Washington's Unique Mardi Gras Mixes Fun and Politics

Washington, D. C. is gearing up for a special Mardi Gras celebration that's been happening for over 75 years. It's not just about parties; it's also a big networking event for politicians and business leaders. This year, the main ball is on January 31st at the Washington Hilton, where the bar is nicknamed the 65th parish. The fun starts on January 27th with a luncheon. The 2026 royal court has been announced. W. Gray Stream, a businessman from Lake Charles, will be the king. He runs Stream Cos. and started Gulf Coast Sequestration. Sarah Heebe, a Yale University student from New Orleans, will be the queen. She's studying Environmental Studies. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is in charge of the event this year.This tradition started in the 1940s as a small party for Louisiana staffers working in Congress. Now, it's a big deal with multiple events over several days. Each year has a new theme and poster. This year's theme is "Liberty & Lagniappe, " and the poster features an alligator inspired by George Washington's famous river crossing. More than just a party, this event is a hotspot for business networking. Politicians, business leaders, and even festival queens from Louisiana attend. Over five days, businesses and nonprofits set up hospitality suites to connect with others. This year, 24 Louisiana festivals will send their queens to represent their industries. Washington Mardi Gras is a unique blend of celebration and business. It's a chance for people to have fun and make important connections. The event shows how traditions can evolve and bring people together in unexpected ways.