The Mystic Krewe of Alpheus revealed Van Robert Phillips as King Alpheus X and Kathy Scott Pollard as Queen Arethusa X at 12th Night Party held Saturday.

The black tie affair officially kicked off the Mardi Gras season and heralded a new tradition for the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus. For the first time in the krewe’s existence, the king and queen’s identities were revealed before the grand ball.

Since this is the 10th anniversary of the krewe, the membership voted to announce the king and queen at the beginning of the Mardi Gras season this year with a formal declaration of the king and queen at the Pearl Street Cellar. Krewe President Rick Freeman announced their majesties at the 12th Night Gala.

King Alpheus X Van Phillips and Queen Arethusa X Kathy Pollard were both honored and surprised to be chosen. King Alpheus X and Queen Arethusa X rule over their royal court consisting of Charles and Kimberly Falkenheiner, Gene Radzewicz and Renee Cantu, Pat Powers and Stacy Strong, Skeeter Wilson and Karen Brady, Tom Bailey, Jr. and Tabitha Wroten, who will all portray characters from the &uot;Wild, Wild West&uot; theme.

Pollard said that she relishes being chosen queen because she knows what hard work others have done for the krewe. The 10th anniversary makes it a special year.

&uot;This year is a milestone for the krewe,&uot; she said. &uot;It is just like being in business, if you make it the first 10 years, then you will be there to stay and our krewe is here to stay. Our membership is up from last year, and people are still asking if they can join. I have never been in an organization that is always volunteering and contributing to so many charitable events. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are a part of a group that participates in so many worthwhile events.&uot;

Pollard has been one of the most enthusiastic and hardworking krewe members. She worked the Chili Cookoff this year from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. laughing all day. She has consistently volunteered for krewe activities and ball and party decoration and cleanup year after year. Last year Kathy chaired the Grand Ball committee.

Pollard calls Natchez her hometown. She is married to Bill Pollard, and they have two sons, Will, 17 years old, and Scott, 12 years old. Pollard’s parents are Jack and Katherine Scott of Natchez. She is a second-grade teacher at Morgantown Elementary School in Natchez. Pollard received a diploma from South Natchez High School and then graduated summa cum laude from Alcorn State University at Lorman with a degree in Elementary Education.

Pollard is a Sunday school teacher at Parkway Baptist Church in Natchez. She has been active in the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Math-a-thon, the Cathedral Fall Festival, the Natchez Blues Festival and the Chili Cook-off. She also participates in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life every year. Pollard is historian for Alpha Kappa Delta, a teaching sorority and has served as a board member for the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus. Pollard was chairman for the grand ball last year and did an outstanding job.

Pollard enjoys reading, cooking, swimming, playing tennis and spending time with her family and friends. She said that her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her family.

&uot;I enjoy going to sporting events in which my children are participating,&uot; she said.

Her son, Scott, was a member of the 11-12 All-Star team that participated in the World Series in 2000.

King Alpheus X Phillips also said he is honored to chosen this year.

&uot;It is a pleasure to serve as king in this memorable anniversary of the Krewe and to share the good times with all,&uot; Phillips said. &uot;This group of people could not be any better if they tried … They are easy going and love to have a good time. In the past 10 years many have come and gone including myself and I can say I now know what I missed, the people first and the good times they always seem to find.&uot;

Phillips has been a resident of Natchez for the last 27 years. He has also lived in Dallas and Vidalia, La. As manager of All-Phase Electric Company in Natchez, Phillips has lent his workplace for the building of the Krewe float for the past two years. Phillips graduated from Cathedral High School in Natchez.

He has associates degrees in business, marketing and hotel and restaurant management from Florida State University and Mississippi State University.

Phillips is a member of St. Mary Basilica in Natchez. He has two sons: Loyd William Phillips and Van Robert Phillips Jr.

Over the years, Phillips has participated in community activities such as raising funds for cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, the American Heart Association, the Special Olympics and the Salvation Army. He is a member of the restaurant association and a past member of the Natchez Mardi Gras Association. Phillips is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Mississippi where he has served as exalted ruler, leading knight, secretary and trustee. He is also a member of the Mississippi Homebuilders Association and the Natchez Chamber of Commerce. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and therefore, counts the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited and the Buck Island Hunting Club as current affiliations. Phillips’ interests also include boating, cooking and travel. He lists his favorite thing to do as relaxing with friends and cook and eat.

The Krewe of Alpheus will continue to hold its traditional night parade Friday, Feb. 16, with lighted floats and flambeau carriers. The &uot;Wild, Wild West&uot; is the 2001 theme of the parade and Grand Ball.

This year’s grand marshal will be the king of Mississippi parades himself, Malcolm White. Besides being a restaurant and brew pub owner, Malcolm White is a music promoter and sponsor of the Hal & Mal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade in Jackson for the past several years.

The event has turned into a huge success and benefits the Blair Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. The Grand Ball will follow Saturday night at the new Natchez Community Center where the public is invited to attend for a fee of $35 per ticket. Music will be provided by the DOTS; food and fun will be provided by the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus.