site, we store our twenty-six floats used in the annual parade. This parade draws a crowd of 200,000 to 300,000 parade lovers from a variety of states. The floats are decorated in the early fall of each year to fit a theme seleted by the Krewe.

Each year, Gemini selects a Royal Court to represent the Krewe at the various Mardi Gras functions throughout the area. The Royal Court leads our members in visiting schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to bring Mardi Gras to those who cannot attend the events.

Krewe members volunteer to plan and participate in various Mardi Gras events during the year. Gemini has a Halfway to Mardi Gras party to get everyone in the spirit of the season. This year, the event will be held June 28 at Sam’s Town with special guests The Molly Ringwalds.

The Royalty is kept secret from everyone until Gemini’s Coronation Ball. Coronation will be held on August 16 at Sam’s Town to introduce the new Royalty to the public.

Gemini participates with other Krewes to sponsor the annual Twelfth Night event on January 3, 2009. The Gemini Grande Bal and Tableau will be held on January 31, 2009 to showcase the world-class costumes worn by the Gemini XX Royalty. The great Gemini XX Parade will be on February 21, 2009. Any and all of these events can be attended by the public to enjoy the revelry and spirit of Mardi Gras.

If any, or all of this sounds like something you might be interested in, please review the Gemini website. I invite you to contact me, or anyone in the Krewe for more information or to visit the Gemini den.

I would like to thank all of the Gemini members for the opportunity to serve as Captain Gemini XX. I would also like to thank our Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex.

“Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler”

Chris S. Stansell
Captain Gemini XX