
Photos by Matthew Coughlin //Shot on location at Cotton Hall
Balls and parties. Gowns and toasts. It all seems fun and frivolous — and maybe it is — but the tradition of celebrating a young woman’s transition into adulthood is a rite of passage that has reigned supreme in some societies for centuries. Historians date it all back to 18th-century England, and it has been the fashion in the Bay area since not long after. While the pomp and circumstance surrounding today’s queens and leading ladies is inspired by that of old, today’s tableaus are all costumes, winks and silliness. And yet, the ritual is still a celebration of family, community, charitable work and achievement. It still introduces young ladies to new people and gives us all someone special to toast when the second line marches and the parade begins to roll. This invitation-only experience honors both the lady and her parents, and signals the start of celebratory events on the social calendar! Here MB tracks down eight lovely local ladies and finds out what they will lead and why it means so much.
Kierstyn Nicole Johnson
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Demetrius (Anitra) Henderson
Queen of the 78th Presentation of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association

“This year is extra special because King Elexis, Alan Lang, and I have a common thread. Our grandfathers (who both passed away last year) were best friends. our grandmothers were overjoyed to learn we would be monarchs together. It has been a full family affair with great memories made!”
Christian Hunter Lyons
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hunter Lyons Jr.
Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association
Leading Lady of the 138th S.C.S. Ball

“I think it’s so special that our town has this unique holiday and everyone works their schedules around it. Who knew how much went into it? I appreciate all that work so much, and I am honored to be MCA queen.”
Sadie Davis Ladd
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Banks Christian Ladd
Leading Lady of the Strikers Independent Society 182nd Ball
Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association

“The theme of the ball was Moses Waring’s shaded garden. Waring was the original owner of what is now the Strikers den. Years later, his grandson, Moses Waring Harrison, was living in the house when he reigned as King Felix III in 1900. They held a celebration of his reign in the shaded gardens, and this year’s ball was a celebration of that 125th anniversary.”
Marie Everett Robinson
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Luckett Robinson II
Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association

“My favorite Mardi Gras memory is watching my sister in the MCA court and seeing all of the new friendships she made. I am so glad I get to follow in her footsteps this year!”
Lily Anna Joyce
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Nolen Potts and Mr. James Sample Joyce
Leading Lady of the Order of Myths 158th Anniversary Celebration
Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association
Leading Lady of the Athelstan Club 151st Domino Ball

“I am so excited to be a leading lady this year. I know I am representing my entire family, and that’s a real honor. To me, nothing says Mardi Gras like watching Folly chase Death on Fat Tuesday from the Athelstan Club stands!”
Kathryn Reins Marston
Daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Augustus Marston IV
Leading Lady of the 157th anniversary of the Infant Mystics

“The community of past IM leading ladies has been such an unexpected joy! This experience will be one that I cherish for a very long time.”
Ava Caroline Enfinger
Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Carl G. Enfinger Jr.
Queen of the 76th Mystics of Time Ball

“The MOT’s fire-breathing dragons released on the streets of Mobile each Carnival season have become an iconic symbol of this organization, and I love watching people’s reactions when they come out during the parade.”
Julia Palmer Waechter
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll William Waechter III
Leading Lady of the 137th Order of Dragons Ball

“It is wonderful to see Mobile erupt with color and life. I am so fortunate to be able to celebrate this vibrant time with my family year after year.”