Now in its 39th year, the Krewe of Pepe will roll through the streets of Franklinton at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7. Organizers are striving to have the parade in place, with Mardi Gras being early this year.

The Krewe of Pepe has selected Mrs. Phairon Route Vernon and Jarrel Vernon of Covington to resign as Queen and King, respectively.

King Jerrel Vernon is a former resident of Kentwood’s Union Chapel community, and is the son of Jackie and Beverly Vernon. He is a 2004 graduate of Jewel Sumner High School. He was a member of the FFA Club, talent search, and the Sumner basketball team. He is a member of Union Chapel A.M.E. Church, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Sherman Berry. He is a member of the Young Adult ministry, where he serves as a class leader. Mr. Vernon is employed with Trinity Marine Ship Systems in Port Allen as a Class A Shipfitter/Welder.

Queen Phairon Route Vernon is a former resident of Franklinton and is the daughter of Greg and Emma Lou Route. She is a 2004 graduate of Franklinton High School where she was crowned as Miss FHS 2003-2004. She was a Demonette, in the Demonaries Choir, on the basketball team, Beta Club, 4-H and Student Council.

She then attended Grambling State University and received a bachelor of science degree in occupational/recreational therapy and a minor in sports medicine, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.87 GPA.

At Grambling, she served on the 2005 Homecoming Court as Miss Sophomore and was first runner-up for 2007 Miss Grambling. She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in the fall of 2005. While attending GSU, she served on the Favrot Student Union Board from 2004-2008, an active member of the National Occupational Therapy Society, and a GSU cheerleader from 2004-2008.

Mrs. Vernon is a member of Sweet Rest M.B. Church, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Mallery Callahan. She has been the dance instructor for the Pearls of Praise Dance Team for eight years. She serves in the community as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Phairon is employed as a mental health recreation/occupational therapist at the Greenbrier Mental Health Hospital in Covington. She is the god-daughter of Oliver Warren Sr., and the late Rosalean Warren of Franklinton.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon are the proud parents of 3-year-old Solé Dior Vernon. Miss Solé is the 2-15-2016 Miss Kiwanis Club Queen of Washington Parish.

The Mardi Gras Ball will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Bayou Place. Come put and enjoy the celebration.

For more information, call Jackie Tate at 985-515-0515.