Order of Mithras Carnival Association

Order of Mithras

Founded	1924
Location	Biloxi, Mississippi
Country	United States
President	Mark Mavar
2011 King	Walter "Buzzy" Bolton
2011 Queen	Renee Dellenger
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Order of Mithras Carnival Association

The Order of Mithras, the Oldest Men's Carnival Organization on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, was organized in 1924, and has held masked balls every year since, except for 1943-1945 (World War II) and 2006 (Katrina). The current membership is 150 strong. It's masked ball is held the Friday preceding Mardi Gras every year.

2011 Masked Ball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Order of Mithras, the oldest Men’s Carnival Organization on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, presented their 84th annual ball on March 4, 2011 at the Biloxi Community Center on Howard Avenue. President Robbie Schmidt picked this year’s theme, “Star Wars”.

The Krewe entered the ballroom as Jedi Knights outfitted in black shirts and armed with light sabers. Following the Krewe’s entrance, a tribal dance opened the tableau, entertainment was provided by Kelli Step’s School of Dance Showstoppers of Biloxi.

As the space set opened guarded by storm troopers firing on the forces, Duke Leo Manuel entered as Jedi Master Yoda to Randy Newmans “Short People” and his Maid Ashley Cosgriff. C3PO, portrayed by Duke Read Breeland was sent in as back-up for Yoda to Styx’s “Mr. Roboto” and his maid Julie Schmidt. Following C3PO, Hans Solo entered, portrayed by Duke Mike Pontius, to Michael Jackson’s “I’m Bad” and his maid Lori Pontius. As if there was not enough back-up to defend the Rebel’s, a bumbling Gungan, Jar-Jar Binx stumbled in, portrayed by Duke Harry Schmidt, III to Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and his maid Jennifer Biggy Schmidt. Chewbacca, known as “Chewy”, portrayed by Duke Victor Mavar, Jr., grew concerned over the well being of his side kick Hans Solo and joined in the battle to defend the Rebels to the Charlie Daniel’s Band “Legend of the Wooly Swamp”, and his maid Margaret Schmidt Davis. As the battle continued, lead Storm Trooper, portrayed by Duke Kenny Holloway, entered to Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting” to try and clear the way for the Empire to regain control, and his maid Dianne Holloway. As the Rebel Jedi’s pulled back forces, Darth Maul, portrayed by Duke Walt Denton, swiftly swooped in to Aerosmith’s/Run DMC “Walk this Way”, to turn the tables for the empire forces. When at last, the Jawa, portrayed by Duke Rives Pringle, entered to neutralize the premises to Morris Day’s “Jungle Love”, and his maid Shelley Pringle.

As things grew silent and Rebel forces were being contained, the King of Mithras appeared to AC/DC’s “Back in Black” as Darth Vader, 2011 Mithras King Walter T. “Buzzy” Bolton of Ocean Springs. After a promenade around the Jedi Knights, Mithras Past President Jim Brashier escorted the King searching for his queen. At last his quest was over, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” Queen Renee Dellenger of Biloxi was crowned.

After photographs were taken of the Royal Court, the guests were entertained by The Molly Ringwalds.