Bethany Toche and Gianna Milanese, both students at The University of Southern Mississippi, were recently selected to be on the Krewe of Neptune court for the upcoming Mardi Gras season in Biloxi.
Milanese, a senior digital journalism major, has been selected as a member of the court. And Toche, a senior nursing major, will accompany her as another member.
Throughout the months leading up to Mardi Gras, there will be parties and events held in preparation. And Toche, a Coast native, is excited about this opportunity that many people don’t get.
“I feel very honored that I get to do it,” she said. “It’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing.”
The preparations have already begun for Toche. Things such as ordering beads, getting fitted for costumes, meetings, and preparing invitations for friends and family all lead up to the Neptune Ball.
“I’m most excited about the whole weekend of the ball,” Toche said.
She will be busy making sure everything is ready to go including her costume, hair, and makeup.
“My friends and family will be there with me to celebrate,” she stated, something she is very excited about.
She will celebrate the days leading up to the ball, during the ball, and at the parades that take place that week. And she will be seen on the Krewe of Neptune float in her costume, tossing beads to the participants at the parade.
To be selected as a member on the court is something that Toche will forever be grateful for. Accompanying her on the court are some of her best friends.
“I feel like it will be a great experience to go through with them,” she said. “It will be something to always look back on.”
Mardi Gras is one of the most popular events to take place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has been celebrated for many years. Several krewes hold balls, have large celebrations, and participate in various Mardi Gras parades around the Coast. The Krewe of Neptune is one of the largest krewes on the Coast and has been around since 1981.
