Where has the time gone? It feels like the last twenty-five years have flown by.

First I would like to thank you, the members of the Krewe of Gemini, for allowing me the opportunity to be your Captain for Gemini XXV, our silver anniversary year. It seems like only yesterday when I attended our first Grand Ball at the Bossier City Convention Center and we lined our floats on Dee Street to start our first “Original” parade. The people came, and Mardi Gras as we know it today in the Shreveport/Bossier area was born.

I asked many of the early Krewe members to relive those years through stories in our monthly newsletter. One of the founders of the Krewe of Gemini, Captain Gemini I and II Cary Petty, is the first to share his memories. I hope you enjoy reading about those beginning years and what the Krewe of Gemini has meant to all members, new and old over the years. To come from our early beginnings to where we are today has taken the time and dedication of many people.

I would also like to thank our past Gemini XXIV Captain, Mary Louise Stansell, and the numerous Board and Committee volunteers, along with the Royalty, for a job well done. Last year a plea was sent out for our Krewe members to step up and many of you did. Please welcome our new volunteers who will represent you, the members, during this year. For any member who is not involved, it is not too late to help with the festivities of the year. Feel free to contact any Board member or Committee Chairmen to find out how you can help. Like any organization, you will only get out of this Krewe what you put into it.

Some important dates to mark on your calendar for the coming year:

• June 15^th – Theme Announcement
• August 24^th – Coronation
• September 26^th – New Member Orientation
• October 5^th – Captain’s Reception/Fall Flambeaux
• November 8 -10^th – New Orleans trip
• February 15^th – Grand Ball, Shreveport Convention Center
• March 1^st – “Original” Parade

The dates have been set, the theme has been selected, the floats have been designed and our Grand Ball and “Original” Parade planning is underway. So get on board for Gemini XXV. We hope you enjoy the ride.

Russ Friedrich

Captain XXV