Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2026

PEOPLE
King d ’Iberv ille
Brian Walker Sanderson
John Thomas Mary Victoria Mason Sanderson
organization would be to miss the heart of its mission. GCCA is, at its core, a community-driven effffort powered by volunteers, civic leaders, public safety partners, and neighbors united by a shared belief that Mardi Gras matters. The season unfolds through a series of events—royal receptions, balls, social gatherings, and youth involvement—that transform Mardi Gras into a months- long celebration of connection and craftsmanship.
This spirit of inclusion is intentional. From its earliest days, the GCCA has welcomed those who wish to participate, offffering sponsorship as a meaningful way to help bring Mardi Gras to life while preserving a tradition cherished across the Coast. And involvement is not about exclusivity, but more about stewardship.
Olivia Leigh Bertucci
Royal Pages
Callan Charlie Carlisle
Sophie Jay Schloegel
Briggs Howard Mary Elizabeth Nault “Mae” Dennis
each year to ensure Mardi Gras on the Coast remains vibrant, meaningful, and enduring.
For those watching from the sidewalks, the spectacle is unforgettable. For those who choose to step behind the scenes,
it is something more—an opportunity to give back.
GCCA invites individuals, families,
and businesses to become part of the tradition for the 2027 Mardi Gras season. Participation offffers a chance to help create one of the Coast’s most enduring celebrations while contributing to a legacy that continues to shape the
Coast’s cultural identity. Because on the Coast, Mardi Gras is not just something you attend. It is something carried forward—together.
Sponsors and volunteers alike become part of a collaborative effffort that ensures Mardi Gras remains accessible, vibrant, and rooted in community values.
In many ways, the story of GCCA mirrors the story of the Coast itself— resilient, adaptive, and deeply proud of its heritage. Through changing times, the GCCA has remained a constant, providing a sense of continuity and celebration that transcends generations. It is this enduring presence that allows Mardi Gras to feel both timeless and alive, honoring the past while welcoming the future.
With the 2026 Carnival season now part of the Coast’s story, its energy still lingers in memory and tradition. Beyond the spectacle of flfloats and beads lies the steady work of a community that returns
To learn more about joining the Gulf Coast Carnival Association,
visit www.msgcca.org or contact Executive Director Jennifer B. Schmidt at 228.432.8806.
Queen Ixolib
22 | March 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living