The word means Roman goddess of fruitful abundance
In terms of fun, fellowship and dancing the night away, there is a brand-new krewe in town bringing fruitful abundance of a good time to Ruston. The Krewe of Pomona was established in 2022 by a group of friends looking to revamp the Mardi Gras scene in Ruston. Michelle Landry, member of the founding board explains, “The idea of having a true Mardi Gras Krewe in Ruston has been something I’ve wanted to happen since moving back to Ruston in 2016. Last year at the Krewe of Allegro Ball, there was a group who started gathering names at the event to gauge interest forming a new krewe. At the first interest meeting, ideas began to start flowing. Several people expressed interest in serving on the Board of Directors to really get the planning underway. We wanted to bring a full Mardi Gras experience to Ruston to connect with this huge part of Louisiana culture. We also wanted another avenue for people of different ages, backgrounds, and demographics to come together and connect. At the core of it we want this to be something that brings people together to serve the community and to create a safe, family friendly experience for Mardi Gras.”. With this new interest, Ruston’s original Krewe of Allegro decided to hang up 23 years of crowns and create a space for the Pomona gang to work their magic. In return, the first inaugural Krewe of Pomona Ball was indeed a magical night for all.
The highly anticipated Krewe of Pomona Ball was held on January 21st to a sold-out crowd. The Squire Creek Country Club entrance was bustling with glittery gowns, black ties and letters reading P.O.M.O.N.A. lit up the night. A spirit of celebration filled the air as over two hundred and fifty guests gathered to watch The Krewe of Pomona’s royal court presentation. An enchanted moment for family, friends and guests as the court made their way through the ballroom to cheers from an adoring crowd. When the royal court presentation was complete, the music began. The Caravan Band kicked off, and the dance floor was rocking for the duration of the evening. Dressing for a black-tie affair and dancing the night away with friends is a rare occasion for many. This krewe made the most of every moment eating, drinking, celebrating, and again, dancing more than most have done since long forgotten college days. In true Mardi Gras fashion, this wasn’t just an event, this was a party to be remembered!
“The joy on everyone’s faces throughout the night was the most exciting thing.! The moment where you see all of your hard work reflected in the enjoyment of the people you were working to make it happen for was the best part of the whole process thus far.” Michelle Landry
The community as a whole is grateful to The Krewe of Pomona committee for breathing new life into Ruston Mardi Gras. Their work and dedication have proven to be a great success. This inaugural year is only the beginning. Plans for parades and events for the whole family are in the works for the upcoming seasons. In the meantime, a genuine excitement has been planted and the fruitful abundance in this labor of love is certain to continue blooming.
Follow The Krewe of Pomona on social media
@kreweofpomona for announcements about parade dates and routes as well as membership information!
Lt. Col. Rowdy Sewell USMC, Ret,
King Pomona I
Mrs. Pam Cathey Jones,
Queen Pomona I
Lt. Col. Rowdy Sewell USMC, Ret, King Pomona I
Rowdy Sewell is a retired Marine Aviator with 23 years of active duty. He is currently a Captain for American Airlines based out of DFW. Rowdy is husband to Marion, and father to Rosemary, Frances, and Juliette.
Mrs. Pam Cathey Jones, Queen Pomona I
Pam Jones is a life-long resident of Lincoln Parish. She served as the parish Tax Assessor for 12 years, retiring after more than 30 years of work in the office. Following her retirement, she began a second career in real estate culminating with the opening of her own brokerage Louisiana Orchard Realty.
Krewe of Pomona 2023 Prince, Jack Barron McClure
Jack is the son of Leslie and Blaine McClure. He is the grandson of Ginny and the late Jack Love and Glenn and the late Carrie McClure. Jack is a senior at West Feliciana High School in St. Francisville.
Queen’s Attendants:
Charley Garriga, Collins Garriga and Lily Cate Landry
King’s Attendants:
Juliette Sewell, Frances Sewell, and Rosemary Sewell
Krewe of Pomona 2023 Princess, Emma Love Pearce
Emma Love is the daughter of Ginger and Mikie Pearce. She is the granddaughter of Ginny and the late Jack Love and Kay and the late Conny Pearce. Emma Love is a junior at Cedar Creek School.
Krewe of Pomona 2023 Princess, Callie Ann Stegall
Callie is the daughter of Amy and Chris Stegall. She is the granddaughter of Corre Stegall and of Celeste and Bernard Bolton. Callie is a senior at Ruston High School.