By Lauren Cheramie
The Times-Picayune
When Louisiana festival queens descend upon the nation's capital each year for Washington Mardi Gras, they fasten their crowns, unfurl their trains, adjust their mantles and ready themselves for a jam-packed schedule.
Over three days, the goal for many of the festival queens is to advocate for their respective industries with leaders and stakeholders who gather in the spirit of Mardi Gras.