Reign XVI
The Sixteenth Reign
The Court of The Silver Grizzly & the Crystal Phoenix
April 1, 1989

Empress XVI Bublz LaRue
The Crystal Phoenix Empress

Emperor XVI Ken Barker
The Silver Grizzly Emperor

Again, the city was ready for a year of energy and fun. The citizens of the Empire found these qualities in their sixteenth monarchs, Emperor and Empress XVI, Ken Barker and Bublz LaRue. The sixteenth reign made a special effort to be representative of the city in which they reigned. At out of town coronations, Ken and Bublz took bar advertisements, the community newspaper, matches, anything that advertised Denver and Colorado and took over hospitality room by chatting up Denver and its charms to everyone. The Sixteenth Reign also dedicated their Ball Program to the Tavern Guild in a salute to all the bars and businesses, which had been instrumental in supporting the Court. The city returned that favor at Ken and Bublz’ stepping down. The first act, dedicated to in-town business and organization entrances, consisted of the largest number of participants in the history of the Court. The sixteenth reign also managed to squeeze in a couple of firsts during their tenure. The “Adopt-a-Monarch” campaign was begun in order to help the lines of succession learn more about the Court’s history as well as to let the past monarchs know their experience and wisdom was sought and important. Also, upon their stepping down, the Crystal Empress tradition for all the Empresses of the ICRME began.

The Radisson hosted the PR Ball “A Tribute to the Silver Screen,” where the last elected Pit’s were chosen. “A Crystal Christmas,” the annual Snow Ball, and the King of Hearts Ball, “Oriental Express,” were both held at the Denver Turnverine.

The lines of succession played a huge part in the success of this reign. The 16th Reign was supported by Princess Royale, Cheryl Brouhard; Queen Mother, Pearl DeVere; Grand Duchess, Carissa Cambridge; Czarina, first was Casey O’Shea, then Christina Le Austin; Marquess, Rosa; Baroness, Miss Kitty; Countess, Kelli Marie and Reina Yvette Monet. Supporting His Majesty was the Prince Royale, Thom Frey; King Father, Ron Heath; Grand Duke, first was Mike LaSasso, then Ron Atkinson; Czar, Arthur Brown, Marquis, Tim Wulf; Baron, Dwayne Ohis; Count, Kevin Carlheim and Don, Buddy Cress. The Permanent titles for the 16th Reign were awarded to John Menchaca as Supreme Crown Prince for Life and to Kelli Marie as the Princess Regal, Keeper of Love and Laughter for Life.

The Regency Hotel, hosted “A Diamond Dynasty; China and the Universe in the Year 3000, A.D.” The sixteenth reign came to a close with a smashing success and with the dawn, came the beginning of the seventeenth reign.