Reign XVI

Emperor XVI

The Silver Grizzly Emperor

Ken Barker

Empress XVI 

The Crystal Phoenix Empress

Bublz LaRue

Again, the city was ready for a year of energy and fun. The citizens of the Empire found these qualities in their sixteenth monarchs, Emperor and Empress XVI, Ken Barker and Bublz LaRue, the first Monarchs to be elected without a ticket to Coronation needed for voting. The Sixteenth Reign made a special effort to be representatives of the city in which they reigned. At out of town coronations, Ken and Bublz took bar advertisements, the community newspaper, matches, and anything else that advertised Denver and Colorado. They would take over out of state hospitality rooms by chatting up Denver and its charms to everyone. The Sixteenth Reign also dedicated their Ball Program to the Tavern Guild in a salute to all the bars and businesses which had been instrumental in supporting the Court. The city returned that favor at Ken and Bublz stepping down. The first act, dedicated to in-town business and organization entrances, consisted of the largest number of participants in the history of the Court. The sixteenth reign also managed to squeeze in a couple of firsts during their tenure. The Adopt-a-Monarch campaign was begun in order to help the lines of succession learn more about the Courts history, as well as to let the past monarchs know their experience and wisdom was sought and important. Also, upon their stepping down, the Crystal Empress tradition for all the Empresses of the ICRME began.

The Radisson hosted the PR Ball A Tribute to the Silver Screen, where for the first and last time, the PRs were elected.  Ken and Bubblz each nominated two people for PR.  The election was held during intermission and the winners announced near the end of the Ball.  A Crystal Christmas, the annual Snow Ball, and the King of Hearts Ball, Oriental Express, were both held at the Denver Turnverein.

The lines of succession played a huge part in the success of this reign. The 16th Reign was supported by Princess Royale, Cheryl Brouhard; Queen Mother, Pearl DeVere; Grand Duchess, Carissa Cambridge; Czarina, first was Casey OShea, then Christina Le Austin; Marquessa, Rosa; Baroness, Miss Kitty; Countess, Kelli Marie K-Mart; and Reina Yvette Monet. Supporting His Majesty was Prince Royale, Thom Frey; King Father, Ron Heath; Grand Duke, was first Mike LaSasso, then Ron Atkinson; Czar, Arthur Brown, Marquis, Tim Wulf; Baron, Dwayne Ohls; Count, Kevin Carlheim and Don, Buddy Cress. The Permanent titles for the Sixteenth Reign were awarded to John Menchaca as Supreme Crown Prince for Life and to Kelli Marie K-Mart as the Princess Regal, Keeper of Love and Laughter for Life.

The Regency Hotel, hosted A Diamond Dynasty; China and the Universe in the Year 3000, A.D. The sixteenth reign came to a close with a smashing success and with the dawn, came the beginning of the Seventeenth Reign.