Do you want to be the next King or Queen of Mardi Gras?
Rules for Royals
Becoming King or Queen of Mardi Gras is a huge honor and a lot of fun, but it is not for everyone. Please use this information to help you decide if you want to go “All In” for the fun and be a grand, colorful representative of Asheville Mardi Gras!!!!
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How and when are they chosen?
Each year, deep in the heart of winter, the Mardi Gras season lights a spark as it begins in January with the Twelfth Night celebration. On this enchanted night, the King and Queen of Asheville’s new Mardi Gras season will be crowned.
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Worthy individuals are nominated by Asheville Mardi Gras members to be royalty. Nominees can decide if they want to be considered for a royal position. If so, they complete a short survey to ensure that they are suitable for a royal position.
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The eligible royal nominees at Twelfth Night will be invited to take a slice of king cake. Whoever finds the king cake baby in his or her slice will pick a royal consort, and the two will ride the royal float accompanied by their court in the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade!
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The two persons who accept the coronation as Asheville Mardi Gras’ Royalty share the duties and expectations as outlined below for one year, with the assistance and support of the Asheville Mardi Gras Board
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Arrange for your own outfits/finery/costumes
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Design a costume to help cultivate a style, color palette, and a number of looks for different events.
Dead Royals and fellow members will be very supportive with ideas and strategies. Costume pieces and crowns can be built, bought, and borrowed.
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You may choose a group of people to help you with dressing, ladies in waiting, gentlemen of the garter, etc. to keep your phone or keys or change of clothing, et al, or even just to keep a distance in crowded circumstances.
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You may make or purchase or redesign crowns and hats to signify your reign.
Customary costumed appearances:
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Mardi Gras Parade
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Queen’s Ball
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Midway to Mardi Gras
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Krewe Meet and Greet
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Cajun Cookoff
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Queen’s luncheon (no crowns, but hats)
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Membership Picnic
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Twelfth Night
Other discretionary costume opportunities
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Downtown after Five
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Asheville Holiday Parade
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Other area Parades or Private Parades and appearances
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Media appearances
3. Arrange for the decorating, and staffing of the Royal Float. A partially-decorated float will be provided for this use. This also usually means that you will want a Royal Krewe, although this is optional. You may also want throws for the Royal Float.
The AMG board will provide a stipend to help with costuming, float expenses and throws! It won't necessarily cover all costs, but you will look and live like royalty! Estimated costs must be submitted to the board for approval and receipts must be kept for all expenses.
4. Reign over the Queen’s Ball, which is typically held parade-day evening.
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Consider if you would like to make proclamations, these are basically protocols that may be enacted through your reign and adopted by future events or other royals.
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Choose music for your introduction, and plan how you will be introduced at the ball.
5. Participate in AMG Board meetings, at the request of the
Board
6. Champion the celebration of Mardi Gras!
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