NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The King and Queen of Carnival have made their Mardi Gras debut with the Krewe of Rex.
Rex began its roll at 10:30 a.m. and made its way through the Uptown route onto Gallier Hall, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell lifted a toast to the krewe’s royalty.
Hailing as King of Carnival is John Menge Eastman, an Airforce and U.S. Army veteran and retired businessman, who, for years, has been doing volunteer work for the community.
His work includes efforts toward helping individuals overcome challenges in their lives.
“Mr. Eastman is deeply appreciative to the Rex Organization for the honor of serving as the 2024 King of Carnival. He feels great humility in joining the parade of past Rexes and feels blessed knowing that there are so many other members equally deserving of the honor. Mr. Eastman is committed to continuing to represent those institutions and agencies that work to bring to life Rex’s motto, Pro Bono Publico, for the public good, in the community we all love so much,” according to Rex Organization.
Hailing as Queen of Carnival is Elizabeth Brent Montgomery.
Currently enrolled at the University of Alabama pursuing a career in marketing, she is also a graduate of Trinity Episcopal and Isidore Newman schools. In between her studies, Montgomery said she has incorporated community service throughout her years.
“I’ve always loved doing service, I’ve always loved being involved, and I’ve done it since I was a little girl. So, whenever there is an opportunity for me to be able to give back or help or just be involved in anything, I take advantage of it and will always,” said Montgomery.
Many generations of Montgomery’s family have served the Rex Organization and her great, great, great, great grandfather, Albert Baldwin, was King of Carnival in 1876.
Exclusive: Behind the scenes of Rex Flag raising
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
