From Staff Reports  editor@dallasvoice.com

YOUR MAJESTY | Regent Empress Keri Lynn Somers, from left, Emperor Sir Jimmie Tucker and Regent Empress Mother Love Saint James began their reign with Coronation at the end of October.

About 250 people from across the United States, as well as from Canada and Mexico, last month attended the United Court of the Lone Star Empire’s annual Coronation Ball over the Halloween weekend.

Emperor XXXV Jeff Germany and Empress XXXV Audrey Schwartz presided over the weekend-long event, held this year at the Crown Plaza Market Center hotel and based around the theme “Denim & Diamonds: A Night of Big Bans and Country Swing.”

The weekend began with a “Haunted Bus Tour” to several area nightclubs that had supported the United Court over the last year. The tour was hosted by Aspirants to the Crown Jimmie Tucker and Terry Youdan, both vying for the emperor’s crown. A number of pool-side events were held at the host hotel on Saturday afternoon, hosted by local organizations that had supported the court during the year.

Coronation Ball XXXVI was held Saturday night at the host hotel, and featured special guests that included Dallas City Councilwoman Delia Jasso, 25th Anniversary Monarchs, Empress VI of the Imperial Court of Dallas Brandi Roberts and Empress III of the Sovereign Court of Dallas Leslie Michaels, 10th Anniversary Monarchs Emperor and Empress XXVI of the United Court of the Lone Star Empire Dr. Steven Bayes and Stephanie Savon, and Emperor XXXI of the United Court of the Lone Star Empire Homer Hernandez.

Jimmie Tucker was crowned emperor XXXVI shortly after midnight. She was joined by Regent Empresses XXVI Keri Lynn Sommers and Mother Love Saint James. The newly-crowned monarchs hosted a Victory Brunch on Sunday where they named Christopher Stinnett as crown prince royal and Lips LaRue as crown princess royal. A Victory Party was held later that evening at Dallas Eagle, followed by a Victory Show at  The Brick/Joes.

The Emperor and Empress Council of the UCLSE, together with Emperor Jimmie Tucker and Regent Empresses Keri Lynn Sommers and Mother Love Saint James hosted the annual Investiture at the Brick/Joes on Nov. 20.

The United Court of the Lone Star Empire is a Dallas-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising money and volunteering for local charities and other worthy causes. UCLSE is a 501(c)3 organization and a member of the International Court System.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 10, 2010.