Photograph
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-AR6336-B
President John F. Kennedy meets with Queen of Mardi Gras and her court, Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. President Kennedy talks with the United States National Forestry Queen (holding Smokey Bear doll). Founder of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians (governing authority of Washington D.C. Mardi Gras) Senator Russell B. Long of Louisiana stands partially hidden behind and left of the President. Senator Long's daughter Rita Katherine Long is the 1961 Mardi Gras Queen. Chairman of the Mardi Gras Ball, Congressman Edwin E. Willis of Louisiana stands right of the President, behind the Forestry Queen. Also present is Congressman Willis's wife Estelle Willis.