The Krewe of Krazo crowned its 2024 EurekaGras royalty the night of Friday, Feb. 2, with a glitzy dinner party in the Crystal Ballroom of the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. The new court, led by King Nathan Handley and Queen Kay Franco, were feted by a sold-out crowd of 200 family and friends and members of the outgoing krewe.

The sceptors were passed, and the royal toast was in motion, but before the 11 members of the outgoing and incoming Krazo sovereigns could complete the transition of power, the trays holding the flutes of champagne were accidentally tipped down their backs. All were drenched.

Captain Cathy Handley, ever polite, asked that they toast with their hands instead.

“And they did,” she said later.

“It caught us all off guard,” added Handley, mother of the incoming king. Her husband, Larry Handley, gave up his crown to make way for the next generation.

This year’s Duchesses are Linda Harris, Anna Smedley and Becca Ritter. Dukes are Brad Eskridge, Sam Ewan and Rich Whitney.

All enjoyed a dinner of filet mignon and “everything else went off without a hitch,” said Handley. They danced to music from a DJ until 10 p.m.

Rain threatened but didn’t dash the next evening’s night parade. The 2024 theme is “Music Through the Decades.” The Masquerade Ball is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9, at the Inn of the Ozarks, followed by the day parade and a Jazz Brunch Feb. 11 back at the Crescent.

— Story and photos
by Cyd King