Janet Reeves
Special to the Minden Press-Herald
The Krewe of Artemis expresses a heartfelt “Thank you” to the communities for your participation, acceptance and support these first sixteen delightful, growing years.
Members of the krewe gathered at AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops, 218 North Main Street, in Springhill, Louisiana, recently, and celebrated with this “Sweet 16” Birthday Cake created by the SPARC Bakeshop in Sarepta. Pictured holding the cake is the Captain of Artemis, Diane Marie.
The Krewe of Artemis-Springhill began with four local parade volunteers discussing Mardi Gras in mid July, 2002. By the middle of August, the name of the Krewe was chosen, officers were elected, a king and queen were selected and The Krewe of Artemis-Springhill was officially incorporated with 18 members. The appropriate name “Artemis” was given, for in Greek mythology, Artemis was the protector of the woodlands and the hunt. Springhill and the surrounding areas have always depended on the woodland industry and hunting is a major pastime.
The Krewe of Artemis-Springhill, Inc. was formed to help promote the celebration of Mardi Gras in Springhill, Louisiana, and the surrounding area and to promote the City of Springhill and its trade area throughout the Ark-La-Tex. It is nonsectarian, nonpolitical and nonpartisan.
The mission of Artemis is to gather people with common interest together on a social level: to celebrate the festival season, to educate the public on Mardi Gras’ rich tradition and cultural history, to promote Springhill and the area as to name recognition and commerce and to assist those in need around us with social outreach program.
The Krewe of Artemis – Springhill supports many community activities and promotes North Webster Parish as goodwill ambassadors. The Krewe encourages education by offering incentives to students to achieve goals.
Artemis has an annual Grand Mardi Gras Ball and a Royalty Coronation. Both are open to the public. These are the largest formal events held in Webster Parish. Members of the krewe entertain nursing home residents and spread the knowledge of Carnival throughout the area schools.
This Mardi Gras Krewe is a “501 C3” non profit organization and owns three parade floats. The largest one, where the Captain rides, is named the Signature Float and is familiar to most for a statue of ARTEMIS graces the front. There is a Royalty Float where the reigning King, Queen, Dukes and Duchesses ride. The Children’s Float is usually decorated according to the theme of the parade and is ridden by young children of family members that belong to the Krewe of Artemis. Each year ARTEMIS floats can be seen representing the North Webster Parish area not only in Springhill, but in Magnolia, Arkansas, and Minden, Mansfield, Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana. This past year, Artemis traveled to South Louisiana, to participate in a Mamou parade.
In 2009, the Krewe purchased their Den at 25 Bice Street in Springhill where the Krewe meets the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 P. M. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may fill out an application that will be submitted to the membership committee for review.
Any Artemis member in good standing can provide you with an application or you may write The Krewe of Artemis-Springhill, P. O. Box 1072, Springhill, LA 71075, or phone (318) 426-1232. You may see us on Face book: Krewe of Artemis-Springhill.
The 2018-2019 Krewe of Artemis year began recently. You are invited to come and visit any first Thursday evening and see what the Krewe of Artemis – Springhill is all about.
Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, will be providing the music for the Artemis Grand Mardi Gras Bal! This popular, legendary, top show band will keep every foot moving at this event on January 12, 2019. Mark you calendars as you may like to join in the spirit of Friends, Fun and Fellowship!