STE. GENEVIEVE – The VFW Hall was filled with a diverse crowd for the 2026 King’s Ball. Young and old, locals and out-of-towners alike enjoy this annual tradition of dancing, celebration and crowning of royalty for the year.
A large crowd attended the 2026 King’s Ball. Here they take part in one of the many traditional dances after receiving instructions from the caller. Ashley Sewing Photography
The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve hosted the ball, with sponsorship from the Bedford Group.
The night kicked off with emcee Aaron Smith, co-chair of the King’s Ball committee, welcoming all and paying tribute to the late Bill Hart, who served as the Foundation’s President in 2025 until his passing in late December.
Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Espirit Creole provided the music with Deborah Hyland calling the steps to each of the traditional dances. During the first intermission, local singing troupe La Guignolée performed their traditional song.
During the second intermission, special cake was served to all the men at the ball. Those who found a token in their cake were honored during the crowning ceremony.
The young man who found the bean for the Junior Attendant was Corbin Gray. He chose Camille Melahn to accompany him during the procession. They are both students at Ste. Genevieve High School.
Mike Jones of Marissa, IL, found the other bean and was bestowed the title of Senior Attendant. He chose Judy Gerlach of Sparta, IL, to join him in being honored.
Outgoing 2025 Queen Emma Wright presents the new King and Queen, Curt Dennison and Deborah Hyland of Imperial, MO, with gifts during the crowning ceremony. Photos: Ashley Sewing Photography
The lucky gentleman who found the baby Jesus was Curt Dennison, who was promptly proclaimed King of Ste. Genevieve until the ceremony next year. He chose his fiancé, none other than the evening’s caller and dance mistress, Deborah Hyland, as his Queen. They will preside over the French Heritage Festival and have a place of honor in the Holiday Christmas Festival Parade.
Newly crowned King Curt Dennison and Queen Deborah Hyland dance after being crowned. Deborah returned to her microphone after being crowned and called the steps for this dance and the rest throughout the night. Ashley Sewing Photography
Outgoing King Alex Wisnieski was unable to attend the ball due to participation in Winter Fire School with the Ste. Genevieve Fire District. He was thanked for his service and outgoing Queen Emma Wright presented the new royalty with gifts and crowned her and the king’s successors.
Also honored during the ceremony were La Dame and Le Chevalier, honorary titles bestowed upon two individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. This year’s La Dame was Kina Shapleigh, President of Les Amis-St. Louis, who helped orchestrate generous support for the Foundation for Restoration, including major contributions to the Guibourd-Vallé House and projects in Memorial Cemetery. Le Chevalier, Dick Greminger, served as Mayor of Ste. Geneviève from 2002 to 2017, and he and his wife Suzanne preserved and revitalized the Orris Theatre, Sirros Restaurant, and Stay & Play. He has long supported the French Heritage Festival and recently served as host at the Orris during the Joint History Conference.
Regular King’s Ball attendees Shirley and Larry Hackmann pose with outgoing Queen Emma Wright. Ashley Sewing Photograph