The Krewe of Neaux Klu presented “A Ghostly Gala” for the Krewe of Denham Springs, transforming North Park Recreation Center into a haunted grand ballroom for the 46th Annual Mardi Gras Ball. Once an elegant hall, the venue came alive with spectral revelers—dancing couples, dining guests, and ghosts gathered at long tables—while mischievous spirits played tricks through ethereal, flickering illusions that created scenes of timeless, supernatural celebration.
Guests were greeted by a blend of spooky and celebratory ambiance, complete with flickering lights, haunting music, and the feeling of an elegant party that never ends. Members and guests dined at long tables, each exquisitely decorated by individual krewes to capture the eerie atmosphere of the night. Phat Hat brought the dance floor to life as couples danced well into the evening, sometimes with the women leading, as if freed from earthly constraints.
Outgoing royalty were Maurice “Scooter” Keen and Kay Keen, the 2025 King and Queen. Crowned as the 2026 King and Queen were Susan Hazleton and Charles “Chuck” Hazleton.
Susan and Chuck have been members of the Krewe of Mystic Summer for 15 years and have served the krewe in numerous capacities, most recently as float captains. Susan has also served as Ball Captain and currently serves as Treasurer for the Krewe.
Susan has worked as Controller and Office Manager for Blount General Contractors in Walker for the past 20 years. Together, Susan and Chuck own Hazleton Automation & Machine, a valve automation company based in Denham Springs, which they have operated for 20 years. Chuck previously served on the board of Delta Waterfowl and is an avid outdoorsman. Susan has been a Notary Public for more than 23 years and also enjoys the outdoors.
The King wore a traditional black tuxedo accented with a purple vest. His gold crown was adorned with purple stones and crystals. The Queen wore a stunning custom purple sequined mermaid gown with lace insets and sparkling illusion long sleeves. Her gold tiara featured lavender stones and crystals.
The Master of Ceremonies, Scott Robb, Eagle 98.1, introduced the Ball Captains, Parade Captains, and Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry.
Float Captains included:
The 2025 King and Queen, Scooter and Kay Keen, bestowed the Krewe of Denham Springs silver medallion necklaces upon the newly crowned royalty. Mayor Gerard Landry read a proclamation and presented the new royal couple with a key to the City of Denham Springs.
Members of the mayoral and royal courts, along with guests, honored the new King and Queen with a celebratory toast. The royal couple closed the evening’s ceremonies by leading everyone in a traditional Mardi Gras second line.
The newly crowned Denham Springs royalty will reign over the 46th Annual Krewe of Denham Springs Parade as the celebration continues at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
In remembrance of years past and in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the historic 2016 flood in Denham Springs, this year’s Grand Marshal will be the Cajun Navy 2016, represented by President Jon Bridgers, Sr and Vice President Robert Pearson.
The family-friendly parade will begin at Denham Springs High School on Yellow Jacket Boulevard and proceed down Range Avenue to Veterans Boulevard. All are invited to join in the ghostly fun.
