The King: Eric Hansen Eric is a 14-year member of the Krewe and has lived on Galveston Island since 1986. He is a fourth-year member of the Royal Court, has served a Chief Cook at many Krewe events, and has served on the Board of Directors. He also worked for several years in the capacity of Parade Band Chairman where he lined up the various bands for the Krewe Parade.

With his lovely wife of 38 years, Karen, he enjoys their two children Heidi and Monte, and their three grandchildren Quincy, Zane, and Noa. Eric graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and he has worked for Texaco, Aramco, (in Saudi Arabia for nine years) and Worley Parsons in the capacity of Manager of Projects throughout the world. Eric's hobbies include offshore and bay fishing, flying a Bonaza, riding motorcycles, and serving as Brewemeister in the Galveston Bayou Brew located in his house.

Eric became addicted to the Krewe lifestyle while living in Baton Rouge and attending all of the parades and events in New Orleans. Eric enjoys the local Mardi Gras revival, and he reminds you with so much fun and entertainment so close to home "you don't want to miss a thing. Come to Galveston and enjoy the true Mardi Gras fun""

The Queen: Lois Ritzler Pate Lois is a "BOI" having gone through SF Austin Jr. High School in Galveston and then moving to La Marque where she finished high school. Her family goes back four generations on the island as they were some of the first German immigrants to settle in Galveston and build homes. Although the Houston area is now home, Galveston still holds many happy memories for both Lois and her husband of nearly 46 years, Gerry (a Ball High School graduate). "The smell of the salt air is still a big turn on for us -- it's time to relax with our Krewe friends, reminisce, and just kick back."

Lois has devoted most of her life to being a wife and mother however, in 1970 she joined with Gerry to create what is now Pate Engineers, Inc. It was just the two of us and now we have nearly 270 employees in six Texas cities. Ge rry has worked so hard and I am so proud of him! Lois returned to college when her youngest child left for college and she earned a Batchelor's of Science from the University of Texas and worked at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.

The Pate's have four children, Jackie Rigby, Mike Pate, Stephen Pate, and Jennifer Landry. They have all married and blessed us with fifteen grandchildren. It is a busy house all of the time with all the birthdays and all of the holidays throughout the year, but we are very thankful they all live so close

The Krewe is our relaxing time. We have been members for four years and it has enabled us to touch base with Galveston and people we haven't seen for years. Krewe members are some of the best people you would ever want to meet and be around!! There is no agenda other than having fun. Riding on the float is such a rush -- you feel like a "rock star" with people clamoring at your feet begging for beads. We love our Krewe of Gambrinus!!