The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame will hold its Memorial, Induction and Awards Ceremony August 7, and OffBeat will be part of it. The annual event will take place at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, when Big Chief Romeo Bougere of the Ninth Ward Hunters will be named Chiefs’ Choice, Queen Mercy Stevenson of the Wild Tchoupitoulas will be named Queens’ Choice, and OffBeat publisher Jan Ramsey will receive the Scribe Award.

Jan Ramsey with Queen Rita and Big Chief Bo Dollis of the Wild Magnolias. Photo by Ceasar Elloie.

Other honorees include Barbara Lacen-Keller (Community Supporter Award), Big Chief Clarence Dalcour of Creole Osceolas (2011 Peace Chief, recognized for his ceremonial release of doves to promote peace in our city), State Senator Cynthia Willard-Lewis (Honorary Ambassador Queen), Jo Cool Davis (Living Musical Heritage Award), Jeffrey David Ehrenreich (Capturing the Flash Photographers’ Award), Andrew Wiseman (Drumbeat Award), Anastasia Shaw (Outstanding Volunteer), Benjamin Mark (Outstanding Youth Volunteer) and Jordan Hirsch (Service Award).

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame recognizes members those who help to preserve the Mardi Gras Indian tradition as well as the Indians’ role as community leaders. This year’s event takes place August 7 at 3 p.m. For more information, go to the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame website.