OMEGA XL

King Brandon Phares is a proud resident of Tangipahoa Parish, who brings a powerful combination of military service, business acumen, and community dedication to the Krewe of Omega throne. Rooted in a family with deep local ties, he is the son of Bobby and Renee Robbins-Phares of Amite, and the brother of Robin Phares, Blake Alley, and Amber Alley-Costanza.

Following his honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Brandon attended Southeastern Louisiana University. It was at SLU that he pledged Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and later earned a degree in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management.

After a successful career in the hospitality industry, he joined the family-owned business. He started as the Operations Manager of Sherman’s Glass Inc in 2016, where his strategic mindset and leadership continues to modernize and grow the 48 year old business.

King Brandon is known for his deep commitment to civic engagement. He serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce, where he helps foster business development and organize local networking initiatives. He is an active member of the Ponchatoula Rotary Club and also proudly serves as 2nd Vice Commander of the Ponchatoula American Legion. 

Whether he's mentoring young professionals, volunteering for community events, or enhancing local business opportunities, Brandon is a steadfast leader grounded in service. A devoted husband and aspiring father, he views his family as his greatest inspiration.

Reigning alongside his queen, Renee Donewar, King Brandon Phares looks forward to representing the Krewe of Omega with honor, tradition, and a heart full of Southern pride throughout the Mardi Gras season.

Queen Renee Donewar is a woman whose roots run deep in both tradition and community. The daughter of Mary Ann Rusciano, our beloved Queen Omega II, Renee's coronation continues a cherished family legacy, one that has helped shape the very heart of our Krewe since its founding. A charter member of the Krewe of Omega, Queen Renee has dedicated herself to enriching the life of her hometown. 

Professionally, Renee taught dance for 25 years at studios in Hammond, Ponchatoula, Springfield, and Amite, instructing over 1,000 students throughout her career. Notably, she was a dance teacher to pop star Britney Spears and actress Jamie Lynn Spears. One of the highlights of her dancing career was competing on the television show "Dance Fever" in 1981.

For seventeen years, Queen Renee continued the family legacy by running the Brown Door bar in Hammond. Her love for the community is evident in her devoted service to the Sicilian Festival, where her energy and commitment help bring people together in celebration of heritage and unity.

Those who know Renee understand that she never passes up a dance floor, a card table, or an opportunity to laugh and have a good time with her family and friends. When Carnival season arrives, her spirit shines the brightest. Mardi Gras holds a special place in her heart, and this year's queen's regal grace reminds us why we gather year after year to honor this vibrant tradition.

Queen Renee is the proud mother of two daughters, Amber Donewar and Krewe member Nicole Donewar Trentacosta, as well as a son by choice, Will Buras.