Bubba Nettles and Katie Nettles were named the 2018 Vicksburg Mardi Gras King and Queen, Saturday night, during the Vicksburg Main Street River Revelers’ Masked Ball.

“I was extremely happy and shocked and glad that they thought of both me and my wife to elect both of us. That means a lot,” Bubba Nettles said.

In addition to the Nettles, peers had nominated six other contenders earlier in the month and after voting was held during the ball, the Nettles were crowned king and queen.

“We were kind of concerned about if one of us got it and the other one doesn’t,” Nettles said, “but I was pleased and so was she that we both got it.”

The ball was held at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center auditorium and Nettles said the voting was done electronically.

Voting concluded around 8 p.m. and then the winners were announced.

“There wasn’t a lot of waiting around on pins and needles,” Bubba Nettles said, “They went ahead and got the voting done.”

The Nettles each received a crown and a robe, and they gave Bubba Nettles a scepter.

“It was a mistake to give me a lighted scepter,” Bubba Nettles laughed, “Because I went crazy with it. I was like a kid in a candy store.”

As the Vicksburg Mardi Gras King and Queen, the couple will also prevail during the 17th annual Vicksburg Main Street Mardi Gras Parade, which is set to roll at 4 p.m. Saturday along Washington St.

Nettles said he had not thought about riding in a float yet, but was sure he would have something fun planned for the parade goers.

“Katie and I have not discussed what we will be doing, since things have been kind of crazy, but knowing me I would look for something. I can’t guarantee it, but you can look for something to happen,” he said.