The Spring Fiesta Court, 2024
One year after its organization, The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association began presenting young ladies to society in a royal court in 1938. The 1939 Queen of the Spring Fiesta was Miss Rita Holland. She reined joined by her ladies in waiting, Miss Lois Le Vasseur, Miss Joan Mooney, Miss Jane Lacourrege, Miss Ann Mae Keller, Miss Janet Brands, and Miss Mary Zimmermann. As the city came together to celebrate the first Spring Fiesta, Foley’s florist donated a wall of orchids, and Maison Blanche provided dresses for the Court.
By 1956, The Spring Fiesta Queen was joined by a full court including Maids of Honor, Demoiselles, and Jewel Bearers. In this year, the Court was honored at a dinner in the International House, a special night at the Opera, and several other receptions during the Spring Fiesta.
Eventually, Promenade Girls were included in the festivities, serving as attendants to the court during its Promenade in Jackson Square.
In 2018, the Spring Fiesta Cotillion Court continued to grow with the transition of the youbg Promenade Girls into the court proper and the addition of Gallants to accompany the Demoiselles and Promenade Girls. This served to recognize the young men of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association families for their volunteer service to the organization.
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In 2023, a full King’s Court was added to embrace the entire family of our New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association members. The King’s Court consists of the Captain, Royal Guard, and King.
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The King's Court, along with thet Queen and her Court, Maids, Demoiselles, Promenade Girls, Gallants, Flag Bearers, and Jewel Bearers, are chosen for individual and family volunteer service to the organization and community and dedication to the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association.
The New Orleans Spring Fiesta's first King, dubbed Roi I, is Casmier Joseph Blanda, Vieux Carré philanthropist, volunteer, and historian. Mr. Blanda, known as C.J., joined the organization in 1961. He has been a Board Member since 1965 and has held all of the organization’s offices and committee chair positions during his 60-year tenure.
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The first Captain, Mr. Joseph DiFatta, known as Joey, is a successful local businessman. He sits on the executive board of The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association as a Vice President and has been intramental in the organization's success. Mr. DiFatta is an executive and organizing member of many non-profit, philanthropic, civic, business, and social organizations.
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The first Royal Guard, Mr. William John Sejour Borne Curran, known as Liam, is a student of music and media arts. He is junior member of the organization and began his service to NOSFA at age 8. Mr. Curranhas volunteered at countless events, and currently serves as assistant to the club historian and technical assistant for publications and event sound systems. Mr. Curran also volunteers at Cascade Stables.
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Le Roi II, of the 2024 Spring Fiesta,, Mr. Jerry Wayne Stowe, is the President of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association The organization has flourished under his direction. He has been a board member since 2017. Le Roi Stowe is a successful local businessman and member of several other nonprofit organizations including Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré and French Quarter Citizens.
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