BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Carnival season is stirring once again along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and with it comes the spectacle, tradition, and pageantry that define Mardi Gras in Biloxi. At the center of it all, the Krewe of Neptune prepares to usher in a new year of celebration, one rooted in mythology, romance, and coastal pride.
The Krewe’s 2026 theme, “Neptune Conquers Love,” casts the legendary sea god in a new light, blending power with passion as the guiding vision for the upcoming season. As anticipation builds for parades, balls, and signature Neptune moments, the krewe officially announces its 2026 Royal Court, a group selected to represent the heart of this year’s carnival story and lead Neptune’s reign into the new year and beyond.
King Neptune XLI, Jerry Munro
King Neptune XLI, Jerry Munro, resides in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He is married to Bonnie Munro and has four children, Grace, Lilly, Aidan and Elena, who are all members of St. Paul Methodist Church. Jerry has recently welcomed granddaughter Birdie to the family thanks to Ryan and Grace Warnick.
He is the owner of Southern Fastener & Tool in Gulfport and president of Munro Terminal and GLJ Coastal LLC. Jerry serves as Chairman of the Boom Boom Committee for the 4th of July fireworks in Biloxi and serves the Jackson County Utility Authority as the Ocean Springs representative and the Vice Chairman.
His past services include Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks, President of the MDWFP Foundation, Infinity Board, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Trident Foundation, Captain and Duke of Gulf Coast Carnival Association and past Duke of Neptune.
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Jerry is a proud Mississippi State bulldog graduating in 1987, Hail State!!! He enjoys cooking, hunting, fishing and golfing with family and friends.
Queen Venus XLI, Kelsey Layne Descher
Queen Venus XLI, Kelsey Layne Descher of Gulfport, is the daughter of Jeff and Missy Descher and April Descher, and the granddaughter of Connie and Porter Pucheu and Pat and Bill Descher. She is a graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, Class of 2021, where she graduated with honors and served as captain of the volleyball and tennis teams.
Kelsey is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Digital Marketing and in Supply Chain Logistics, graduating magna cum laude and from the Shackouls Honors College. She is currently continuing her education at Mississippi University for Women while completing pre-speech language pathology coursework. During her collegiate career, Kelsey founded and served as the first president of the Pre-SLP Club, served two terms as a Faith-Seat Senator in the Student Association, and was a member of Pi Beta Phi, where she served as Chaplain, Angel Advisor, and Director of Membership Selection. She also serves as Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa.
Kelsey plans to attend graduate school in speech-language pathology with the goal of opening her own pediatric clinic. She currently works as a Human Resources Assistant for the Descher Organization McDonald’s, serves as a nanny, and is the owner of Kelsey Layne Designs, creating custom designs for all occasions. She is a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, has completed over 1,000 hours of community service across the Mississippi Coast and Starkville, and has also served as a student worker for the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. Kelsey is a current maid on the Gulf Coast Carnival Association CXVII Court and a member of the Gulf Coast Debutante Class of 2023. She is honored to continue the tradition established by her father, who served as King Neptune XXXVII, as she reigns as Queen Venus XLI.
Maid Samantha Brie Alvarez
Maid Samantha Brie Alvarez of Gulfport, Mississippi, is the daughter of Katherine and Alberto Alvarez and the granddaughter of Stella and Edward Croal. She graduated from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 2021, where she competed as a varsity soccer and cross-country athlete, was a three-time state championship competitor, and completed over 400 hours of community service. Samantha also served as the President of the Cotillion Club of Gulfport.
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Samantha earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi in 2024 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2025. During her college years, she served as Hometown Captain and Logistics Coordinator for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Team and was actively involved in Panhellenic recruitment and campus leadership organizations.
She currently works as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital and aspires to pursue advanced practice and leadership roles in critical care nursing. Samantha is also working toward Pilates certification with plans to become a reformer instructor. She is a member of St. James Catholic Church and is the founder and owner of a growing event dress rental business serving clients across Mississippi and Louisiana, with nationwide shipping to more than 25 states.
