BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Throw me somethin’ mister!!! — These are the words that ring through South Mississippi this time of year.
It’s the time when beads litter the streets of the Gulf Coast and little plastic babies become the reason to buy a cake. Everywhere else in the nation, it’s Tuesday, but here it’s MARDI GRAS. While many krewes and organizations celebrate the spirit of carnival on the coast, The Krewe of Neptune brings you that Big Easy feel to the streets of Biloxi.
After “Entering the Game” in 2024, this year “Neptune After Dark” promises to deliver a season of dream-filled revelry the likes of which you’ve never seen with a theme that celebrates some of the most well-known, and maybe some not-so-well-known, characters of sleep and dreams.
The Krewe is also a few dozen seats away from selling out their 40th Anniversary Coronation Ball at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. With such great success, the Krewe is excited to announce the Royal Court to help continue their successes into 2025.
King Neptune XL, Wayne A. “Dump” Cook Jr.
King Neptune XL, Wayne A. “Dump” Cook Jr. was born and raised in Pascagoula, MS. Dump lives life to the fullest, with a passion for cooking and entertaining that brings people together over delicious food and great conversations. He is the proud son of Wayne and Betty Lou Cook and has a wonderful sister, Natalie.
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A graduate of Pascagoula High School in 1984, Dump went on to earn a full golf scholarship to college, where he was honored to be an All-American for three years in a row. After college, he joined forces with his dad in the family business, Worldwide Labor and Support, enjoying 22 successful years together.
In 2013, he met his beautiful wife, Di’Ane Cook, and together they built a lovely family, raising four amazing children: Alex, Meagan, Avery, and Ashton. In 2015, Dump sold his business and retired, allowing him and Di’Ane to embrace life to the fullest—traveling and cherishing every moment with family. Today, they are enjoying retirement in Lucedale, MS, where they raise Hereford cattle on their small ranch, affectionately named Spring Oak.
Queen Venus XL, Gianna Elizabeth Milanese
Queen Venus XL, Gianna Elizabeth Milanese, is the daughter of Bruno and Julie Milanese. She was born and raised in Ocean Springs. She is currently a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi studying Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Marketing. She is on the Southern Miss Cheerleading team, a member of Tri Delta Sorority, SAAC, and UCA Staff, and was Miss Mississippi Collegiate 2023.
After graduation, she plans to continue her education at USM by attending graduate school. You may recognize Gianna as she has grown up before your very eyes as the bumble bee and face of Bay Pest Control. Gianna’s dad was King Neptune XXI, so she is excited to follow in his footsteps as Queen Venus XL.
Maid Shelby Gabrielle Young
Maid Shelby Gabrielle Young is the daughter of Brad and Liz Young. She grew up in Madison, Mississippi and graduated in 2022 from The University of Mississippi with a degree in Marketing Communications. She now works in Out of Home Advertising in New York City.
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In her free time, Shelby enjoys going to concerts, specifically Taylor Swift, trying new foods, shopping, spending time with her family and friends, attending sports events and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels. Shelby is the Social Media Manager for the Ole Miss Alumni Club of New York City. Shelby has also helped in the writing and production of a children’s book, The Curly Fairy, all about her curly hair!
Maid Sydney Lynn Bond
Maid Sydney Lynn Bond is the daughter of Lee and Tammy Bond. She graduated from Vancleave High School in 2021 and is now a senior at Mississippi State University, double majoring in accounting and marketing. Sydney also competes on the Mississippi State Rodeo Team with her horse Billie Jean.
In her free time, Sydney enjoys hanging out with her family, friends, and pets, shopping, and cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Sydney is excited for the opportunity to represent Neptune’s 2025 Royal Court and is looking forward to this Mardi Gras season.
Maid Bethany Kate Toche
Maid Bethany Kate Toche is the 21-year-old daughter of Jonathan and Stephanie Toche. Bethany was born and raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 2021 and recently graduated in December 2024 from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bethany graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Dean’s Scholar with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and a minor in Sociology. She is currently a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Bethany is an alumnus of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority and served as the treasurer for the Alpha Delta chapter of Lambda Sigma Honors Society at USM. Bethany enjoys spending time with her friends and family, boating to the islands, reading, and vacationing! Bethany is honored to serve on the 2025 Neptune Royal Court and looks forward to this Mardi Gras experience!
Maid Jane Alice Dill
Maid Jane Alice Dill is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Bethany Dill. She was raised in Ocean Springs and graduated from Ocean Springs High School. She is a senior at Mississippi State University majoring in wildlife, fisheries, & aquaculture with a minor in chemistry. She currently works at the conservation physiology lab at MSU where she researches amphibian reproduction technologies as well as doing husbandry for the animals.
Jane Alice is a four-year member of the Chi Omega Fraternity as well as a member of the Xi Sigma Pi Natural Resource Honors Society where she currently serves as vice president. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hanging out with friends, and birdwatching. In the future, Jane Alice hopes to attend veterinary school to become a wildlife veterinarian as well as a wildlife researcher working with non-game and endangered species.
Maid Anna Grace Dill
Maid Anna Grace Dill is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Bethany Dill. She was born and raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 2019. Anna Grace received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Mississippi State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering with a Management Systems Concentration.
Anna Grace currently works as a Research Engineer with the Athlete Engineering Institute at Mississippi State University, where she also worked as both an Undergraduate & Graduate Research Assistant. Her research is focused in wearable technologies, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and human performance.
Anna Grace loves to spend time with family and friends, learning new cultures during her travels, cooking, and coming back home for Mardi Gras! Upon completing her Masters program this summer, Anna Grace plans to pursue a PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering and develop wearable technologies to provide access to data-driven insights for Fly High Pediatric Therapy Center, owned by her mother.
