Shreveport article mentioning Gerry at Cotillion

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110417/LIVING04/104150306/1004/LIVING/Kim-Kayser-reigns-Holiday-Dixie-Cotillion-King

Kim Kayser reigns as Holiday in Dixie Cotillion King

When 2011 Holiday in Dixie Cotillion King Kim Kayser found out in August that the theme for the April 8 soiree would be "Monaco: Land of Enchantment," he immediately planned a seven-day trip with wife Mary Jo to the tiny principality to see what all the hoopla would be about.

A high point for Kayser: While waiting by the castle, Prince Albert's car paused and Kayser waved to him and the royal waved back!
Kayser reigned with LSU coed Queen Camille Flournoy at the Cotillion at Municipal Auditorium.

The next night, actor Gerard Butler, in town filming "Playing the Field," caused quite a stir when he showed up at a party for Flournoy, Princess Amanda Brown and Prince Christian Basinger at Riverview Hall. He was invited by Newt and Melinda Dorsett, but drove himself to Riverview Hall.

Although he spent much of the time posing for photos and did not dance, he did get just a bite of breakfast. He described the event as "very exciting, exhilarating and great fun," Newt said. "He texted me the next day that it was a wonderful festivity for Shreveport and that he was glad to participate in a local event."

Cotillion chair Pam Dethloff selected Monaco for the theme because she loves the era and admired Grace Kelly. So from clothes to food, the evening channeled that period.
For instance, the Royal Banquet by Upper Crust was in the Grimaldi Pavilion, with such goodies as Casino Royale Filets.

From the lobby — filled with Kendall Bailey's arrangements of deep red Freedom roses — to the stage, with its white, gold and scarlet decor, the auditorium exuded simple, but stunning elegance.
Moments to remember: Kayser brandishing a sword, a gift from Dethloff, instead of scepter ... Future ball chairs waiting in the wings — Catherine Smith, 2012, and Cissie Smith, 2013 ... Four couples from the Sandy's Dance Center perfectly executing a waltz for the tableau ... The 16 duchesses and ladies, in long, colorful ensembles, sporting $275 — give or take a dollar or two — upswept coiffures and exquisite makeup created by Deborah David.

Attendee Jennifer Frierson in a very slim, black Diane Von Furstenberg design with dramatic cutouts on the sides made quite a swath through the crowd and so did Diane Sealy, eye-catching in a hot pink, ruffled one-shoulder frock. Beth Parker was sassy in red skirt with a full flounce, while Anne Jenkins, wife of Shreveport City Councilman Oliver Jenkins, chose a body-hugging white dress with halter-style top.

Among the high school seniors who ushered: Anne K. Townsend, Caroline E. Turnage, Bennett R. Updegraff, Thomas W. O'Brien Jr., Sarah B. Penn, Paige K. McCook, Connor M. Hennessey.
Faces in the crowd: Jimmy and Sharon Marrs, Sam and Martha Talbot, Leu Wilder, George and Minou Fritze, Elissa Larremore, Dr. Tom Siskron IV, Stewart and Katie Slack, Jodie McJunkins, Fred and Sybil Patten, Delton Harrison, Frank Harris IV, Vince and Marilyn Giglio, Josephine Giglio, Bobby and Maura Pugh, Jean Allen, Betty Frierson and Jack and Mikey Carlisle.

Elaborate foldout invitations with magnificent graphics invited recipients to the prince/princess/queen gala. Bit's 'N Pieces of Baton Rouge came to play for dancing and, late in the evening, there was breakfast by John Cariere. In a bow to the late designer Marc Marcussen, his crew completed his design for the party's three sections, including a castle entrance, castle, where the royal tables were lit with two crystal chandeliers, and moonlit garden for dancing. It was hosted by their parents: Brian and Jenny Flournoy, Chris and Paula Frierson and Pam and Jack Brown. Among those schmoozing the night away: former Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower and wife Sheri, Barry and Terri Busada, John Bicknell, Jordan Salpietra, Margo Rudd, Lachlan Fogarty John Pickens, Nicholas Harper, Connor Black and Claire Kennedy.

For work well done in an agency campaign, Sharon Kavanaugh, there with hubby Robin, was lauded and presented with a lush bouquet of roses at the April 5 Arc Foundation Appreciation Dinner at the Shreveport Club. Guests chowed down on Galatoire's Eggplant Casserole or steak. Special guests were Cherie Randazzo and son Joshua, a participant in the Arc GREAT or equine program. In a short video, Cherie said she had glimpses of the person inside her son through the way he smiles at the horses — "...and the excitement in his eyes when he walks into the stall to get his horse."

Pals paid court to 2011 Krewe of Elders Queen Celia Frazier at a Royal Tea at the Greenwood home of Sue Wheeler. Other hosts: Gail Cascio, Julia Collins, Janis Franklin, Sue Prudhomme, Liz Skyles, Wanda Smith and Sue Wheeler.

Maggie Martin is a Times reporter/columnist. She can be reached by calling 459-3257 or emailing maggiemartin@gannett.com.

From a Letter to the Editor:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011104170328

Actor Gerard Butler did not 'mail it in' at Holiday in Dixie

At a lavish Holiday in Dixie party April 9, Gerard Butler made an appearance, adding to the evening's excitement and energy. I watched as, for nearly two hours, he very graciously and patiently spoke to fans, even accepting my compliments on his work in "300."

Such an appearance might be part of his contract/job. But even if it is, he did not "mail it in." Much appreciated, Gerard!
— Ben Marshall Jr.
Shreveport