I guess it would be helpful to begin by giving a history of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport.
The Mystic Krewe of Apollo was first formed in New Orleans, Louisiana on the principles of fostering brotherhood,
unity, and equality within the entire community by Mr. Roland Dobson. In 1976, Mr. Dobson brought these ideals to
the cities of Birmingham, Alabama and Lafayette, Louisiana by forming the first “sister” Krewes, The Mystic Krewe of
Apollo Birmingham and The Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette. In 1981, the Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge was formed
with the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport joining the brotherhood in 1986 making it the premier Mardi Gras Krewe
in Shreveport. Once holding a total of seven affiliations, through out Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, only these four
Krewes of Apollo remained until the fall of 2005. In 2005, the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Dallas was chartered and
became a part of the MKA family.
The first Bal Masque for the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport, was held in the Municipal Auditorium on Grand
Avenue [now Elvis Presley Blvd]. That evening brought the first Tableau of Characters with the theme being
“Treasures of the Earth.“ The first King Apollo I, Mike Beard, was The Golden King and Queen Apollo I, Robert
Doggens, was The Diamond Queen. Members of the court represented semi-precious stones and minerals of
the earth. [Amethyst, Onyx, Copper, Opal, Fire and Silver]. Jay Walker was the Captain of Bal Masque I. Tiffany
Ariagas opened the Bal with Sandi Patti’s “Star Spangled Banner”. Ray Scott Crawford was the Master of Ceremonies
for the evening. The Bal was dedicated posthumously to the Krewe’s first president Rex Mayfield. Current and past
royalty and court members from Baton Rouge and Lafayette were presented including King IX - Lafayette [Garland
Romero] and King Apollo X - Lafayette [Steve Corel]. Since that time, the club has continued to grow and flourish.
The Krewe welcomes approximately 1,200 guests to it’s Bal Masque to celebrate the Mardi Gras season each year.
Membership in the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport is opened to all men, over the age of 21. Dues are $175.00 a
year if paid in full. The cost for members to ride the Float is $250.00 which is for the bead package purchased from
Centaur. Members, led by the Board of Directors, work throughout the year, raising funds for the invitation only Bal
Masque. In addition, the Mystic Krewe of Apollo supports the work of non-profit organizations in our
community, and especially those who are striving to educate the public on HIV/AIDS prevention, and whose
purpose it is to provide help and relief to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. The club specifically lends support
to the Philadelphia Center [the N. W. Louisiana AIDS resource Center], Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
and aids in raising funds for Easter Seals.
Our Theme and Royalty Announcement is held in the fall of the year the Theme and Royalty Announcement of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveportis designed to celebrate the announcement of the newest King and Queen of the upcoming Bal Masque aswell as the Theme of the annual Bal. At this event the members of the Krewe that will wear themed costumes and represent the court are presented.
The Mr. and Miss Apollo Shreveport Pageant will be held in the early summer. These young men
will complete for additional bragging rights and awards after qualifying under the Rules and Regulations of the Krewe.
Contestants compete in a variety of categories; including Presentation, Formal War/Evening gown,
and Talent. In addition to the title of Mr. or Miss Apollo Shreveport, judges also award many other
achievements before the crowning of Mr. and Miss Apollo Shreveport. The winner of the Mr. and Miss
Apollo Shreveport title will go on to represent the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport at the National Mr. and
Miss Apollo Pageant. They are also presented at the annual Bal Masque as well as make special
appearances, on behalf of the Krewe throughout the year.
With the formation of all of the affiliate Mystic Krewes of Apollo, each organization would select their own,
local, Mr. and Miss Apollo. Those representatives would then gather in New Orleans, Louisiana each year,
to complete for the title of Mr. and Miss National Apollo. As the number of affiliations has reduced over the
years, this tradition continues. Now however, each of the remaining Krewes of Apollo takes turns in hosting
the National Pageant every year.
In those early days, it was only the winner for each of the Krewes that was allowed to compete. As with
everything, times change. Today, not only are the winners of the local pageants eligible to compete but
anyone may enter, so long as they are sponsored by a gay or “gay friendly” organization. As with the local
pageant, contestants complete in a variety of categories including Talent, Presentation/Swim Wear and
Formal Wear/Evening Gown. The Mystic Krewe of Apollo Shreveport shall continue this tradition by sending
our representative to the National Apollo in our honor. The National Winner will/shall be invited to appear at
each sister Bal Masque.