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Maid Sydnie Elizabeth Holland
Maid Sydnie Elizabeth Holland is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Roberson Holland. Sydnie was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she grew up heavily involved in various organizations her community had to offer, such as The Junior League Cotillion of Hattiesburg, Junior Auxiliary League Crown Club, and The Mystic Krewe of Zeus. She attended Presbyterian Christian School where she was a member of the award-winning cheerleading team, student council and many other organizations. Sydnie was named a two-time All-American Cheerleader and a Top All-American Cheerleader by the National Cheerleading Association and given the opportunity to perform in the Varsity Spirit Spectacular Parade in Walt Disney World. She was a founding member of the PCS Women’s golf team and she also served as Captain for two years.
Sydnie graduated PCS with highest honors and numerous other accolades. She furthered her education at Mississippi State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in Public Relations. While at Mississippi State, Sydnie was an active member in Phi Mu Fraternity. During this time, Sydnie was introduced into society as a member of the Hattiesburg Debutante Association. Later in her college career, she was given the distinguished honor of serving as a Maid on the royal court for the Mystic Krewe of Zeus in its 99th year of royalty. After graduation from Mississippi State University in 2023, Sydnie began pursuing a career in Law at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, where she is involved in several academic organizations. Sydnie enjoys spending time on her family’s farm, traveling, and supporting the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Dallas Cowboys.
Duke Mark McCraney
Duke Mark McCraney is the son of Mr. and Mrs. WJ McCraney. Born and raised in Pascagoula, where he grew up playing baseball, basketball and football, he fell in love with military history from his father, a WWll veteran, and loves the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1978, then attended the University of Southern Mississippi with degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Business and Marketing.
He has spent the last 40 years working in food service management and sales. You can find him on the road or in the air as the Regional Sales Manager for Red Diamond Coffee and Beverage Division. Mark loves being on the water, the Bulldogs, all things sports, travel and spending time with family and friends. Mark currently resides in Pensacola, Florida with his beautiful wife of 36 years, Lyne Wilburn McCraney, also of Pascagoula.
Duke Jason Lynn Cowart
Duke Jason Lynn Cowart was born and raised in Moss Point, Mississippi. He is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi and has been a member of Neptune for eight years. He is employed in operations at Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula, where he lives with his wife, Jamie, and his two children, Jacob and Jillian. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with family and watching Ole Miss sports.
Duke Drew Terry Adams
Duke Drew Terry Adams is the son of William Terry and Betty McCool Adams. He resides in downtown Ocean Springs, with his wife of 30 years, Kimberly Adams, who recently retired from the Department of Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, with 35 years of federal service. Together, they are proud parents of their daughter, AnnaBeth, age 23, who is a graduate of Mississippi State University, Bagley College of Engineering, and is completing an internship as an Imagineer at Walt Disney World.
Drew is the Director of Operations for JL McCool Contractors, where he leverages his extensive experience and leadership to guide the company’s operations and ensure project excellence. A native of Moss Point, Drew graduated in 1985 from Moss Point High School, where he was a proud member of the 1983 State Championship football team. Drew continued his athletic journey in college, playing football for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs, earning all-state honors and being named all-star first team Center. He was affectionately known to his teammates as “Bullneck.” He carried his passion for football to the University of Southern Mississippi, playing for the Golden Eagles.
An avid sportsman, Drew is an active member of the Treasure Oak Country Club in Ocean Springs and a competitive tennis player, regularly competing at state and sectional levels. Off the court, he enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. He cherishes his time at “The Camp” on Red Creek, hanging at the islands aboard his Grady White, and enjoying golf and tennis trips with friends. Drew is deeply committed to supporting numerous charities and philanthropic efforts.
Duke Justin Norris Walker
Duke Justin Norris Walker is the son of Huey and Rosemary Walker. Justin is married to Mrs. Shiree Johnson Walker. Together they have three children: London Rosemary Walker, Macee Abbigayle Dunn, and Timothy Maddox Dunn.
Justin is the co-owner of HJ Norris, LLC in Moss Point, a commercial and industrial plumbing and metal fabrication company where he has traveled working and promoting HJ Norris, LLC since it began in 2007. Justin attended the Moss Point School System and Resurrection Catholic School System. Justin, Shiree and their children have made their home in the Agricola area where they built a new home in 2020.
When Justin is not working, he frequently entertains friends at their second home on the Pascagoula River in Cumbest Bluff Estates. He loves boating on the river and going out to the islands. He goes on vacation whenever he and his family can get away. As a business owner, Justin also gives support to Jackson County Sports Organizations such as Pascagoula High School Football, East Central Softball, Baseball, Basketball and Football Program, the Whispering Pines Junior Golf Program and the Jackson County Horseman’s Association with monetary donations.
Duke Ryan Baroni
Duke Ryan Baroni was born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and was an active member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Ryan has been a resident of the Gulf Coast for 12 years. He has had a successful career in management in the auto industry. Ryan takes pride in caring for customers in all aspects of the car business and training up-and-coming sales consultants for lifelong careers. When Ryan is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, sun-filled weekends on the boat and camping.
Duke Greg Cronin
Duke Greg Cronin is Regional President with The Citizens Bank and serves on the Board of Directors. Cronin is a graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance. He and his wife Laura live in Ocean Springs and have four children. Cronin is active in various civic and professional organizations.
The Krewe of Neptune will officially crown the new royalty on Saturday, February 22 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. The revelry continues Saturday, March 1 when the Krewe will take over the streets of Biloxi for #NeptuneSaturday at 5:30 p.m., with celebrity Grand Marshall, JD Evermore.
You can watch the parade from the streets of Biloxi or live starting at 6:00 p.m. on WLOX ABC.
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