The Krewe of Diamondhead’s origins date back to 1975, when four families decorated golf carts and held a private Mardi Gras celebration.
Half a century later, the krewe is planning a big Gatsby-themed soiree to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary.
“As always, the food, entertainment and decorations will not disappoint,” the krewe’s publicity director, Robin B. Gaines, says of the group’s Feb. 22 ball. “And, with many other organizations joining us, we are going to have the best parade ever!”
‘ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS WE’VE MADE’
Gaines and her husband joined the krewe approximately 15 years ago when they received an invitation from the incoming court.
“It was one of the best decisions we’ve made,” she says. “The camaraderie of this organization is phenomenal. We have made many lifelong friends, both in this krewe and in Diamondhead in general.”
The group has been facilitating friendship and good times since its inception. The krewe’s first king, Joe Salvatore, was crowned King Kolepa (meaning “King of Golf”) in 1976 and ruled alongside Queen Char Hanson; later, kings were called Ali’i Honua, meaning “ruler of the land.” The first honorary parade marshal was famed New Orleans pianist Ronnie Kole, who led seven decorated floats, 18 golf carts, three horse-mounted groups, numerous clowns on road bikes and a high school band.
One of Gaines’s fondest krewe memories is from 2022, when the ball theme was “The British Invasion.” The emcee asked the crowd to hold their applause until the entire court had been introduced.
“As each duke and maid was announced, my dear husband, unable to contain himself, began to say, rather loudly, ‘dilly, dilly!’” she recalls fondly. “Soon, the entire table was chiming in!”
From its small group of founders, the Krewe of Diamondhead has grown to 195 members. While most members reside in Diamondhead, the krewe is open to all who wish to join.
“We have a fabulous membership in a wide array of ages, from mid-30s on up,” Gaines says. “Younger members are joining, which contributes to our krewe’s longevity.”
‘I LOVE THIS KREWE!’
Besides its membership meeting, the krewe holds several annual events, including the court announcement party, Country-Western party, coronation ball, Mardi Gras ball and Mardi Gras parade.
“We are a very social and fun-loving krewe; we work hard, but we play hard as well,” Gaines says. “We have new officers and a new captain this year, and we are always looking for ways to improve our krewe’s activities.”
Becoming a member is easy, she adds, encouraging anyone who is considering it to get involved.
“I would say join!” Gaines exclaims. “I love this krewe!”
SAVE THE DATE
Coronation Ball: Dec. 7, 2024 | Emerald Ballroom, The Club at Diamondhead
Mardi Gras Ball: Feb. 22, 2025 | Emerald Ballroom, The Club at Diamondhead
Mardi Gras Parade: March 1, 2025 | Diamondhead