Maid Emory Grace Dartez
Maid Emory Grace Dartez of Biloxi is the daughter of Curt and Stephanie Dartez. She is the granddaughter of Linda and Edwin Robinson, Curtis and Martha Dartez, and the late Shirley Hebert. She is a graduate of D’Iberville High School, where she graduated with High Honors.
Emory is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, graduating summa cum laude. While at Mississippi State, she was a member of Phi Mu Kappa Alpha.
Emory currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she works as a Neuroscience Account Manager for Vanda Pharmaceuticals. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport.
Maid Annalyn Reese Fayard
Maid Annalyn Reese Fayard of Biloxi, Mississippi, is the daughter of Nathan and Melissa Fayard and the granddaughter of the late James Edwards and Jo Edwards, and Steve and Lynne Fayard. A 2022 graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, she finished third in her class, held multiple student leadership roles, and received the St. Patrick Discipleship Award, the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Writing Award, and the Diocese of Biloxi St. Timothy Award.
Annalyn is a senior at Mississippi State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. Her collegiate honors and leadership roles include Mississippi State Presidential Scholar, Orientation Leader, Bagley College of Engineering Ambassador, Industrial and Systems Engineering Representative, Brickfire Mentor, and Lambda Sigma Honor Society member. She has also served as a Panhellenic Delegate and New Member Educator for the Phi Mu Kappa Alpha chapter.
Annalyn has been accepted into the Mississippi State University Master of Business Administration program, where she will focus on Project Management, and plans to pursue a career as a Process Improvement Engineer. She is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Maid Sydney Ann Hanson
Maid Sydney Ann Hanson is the daughter of Lonnie and Maureen Hanson of Pascagoula and the granddaughter of Berryl Ann Goretski and the late Anthony Joseph Goretski Sr., as well as the late Lonnie Carlton Hanson Sr. and the late Barbara Kathryn Hanson. She is a graduate of Pascagoula High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, named a Top 10 graduate, inducted into the ACT 30+ Club, and honored as Distinguished Young Woman of Pascagoula in 2020.
Sydney is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Pre-Law and Business Administration, graduating summa cum laude. During her time at Mississippi State, she was a member of the Delta Gamma Delta Lambda chapter, was named Delta Gamma Model New Member in 2021, served as a Student Association Freshman Senator, and was one of only 20 students selected for the Shackouls Honors College Study Abroad program at The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
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She currently resides in Oxford, Mississippi, where she is attending the University of Mississippi School of Law with aspirations of becoming an attorney. Sydney is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula.
Maid Jessica Renee Harrison
Maid Jessica Renee Harrison of Gulfport, Mississippi, is the daughter of Kim and Chett Harrison and the granddaughter of Joyce M. Anderson and Renee L. Hebert III, and Jesse H. Harrison and Jeanette S. Harrison. She is a graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, where she earned academic honors and was named to the All-State soccer team.
Jessica attended Pearl River Community College on an athletic soccer scholarship, where she competed for two years and was named to the All-State and All-Region teams. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Pearl River Community College before transferring to Mississippi State University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 2025.
Jessica plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport.
Maid Molly Elizabeth Moran
Maid Molly Elizabeth Moran of Ocean Springs is the daughter of Alfred Russell Moran, Jr. (Fred) and Dr. Stacey Kohler Moran. She is the granddaughter of John Arthur Kohler and the late Barbara Snyder Kohler, and the late Alfred Russell and Susie Wilkinson Moran. Molly is a 2021 graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, where she graduated with High Honors and served as captain of the women’s varsity soccer team. She was also a member of the Cotillion Club of Gulfport and was inducted as a Gulf Coast Debutante in 2023.
