2012 Orange King Ben Becnel officially took his throne Saturday
night at the annual King’s Coronation Ball, held at the Buras
Auditorium. He will reign over the 66th Plaquemines Parish Fair and
Orange Festival on November 30 – December 2 at Fort Jackson.

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From top: King Ben Becnel, an avid ballroom dancer, and 2012 Orange Queen Stephanie Becnel gave what many people said was the best opening dance the King’s Coronation Ball has ever seen— a waltz, included spins and dips that made the audience both ooh and aah; King Becnel waves to his loyal legions; 2011 King Borden Wallace crowned his successor; Past Orange Kings, who select each year’s king, toast their newest addition, from left they are David Pavlovich, John Tesvich,
Robert Cappiello, Jimmy Cappiello, Bob Thomas, Stuart Guey, Stanley Gaudet
and Patrick Becnel; After the official first dance, the floor was open: Queen
Stephanie Becnel takes a whirl with Christopher Sercovich, while onlookers
enjoyed more beautiful ballroom dancing from King Becnel and his wife
Gwen Verdun Becnel.