Fiesta All-Krewe Ball

After all the heartache and depression which has weighed on us since the eco-disaster in the Gulf, it was nice to escape for a few hours last night and enjoy a fun-filled evening. The Fiesta All-Krewe Ball was held at the new Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center in Pensacola.

It was the first time I have ever attended this event and was amazed at all the (krewe) royalty! I didn't even realize how many Mardi Gras Krewes we had in the Pensacola area.


Lloyd Hess and Shelley Johnson, King and Queen (a/k/a Captain and First Mate) of the Krewe of Wrecks.

Courtney and Jim Winstead, Queen and King of the Mystical Krewe of Nereids, our fabulous mermaid krewe.

Ted Pence and Ella Hess, King and Queen of Coma.

I don't know all the people in the photos below or even the names of all the krewes I photographed, but I hope you will enjoy seeing some of the photos.

Carleen Wheeler and Melanie Waite are on the Krewe of Wrecks board.

Sandi Johnson.

Ms. Carleen and a handsome young Naval officer.

Krewe of Nereids Mystical Ball

Some of my blog followers may not know how the big the Mardi Gras celebrations are in our area. Every week the local papers are full of schedules for formal and/or costume Balls, breakfasts, and parades, especially as we near the height of the season. This past weekend I attended the Krewe of Nereids Mystical Ball to take photos and thought I'd share a few with you.


It's not unusual for people to belong to multiple krewes, or attend parties of other island krewes since they all come under the umbrella of the Krewe of Wrecks. Actually, most of the Mardi Gras events are open to the public, even some of the Balls, if you would like to buy a ticket. It's pretty much one big happy family at this time of year. I especially enjoy seeing the feathered masks and beautiful embroidered jackets.


In Greek mythology Nereus and Doris gave birth to 50 daughters (usually considered mermaids), the Nereides, for which this krewe is named. Hence the Krewe of Nereids' have a King Nereus and Queen Doris as their royalty. You may read more about the story of Nereus, Doris, and the Nereides by clicking HERE.


Peggy Henshall dances with her husband, George, who was the Krewe of Nereids' King last year.

The Nereids Mystical Ball is a bit different in that a mask is required for the first hour. At 9:00 p.m. guests may unmask and enjoy the return of their peripheral sight! A midnight buffet is served if you're night-owlish enough to last that long.

Beautiful Caroline...

Charming ladies...

And dapper gentlemen. It was a beautiful evening!

The Nereids!

A blog visitor reminded me about posting photos from the Nereids impromptu dance after the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade. Come on up, girls, and dance to your theme song, Mermaid in the Night! [Click on the song's link in a different window to listen and imagine how much fun the ladies were having with their dance and on the photos to appreciate their enthusiasm.]


"I went out fishin' on a sandy beach
Cast my line out as far as it would reach
Lookin' for somethin' for the fryin' pan
I kick back with a beer in my hand...

"I must've got a big one 'cause it's bendin' my pole
I'm havin' to fight just to keep control
It could be a whale, God only knows
Whatever it is it's not wearin' any clothes...


"She's larger than life
Made from holy water
She's covered in green and got
Little scales upon her
She's larger than life
She'a a mermaid in the night!


"She's got a set of gills like no fish I've ever seen
Long blond hair and a tail in between
I'm in love with a creature from the sea
She brings out the crustacean in me.


"Her voice is a temptation it's a siren song
When we kiss there can be no wrong
I ask her to marry me and be my wife
Do the backstroke the rest of our lives.


"She's larger than life
Made from holy water
She's covered in green
She's got little scales upon her
She's larger than life
She's a mermaid in the night.

"She's larger than life

Made from holy water

She's covered in green

She's got little scales upon her

She's larger than life

She's a mermaid in the night...

"I think I'll have the catch of the day"

~~Jimmy Buffett, "Mermaid in the Night"

Krewe of Kids Parade

The Krewe of Kids Parade started lining up in front of Tiki Island yesterday morning, exactly one week after the event was postponed due to bad weather. No such problem this week!


Is that Curious George or George of the Jungle?


This little explorer must come from the Canary Islands!

Sing with me: Hey, hey, it's a monkey! People say he monkey's around. But he's too busy singing, to put anybody down!

Ahhh, look at this little monkey.

"Yeah, I love my crown hat, but..."

"...I think it looks better on me this way!"

Look at this adorable little jester. Is that not the sweetest smile?

A beautiful cape.

The support teams are out this morning!

Rarin' to go. Come on, folks!

Look, it's Terri McKamey! This sweet lady is the General Manager of Tiki Island, loves the kids and goes out of her way to provide special events for them every year - from a Krewe of Kids' parade to Gingerbread Make and Take's, Terri is there lining up activities. And she gave me my own set of Monkey Beads! I'm IN, dude!!!

Ladies and gentlemen: The Royal Court has taken their places and beads are properly placed.

And the parade begins!

"Woo hoo! Throw me some beads, mister!"

Look at this little purple float entry.

The parade turns back toward Tiki Island.

And the floats line up for judging.

Pretty Princess Madeline.

Prizes galore, but our Krewe of Kids are winners all!

I love my mommy!

Queen Amelia and her BFF (best friend forever!)

Now don't you wish you went to school at Pensacola Beach Elementary! Long live the Krewe of Kids!