It wasn’t Halloween, but candy corn ruled the night Saturday when orange and white sweetly-colored costumed Krissy and Dana Melancon were crowed the 24^th Majestic Jrewe of Aurora Grand Ball King and Queen.

While the 2016 Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas royalty and others in their court dressed for this year’s theme Sweet Soiree 2016, a ballroom full of others attending the annual event came in their formal wear to ring in the Port Arthur’s sweetest party.

Carmen Savant, 48, of Groves attended the event for the first time and was amazed at what she saw.

“I am completely awestruck,” Savant said. “When you walk in you are seeing all the dresses. I am really enthralled with it all.”

Both Savant and Linda Gothia, 65, of Port Arthur are members of the Lagniappe krewe, a subsidiary of the Aurora Krewe.

Kim Guidry, of Beaumont, was another first-timer.

“It’s great, exciting, extravagant,” she said. “I like all the colors.

Guidry said she normally attends Mardi Gras balls in Lake Charles, but attended Port Arthur’s and was impressed with the Southeast Texas party.

Avi and Allen Tate, with Mid-County Chrysler Dodge, attended for the second year, and especially liked this year’s theme.

“I love the decorations. This year the colors are so bright and vibrant. I’m really getting into the Mardi Gras spirit,” Avi Tate said.

Coast Guard member Corey Weber was part of the Color Guard that posted colors at the start of the ball, but afterwards found time to party with his wife, Andren.

Corey Weber said he liked to network with others attending, while his wife was glad to get to dress up and have a night away from their four children, ages 8 to 16.

But, mainly she likes to see her husband dressed in his uniform, and is humbled by the way people treat them.

“I love the way everybody supports the military. They have just stopped by our table and brought up bottles of wine and food. I really appreciate how they honor them,” Andren Weber said.

In addition to the King and Queen, The 2016 Majestic Krewe of Aurora Royal Court included Laura and “Big” Childress, dressed as Sweet Soiree. Laura Childress is the Majestic Krewe of Aurora Captain for 2015-2016.

Other court members and their candy costumes are, Amy and Jason Hinds, Gummy Bears; Teresa and James McNutt, Jolly Ranchers; Cynthia and Kenneth Hinds, Cotton Candy; Cathy Cooper and Mark Solis, Lollipop; Cassie and Jim Sharon Bearden II, Red Hots; Karla and Gabe Lozano, Kisses; Lenzi and Lamar Belcher, Nuggets; Jerrrilynn Miller and Ricky Hollier, M&M’s; Laci and Brad Becker, Ring Pop; and Brittany Lytle and Steffan Milligan, Peppermint.