Reign V

Emperor V

The Five Star Emperor

Bill Olson

Empress V 

The Amazon Empress

Mikel Wright

Accepting the mantel of service for the fifth reign from the last elected Emperor and Empress of ALL Colorado were Emperor and Empress V, Bill Olson and Mikel Wright. This year was certainly another year full of firsts. Mikel named the first female Princess Royale and Bill the 2nd female Grand Czar. Additionally, Mikel, who had been closely involved and helped direct the formation of Colorados Court system, maintained his male identity by proclaiming that although he was Empress, he would be known as His Most Imperial Majesty along with the Emperor. Bill also distinguished himself by being elected to the International College of Emperors. It was only partly in jest that part of their introduction always read, The Butch and the Bitch. The 5th Monarchs were also two politically minded individuals and helped raise $5000 to send to California to help defeat their anti-gay Proposition 6. Ever mindful of the traditions set forth by previous reigns and traditions that they themselves had helped to establish, these two individuals were also clever enough to put a spin on many of their functions during the year.

Stepping away from bars and hotels, the atmosphere and theme of PR Ball was enhanced by holding The 20s Speakeasy at the Zang Mansion. The Snowball theme pushed the Toys for Tots theme to the max using Babes in Toyland at the Hilton Hotel. The back room at the 1942 played host to the King of Hearts Ball A Dance Contest.

Probably the most visible line of succession up to this point had to have been this one. Bill and Mikel were both masters of delegation and everyone on their line was made to feel an integral part of the reign. On the Empresss line of succession were, Princess Royale, Sherry Mendelsberg; Queen Mother (for life) Lola; Grand Duchess, Tammi Lynn; Marquessa, Lesley; and Reina, Nina Montaldo.  The Emperor chose as Prince Royale, Patrick Weisenberger; King father, Lee Zittle; Grand Duke, Gary Edwards; and Czar, Miski.

This special year solidified the Court within the city and the Court System as a responsible, viable organization and it is from this foundation of the first five reigns that all the rest have been able to build, grow, experiment, and flourish. Appearing and disappearing into a pyramid of ice during each set, this dynamic reign came to a climatic close at Coronation V, held in the Denver Hilton. Appropriately Ice Palace set the stage for the fire of the sixth reign.