The Mystic Krewe de St. Denis announces the Royal Monarchs for the 41st Tableau and Ball, set for Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Natchitoches Events Center.
Elizabeth Eileen Jackson
The Queen for the 2018 court is Miss Elizabeth Eileen Jackson. Miss Jackson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tandy Ealon Jackson IV. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Michael Reppen of Donaldsonville and Mr. and Mrs. Tandy Ealon Jackson III of Natchitoches. Queen Elizabeth is a 2017 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School. She is currently a freshman at Louisiana State University majoring in communication disorders. She is a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Miss Jackson previously served as a Princess in 2008 and 2012, a Lady-In-Waiting in 2016 and a Maid on the 2017 court.
Steve Armster McCain Sr.
Steve Armster McCain Sr. will reign as the 41st King of the Krewe de St. Denis Ball. A lifelong resident of Natchitoches, he is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Harold Leon McCain Sr. He is a graduate of Natchitoches Central High School and retains the distinction of being its only All-American football player. He attended Northwestern State University and was a member of the Gamma Psi chapter of Kappa Alpha Order.
McCain is married to the former Melanie Mays Gimbert, also a lifelong resident of Natchitoches and direct descendent of Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, the founder of Natchitoches. They have two children who reside in Natchitoches and four grandchildren. Steve Armster McCain Jr. is owner of Wide Open Outfitters and has one son, John Gabriel McCain. Susan Gimbert McCain Godfrey is married to John Phillips Godfrey III, and is a kindergarten teacher at NSU Elementary Laboratory School. They have three children: Madeline Elizabeth, Caroline Alexander and Jackson Peace. The McCain?s oldest daughter, Shelly Elizabeth, predeceased them in 1984.
The McCain family has enjoyed a long-time relationship with the Krewe de St. Denis. The 41st King is a charter member of the Krewe and has served as Captain of the Ball in 2004 and as a Duke in 1998. The King’s son, Steve Jr., was a Knight of the Court in 1990 and 1991 and joined St. Denis in 2014. The King’s daughter, Shelly Elizabeth, was a Herald in 1983, and his daughter, Susan McCain Godfrey, was a Duchess in 1998. His granddaughter, Madeline Elizabeth, was a Princess of the Court in 2012 and 2016. His granddaughter, Caroline Alexander, was a Princess of the Scepter in 2010, a Princess of the Court in 2014 and this year she will serve as one of the Princesses on her grandfather’s Court.
McCain is owner of SPMK Inc., and spends much of his time in Mexico with his son’s business. They host bird hunters from all over the world.
Active in his church and community, he is a former member of the Finance Council and trustee of Holy Cross Catholic Church, and he regularly cooks and serves Wednesday Night Suppers for 75 Louisiana School and Northwestern State University students who attend Holy Cross.
An avid hunter in Mexico and Nicaragua, his Majesty is a member of Ducks Unlimited and was a former state vice president. He is a supporter of Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts, NSU Foundation and St. Mary’s School. Additionally, he has “adopted” several Columbian music students, offering them a home away from home.
McCain considers himself an “islander,” visiting the Caribbean numerous times annually. He extends his love of water to his grandchildren by having taught each of them to swim and spending many hours in his pool with them.
His and Her Majesty will be presented with the Krewe’s Royal Court Saturday, Feb. 3, as part of the Krewe’s 41st Annual Tableau and Ball at the Natchitoches Events Center.
