The 40-year-old Krewe of Pepe had its annual “Coming Out Christmas Event” where they announced their 2018 King and Queen. The honorees are Chaz Baker and Renada Bickham-Baker of Franklinton.

Renada Bickham-Baker is a native of Franklinton, and was born on Sept. 6, 1980, to Patricia and the late Terry Bickham. Bickham-Baker also has a stepfather, Henry Bickham, who along with her mother reared her through years. She is a member of Greater Hayes Creek Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Jerome Warren. There she serves as secretary of the Pastor’s Aid Committee and enjoys helping whenever she is able.

Chaz Baker made his debut into the world on June 24, 1981, and Sedonia and Donnell Hart were the proud parents. Baker grew up mainly in New Orleans before transferring to Franklinton during his middle school years. It would prove to be one of the most important and best choices he could have ever made. It was there that he met the girl of his dreams, who would later become his wife.

The Bakers are “old school lovers” who haven’t been able to keep their eyes off one another since the summer of 1996. Over the years, they got a chance to know each other better, and they created some unforgettable memories. The two never wanted to be apart, and began the journey of a lifetime by walking down the aisle on Aug. 7, 2004.

The two spread their love to three beautiful children, Reshon Warren, Chaz Jr. and Rehanna Baker. And the two also shower two godchildren, Gary Bell Jr. and Atari Dillon, with their love. Next year, much affection, love, hugs and kisses will be bestowed a very first grandchild, due to make arrival in February 2018. A Super Bowl baby? Could be!

The Bakers love spending quality time with one another, joking with each other and anyone else, hanging out with family and friends, and living life to its fullest. During the weekend, it’s not out of the ordinary to see a group of family and friends over at the two Falcons fans’ home watching a game, attending a cookout, or just chatting and mingling.

During the weekdays, while Baker is working at National Oilwell Verco, where he has been for 10 years, she is working diligently for the parish government, where she has been for eight years and going strong. In her spare time, she makes and sells birthday bows that can be custom made for any event. And he is also very beneficial to the community. Whenever anyone calls for his assistance with anything, he’s always willing to lend a helping hand.

These two are not only husband and wife, but are best friends and are well connected at the heart. God has truly blessed the Bakers, and through Him they will continue to love, honor, and cherish one another forever.

The annual ball is set for Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at First Impressions Event Center. The Krewe will honor its founder and CEO of 40 years, Ceceline “Pepe” Tate, now a minister of the gospel for several years. This will be the last of his wonderful years of service.

The Krewe invites all mayors, civic leaders, Gov. John Bel Edwards, and the general public to witness this event.

Tickets can be purchased from any Krewe member for $25. Their annual Mardi Gras parade will roll on Sunday, Feb. 11. The theme for this year will be “Forty Years of Memories.”