Sandra Gonzalez WGNO News

March 7, 2011
RIVERTOWN—
In Kenner, The Lundi Gras celebration began with the meeting of the kings of Zulu and Argus.

The royal entourage of Zulu was greeted by Jefferson Parish royalty, the king and queen and court of Argus. The traditional Lundi gras gathering was followed by gift giving.

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"This is a traditional coconut. This is a king coconut which I will present to the king of Argus," said Anthony Barker, Sr., King Zulu of 2011.

In return Argus bore gifts as well. The two regal parties have been meeting on Lundi Gras for several years. The king of Argus is especially beaming with royal family pride.

"It's also in our own family that my daughter was the first queen and now my granddaughter is my queen in the reign of Argus as king," said Henry Shane, King Argus XXVII.

Members of Zulu and Argus second lined in Rivertown and tossed beads to an appreciating crowd before making their way to the stage.

And they toasted to a successful 2011 Mardi Gras before meeting people in the crowd.

And the crowds just loved it because they they got to get up close and personal especially to some of the members of the court and krewe of Zulu. Lots of people wanted to take their pictures with Zulu members before the social and pleasure club left the grounds to continue with their Lundi Gras festivities.

"It was fantastic. I'm from Memphis and this has just been wonderful. It's nice to meet a celebrity now and then," said tourist Helen Towns.

"Come out have fun. Happy Mardi Gras to everyone and get one of those specialty king and queen's coconuts, most importantly try to get one of those," said King Zulu.

But since it's still Lundi Gras, so there's still plenty of celebrating to do before Mardi Gras.