By The Desert Review - Jan. 19, 2024
Matthew “Matt” Cowie and Sher Cowie were crowned the 2024 Mardi Gras King and Queen in a merriment celebration attended by elected and city officials and business owners Thursday evening, Jan. 18 in the City Hall’s courtyard. The two-hour celebration started at 5:00 p.m.
“It was a huge honor,” said Matt Cowie. “It’s nice that we’re here together jointly celebrating the coronation.” The husband-and-wife team smiled at each other and appeared overwhelmed by the honor attributed to them by the City of El Centro.
According to Matt, El Centro has been their home for the past 18 years. Both work at Prince & Associates Realtors. “It’s been great for us as a family. We had a chance to grow and give back to the community.”
“I’m incredibly humbled,” said Sher. “I feel honored to be in the line of previous Mardi Gras Queens.”
Mayor Marroquin said she looks forward to the Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival and invited the community to attend the event on Sat., Feb. 24 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
In the courtyard, table center pieces and seats were decorated with masks, purple, green and gold beads. Guests came in wearing Mardi Gras beads while others, mini lights powered by batteries. Live music provided by a disc jockey kept the evening lively. Guests had a choice of chicken or beef dinner buffet with a side dish of vegetables and bread rolls.
El Centro Mayor Sylvia Marroquin welcomed the guests, and together with City Manager Cedric Ceseña, served as masters of ceremonies. They encouraged guests to purchase tickets for the hospitality raffle drawing by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Marroquin acknowledged the previous Mardi Gras Kings and Queens by reading their names. A few of them were present and were recognized during the evening’s coronation.
Mayor Marroquin read a proclamation, previously signed by Matt and Sher, and presented it to Mardi Gras King Matthew “Matt” Cowie and Queen Sher Cowie. Mayor Marroquin placed the crowns on their heads, and their royal purple robes around their shoulders. Guests responded with cheers and photo sessions followed.
The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Matt and Sher with a “Certificate of Coronation” for their contribution to the community.
The proclamation by the Mardi Gras King and Queen declared Feb. 24, 2024, as Mardi Gras Day in El Centro.
It read in part, “The Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival is the city’s most colorful and grand celebration when El Centro is transformed into a carnival of purple, green, and gold radiance.”
During the parade, Mardi Gras King Matt will serve as the Monarch of Merriment and Grand Marshall; and Mardi Gras Queen Sher will function as the Lucky Lady and Parade Host.
Matt’s leadership roles included Past President of the Imperial County Association of Realtors, and Director of the California Association of Realtors. He was a top-ranking agent in the Imperial Valley in 2019, 2021, and 2022. He participated in Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program’s Dancing with the Stars and other community organizations.
Sher serves in numerous boards and committees— Imperial Valley Breakfast Rotary, Board of Director of MANA de Imperial Valley, Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program’s Dancing with the Stars, and Imperial Valley Food Bank.
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