Apodaca and Edwards named 2018 Mardi Gras King and Queen

EL CENTRO — Devon Apodaca and Laurie Edwards were recently announced to be this year’s city of El Centro Mardi Gras King & Queen based on their service to the local community.

An official coronation ceremony for Apodaca and Edwards will take place at 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at the El Centro Community Center.

While the two will continue the long-time tradition of wearing the Mardi Gras crown and tiara, which are granted upon two Imperial Valley residents each year for their work in the community, they will break the tradition of a married couple holding the title, which has been the norm for the past five years.

Edwards and Apodaca will be accepting the royal capes and headwear from the 2017 Mardi Gras king and queen, Dr. Alfredo Negrete and his wife Monica Lepe-Negrete.

The new king and queen discovered about four years ago they both have a love for animals and have had a mutual friendship since.

Edwards, who is the program manager at Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition, and Apodaca, the executive director of Humane Society of Imperial County, were completely shocked when they first found out about their new titles over a phone call from city staff a week ago.

“I was surprised, delighted, honored that I was selected. It just came out of nowhere,” said Edwards. “It was never even on my radar and I never thought it could happen.”

“I was completely shocked, my jaw literally dropped and I had no idea,” remembered Apodaca. “I wasn’t expecting it. It was completely surprise, and at the same time I was completely honored because I know it’s somewhat prestigious and it’s quite an honor to receive that type of recognition.”

The two met when Apodaca first began as executive director four years ago through the girlfriend of Edwards’ son, who works at the shelter.

After the new king and queen realized they both had a common interest in helping animals, the two would continue working together, with Edwards regularly volunteering and helping at the Humane Society.

“He does so much for the animals,” said Edwards on Apodaca receiving the title as Mardi Gras king. “He works tireless, he’ll work 16 hours a day getting little sleep. He just never stops, his heart is so big and he gets so attached to each animal. He’s deserving of it. I’ve never seen anybody work that hard to save any animals that come into his care.”

Based on her work with both animals and people in need, Apodaca believes the Catholic Charities program manager was well-deserving of her new title as queen.

“She’s helped elderly people, worked with children with disabilities and works with horse rescue programs. Once I realized who the queen was, I said to myself I couldn’t even think of a more deserving person,” said Apodaca.