Molly is a graduate of The University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Accountancy degree with a minor in Finance, graduating magna cum laude. During her time at the University of Mississippi, she earned placement on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll all four years, was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, served as Director of Finance for Kappa Delta, and was inducted into Beta Alpha Psi and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies.
Molly is currently pursuing her Master of Accountancy at The University of Mississippi and plans to begin her career in the accounting field. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs.
Duke Michael Dill
Duke Michael Dill is a 52-year-old veterinarian from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Michael graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1991 and continued his studies at Mississippi State University. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1995 with a degree in Animal and Dairy Science and, again, in 1998 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Michael has practiced veterinary medicine for 28 years at Bienville Animal Medical Center and has been co-owner since 2005. Michael’s wife, Bethany Beck Dill, is the owner of Fly High Pediatric Therapy Center in Ocean Springs.
Michael has been married to Bethany Beck Dill for 28 years, and they have three daughters, Anna Grace Dill, Jane Alice Dill, and Lilah Kate Dill. Anna Grace and Jane Alice are also members of the outgoing Court of the Krewe of Neptune. The Dills have served on past courts for Les Masquees in 2010 and the Revelers Carnival Organization in 2023. When not working, Michael enjoys traveling, cooking, and squeezing in the occasional round of golf. One of his great joys is exploring new places and trying local cuisine, which is the perfect way to marry two of his hobbies. He especially enjoys visiting Europe and sampling regional wines. A little closer to home, Michael is an avid fan of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Hail State!
Duke Dr. Ediz (Ed) Tasan
Duke Dr. Ediz (Ed) Tasan resides in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He is married to Dr. Laura Tasan and has two children, Aydin and Ashley.
Dr. Tasan is an interventional cardiologist who holds five board certifications and one of the senior partners of Southern Mississippi Heart Center, Southern Mississippi’s largest and most comprehensive private cardiology and endovascular practice.
Dr. Tasan is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), a cardiovascular professional recognized for outstanding credentials, achievements, and commitment to improving heart health, signifying leadership and excellence in the field. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), a cardiovascular professional recognized for who has achieved a specific level of expertise and certification, signifying advanced skills in interventional cardiology. Before arriving in Mississippi nearly 7 years ago, he completed his internship/residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky, and completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Hospital in Long Island, New York. He subsequently completed a subspecialty fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at NYU Langone Hospital, which included extensive hands-on training in Structural Heart Disease.
Ed is also a commercial real estate developer involved in Legacy Park in Gautier, one of Jackson County’s largest ongoing construction projects. This $150 million mixed-use development, featuring retail, residential, medical, and hotel components, serves South Mississippi and the surrounding areas. Dr. Tasan is also co-owner, with his wife Laura, of Tasan Realty, a residential real estate firm specializing in single-family home acquisitions throughout the Gulf Coast. Ed also served in the United States Army/National Guard before embarking on his medical career, in both prolonged active duty and reserves capacity as a member of the Military Police and Ordnance Corps. He is proud to now call Mississippi home and looks forward to raising his family here for years to come. He enjoys cooking, traveling, and passing the time surrounded by his friends and family.
Duke Dr. Darrell Finlay
Duke Dr. Darrell Finlay resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, Rebecca. They have four kids, Hayden, Emma, Wyatt and Grace, and are finally empty nesters! They are members of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.
Dr. Finlay graduated from Louisiana Tech University and attended medical school at Louisiana State University Health Science Center- Shreveport. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at University of Alabama-Birmingham and his Gastroenterology fellowship at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He is a founding partner of Gulf Coast Gastroenterology and is affiliated with Gulfport Memorial Health System.
In addition, he is co-owner of Lighthouse Assisted Living and Memory Care, a minority owner of Alliance Insurance Agency and Juliet Carnot Consulting as well as a co-developer of Legacy Park mixed use development.
He and Rebecca are avid hikers and get away to explore the mountains of north Georgia and western North Carolina as frequently as possible. They completed the Camino Ingles route of the Camino de Santiago in Spain last summer and plan to complete the Camino Frances route in the near future.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and following LSU and Ole Miss football.
