Mayokis to make usual presence at Beach parade
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

The Mayoki Indians are known for their festive and joyus party attitude, but they get much less exposure for their works of charity in the community. The Mayokis frequently visit assissted-living facilities, children’s hospitals and other charitable locations. President Rezeck also mentioned that many Myokis donate regularly to their own favorite charity organizations. The Mayokis also helped out with the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, making donations and attributing hundreds of volunteer hours.

One of the most recognized and highly regarded Krewes to participate in the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade are the Mayoki Indians. The group boasts a membership of over 300 people, which includes area neurosurgeons, attorneys, contractors and educators. The Mayokis always inhabit their stucco brown, temple float adorned in the finest Native American inspired costumes. The Chief, a member who is elected by popular vote, and his wife the queen dove, are dressed in pure white robes with matching headdresses. The runner-up is dubbed Medicine Man and his wife becomes Witch Woman and both are very visible during the parade accompanying the Chief and his court.

The infamous krewe, that claims everything they do is all in the name of fun, actually came into being as an attempt to lighten things up many years ago. Gulf Breeze business owner Alan Davis and other prominent men from Pensacola created the Mayokis in 1961. Their main focus in the beginning was to compliment the Fiesta of Five Flags. The moniker “Mayoki” is claimed to be entirely fictitious. According to popular Mayoki lore, Davis and his group wanted to add a little more excitement to the banal Festival of Five Flags. They did so by taking a lead from the historical Boston Tea Party celebration, and dressed up as Indians to greet the De Luna court as they commenced their landing ceremony on Pensacola Beach. The event soon turned into tradition, and the Mayokis greet the court during the fiesta to this day. The Mayoki Ball takes place in June, on the night of De Luna’s landing and is used as a stage to present the Chief and his court. On the same day the Indians also hold their Mayoki pow wow, at which they elect

their new board of directors.

“On the surface it looks very laissez faire, but there is an amazing amount structure and planning that goes into everything we do,” Mayoki President Tom Rezek said. According to President Rezek, the Mayoki are the only Married couples social organization that he is aware of. Membership requirements are fairly relaxed, and yearly dues are $250. Rezek claims that the figure is insignificant considering the group’s many activities. New members are nominated by the court, then voted on by the board, and then the general membership get final approval.

“Since ‘92, I’ve never seen a rejection. If people are interested in becoming members, just participate in our activities, let yourself be known,” President Rezek said.

For 45 years, the Mayokis have not only provided fun and frivolity for the Fiesta of Five Flags and Mardi Gras, but have also worked with many charity organizations. The group also regularly visits area nursing homes, schools for the disadvantaged and other establishments, bringing laughter, dancing and music to those who are usually devoid of merriment. The group has also assisted in the Katrina relief effort with a canned food drive and volunteered with the Red Cross during previous storms.

The court for this year includes

Chief, Buck Mitchell; White Dove, Jennifer Mitchell;Medicine Man, Malcom Williams; Witch Woman, Elise Williams. General Court: Mark and Alicia Moss, Chris and Lu Brown, Jimmy and Karen Heart, Joe and Mindy Lennon, Buck and Sandi Dixon, Chad and Jeny Leidner, Bill and Trish Majszak, Jeff and Cathy Ikner,

Tony and Carey Gribble,

Shad and Elizabeth Klahorst, Brian and Ashley Jones, Chad and Kara Rich, and Gabe and Pam Peadon.