Sue Mennino, assistant professor of the Loyola sociology department, was crowned queen of the Krewe of Tucks this year.

Founded in 1969 by Loyola students Lloyd Frischhertz and Robert Reichert, the Krewe of Tucks takes its name after the local bar, Friar Tucks. According to Mennino, the first parades used to start out of the Loyola parking lot and the first coronation ball took place in the Danna Center.

“I always loved the Krewe of Tucks parade, because it’s all parody,” said Mennino, who has participated in the parade since 2000.

This year, for instance, the theme is iTucks: what’s APPenning. Floats include Farmville, Tweet This, I Have No Bars, Byte Me, and Green Eggs and Spam.

“I finally got a smart phone last year and now wonder how I could have lived without one for so long,” said Mennino, when asked whether she could relate to the theme.

Mennino’s selection as Queen came as a pleasant surprise.

“I had no clue,” said Mennino. “They handed me my toilet brush scepter, then they handed the king (Brad Frischhertz) his plunger scepter.” The 2011 royalty was announced at a captain’s dinner in late September.

Apart from throwing beads and other goodies, as queen, Mennino was also required to toast the city at Gallier Hall on Jan. 6. Mayor Mitch Landrieu was in attendance that evening.

Mennino’s husband, two brothers and oldest grandson will join her on the float dressed up as knights.

“I just hope the sun is shining so I sparkle,” said Mennino. “It’s never rained on Tucks, ever.”

When asked whether there is anything she dislikes about Mardi Gras, Mennino responded, “I can’t get enough sleep between all the fun stuff there is to do; otherwise, I love everything about it.”

Her loyalty to the Krewe of Tucks parade is obvious, but Mennino also enjoys the Krewe of Muses. “I like them all (parades) for their own unique contribution,” she said.

The Krewe of Tucks will roll Saturday, March 5, and will make its way down St. Charles Avenue, beginning on Napoleon Avenue and ending on Canal Street.

Natalia Verdina can be reached at [email protected]