Duke Craig Alan Foreman
Duke Craig Alan Foreman was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Gautier in 1990. He has been a proud resident of Ocean Springs for the past 30 years, where he has built both his career and family life.
Craig has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kerry, for 27 years, and together they have two children, Thomas Alan and Anna Claire. His most special title, however, is “Pop Pop” to his granddaughter, Sofia.
Professionally, Craig has dedicated 25 years as a Facility Technician with AT&T. In addition to his career there, he is the owner of Foreman Maintenance and Repair, where he specializes in electrical work and serves the local community with dependable, hands-on service.
In his spare time, Craig enjoys all things outdoors, especially spending time on the water and hunting. Above all, he values time spent with family and friends.
Duke Nicholas Fain
Duke Nicholas Fain grew up in Dothan, Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and studied accounting. He currently serves as a senior executive sales representative for Forte Bio Pharma. He served as the 69th king of the Krewe of Bonne Vivantes in 2024 with his Queen, “the love of his life” Brittany Lee Fain. He also is a member of the Krewe of Revelers.
In his spare time, Nicholas enjoys spending time with his wife and their three boys, Jack Carter, Capps, and Adam. His hobbies include watching Alabama sports, boating, snow skiing, as well as being an avid collector of classic cars.
Duke Jay Simpson
Duke Jay Simpson is originally from Louisiana. Jay settled in Mobile, Alabama after graduating from the University of South Alabama. While at South, he played baseball and later competed in the California Angels organization.
Jay spent 20 years in the financial services industry before following his passion for wellness and performance. He is currently the Managing Partner of Preventive CareMD, where he and his team are redefining the future of wellness through innovative preventive care.
Jay resides in Gulf Hills with his fiancée Tamara Del Vescovo. He is the proud father of Trey and Ashlyn, stepfather to Christopher and Bella, and “Papa J” to Scotlynn, Aven, Charleigh, and Alora. In his free time, Jay enjoys hunting, tennis, and cooking.
In addition to the Royal Court for 2026, the Krewe of Neptune is proud to announce the celebrity Grand Marshal for #NeptuneSaturday. Marti Dodson is a BMI award-winning singer and songwriter from Franklin Furnace, Ohio. As a student at Ohio State University, Marti founded pop/rock band Saving Jane and went on to become one of the highest charting independent acts of the 2000s. Marti penned and performed two RIAA Certified Gold Singles in Saving Jane and shared stages with Pink, Rihanna, Dierks Bentley, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and more. She has continued her career as a songwriter with songs recorded by some of music’s biggest stars, including Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Gabby Barrett, and landing placements on several major networks including NBC, ABC, CBS, MTV, Lifetime, WE, and TLC.
The Krewe of Neptune is also proud to announce that retired Biloxi Police Chief John B. Miller will be honored as an Honorary Rider and one of the Grand Marshals of the 2026 Krewe of Neptune Mardi Gras Parade.
For 35 years, Chief Miller has served the City of Biloxi with integrity, compassion, and steady leadership—earning the respect of his officers and the trust of the community he protected every day. His legacy extends far beyond the badge, shaping generations of law enforcement and strengthening partnerships across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
This moment will be even more special as Chief Miller rides the parade route alongside all of his grandchildren, celebrating both a remarkable career and a proud family legacy.
The Krewe of Neptune will officially crown the new royalty on Saturday, February 7, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. The revelry continues Saturday, February 14, when the krewe will take over the streets of Biloxi for #NeptuneSaturday at 5:30 p.m.
Local bands marching in the parade include USAF Keesler Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, Biloxi High School, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, D’Iberville High School and Moss Point High School, plus other schools from around Mississippi and even one from Georgia.
You can watch the parade from the streets of Biloxi or live, starting at 6 p.m. on WLOX ABC.
See a full list of other parades, days, times and routes HERE.
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