James Barber and Michelle Goode were announced as the King and Queen of MCCA XXXIX, during a special ceremony held Saturday, Jan. 5, at the American Legion Home.

The MCCA parade will be Saturday, March 2, at 1 p.m., and this year’s theme is “It’s About Time.”

MCCA King XXXIX James Barber

James Barber is a lifelong resident of Bogalusa. Barber graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1981 and went on to Louisiana Technical College and received his degree and certification in air condition and refrigeration. He has used that degree and has since opened several businesses, including Barber’s Hardware. His company specializes in A/C, refrigeration and plumbing repair while maintaining Bogalusa’s last “mom and pop” hardware store.

At the early age of 12, his parents instilled in him strong work ethics and told him “hard work never hurt anyone,” which to this day has paid off. Over the last two decades, as President and CEO, he has established several local businesses that are currently open and operating. One of his first jobs was at Sally’s Home Supermarket, which today is home to Barber’s Hardware.

His businesses have received several awards from The Daily News Readers’ Choice Awards. Thanks to his exceptionally loyal clientele, customer referrals and repeat business along with the help of his son, Kody Barber, and his dedicated employees, his family businesses continue to thrive.

Barber also believes in giving back and supporting his community. As a business entrepreneur, he continues to work and improve the City of Bogalusa by purchasing and restoring older buildings and homes, in hopes to bring back the “magic” of Bogalusa.

Barber has also been a longtime member of MCCA, serving as Duke and Lieutenant. This year he will serve and reign over the “Magic City” as your King of MCCA XXXIX, 2019.

MCCA Queen XXXIX Michelle Goode

Michelle Melancon Goode is the Queen of MCCA XXXIX, for the year of 2019. Goode is a lifelong resident of Bogalusa. She graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1988 and received her degree in Mass Communications from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Goode has been involved in the MCCA organization since she was a maid in MCCA VII. She is a member of the ladies group MASH and has been riding with them since 2003. She is the current President this year.

She is married to Rusty Goode, who is the lieutenant for Dionysus this year, and they have a daughter, Elise, that is a junior maid for MCCA this year. Goode holds the honor of being the first Queen of MCCA with parents who were both a past king and queen of MCCA. Her dad Joey Melancon was King of MCCA XVIII and her mother Cindy Melancon was Queen of MCCA XIV.

Goode has worked for her family at Lee Finance Company in Bogalusa since 2001. She is a member of Annunciation Catholic Church and has served as a lecturer for many years.

Goode is currently active in numerous organizations in the community, including being the Executive Chair for the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, an active member of the Dogwood Ladies League, and a member of the Bogalusa Country Club.