Beach prepares for Mardi Gras 2007
. Float fee reduced from $600 to $100
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

It's almost time to pull those old Mardi Gras beads out of the closet or off the rearview mirror and put them back into commission. The Mystic Krewe of Nerieds will officially kick off the season with their King Kake party Jan. 6 at Paradise Bar and Grill on Pensacola Beach. The public is invited to attend and the festivities will begin at 3 p.m.

The King Kake party, named for the festive purple, green and gold circular cakes associated with the pre-lent celebration, is just the beginning of a very active Mardi Gras season on Pensacola Beach which culminates with the Krewe of Wrecks' parade Feb. 18. The parade will remain relatively the same as last year, with the route beginning near SpringHill Suites on Via De Luna and ending in the Casino Beach parking lot. Although the route is similar, organizers have a couple of differentiating factors this year that they hope will lead to a fantastic spectacle that beach residents and visitors have come to know and love. One major change is that the

float entry fee was greatly reduced from $600 last year to $100 for 2007.

"We would hope that there would be more money available for Krewes and their charities," said Debbie Friedman, Association of Krewes President. "It should mean more for everyone in everyway."

Friedman said the principal reason for the fee reduction was a $20,000 donation from the recently restructured Santa Rosa Island Authority Board of Directors. Friedman also added that the procession has been capped at 50 floats, as last year, and that 2006 parade participants will be given the first opportunity to join the 2007 parade. New entries would be considered on a space available basis, Friedman said.

Another factor with significant impact on the planning process was the recent loss of long-time parade planner, Andrea Brunt. The late Pensacola Beach resident served as "Head Wreck" and was the main force behind the parade for much of the last decade. Brunt was also one of the original founders of the Krewe of Wrecks in 1979. The Wrecks, who serve as the lead organization for all official Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras activities, are filling the critical void left by Brunt with six Krewe of Wrecks board members. "We've all been scrambling,"

said Sandy Johnston Executive Director of the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. "There are several of us trying to pick up everything [Brunt] was doing. She accomplished a lot by herself," Johnston said. "Andrea's spirit will always be with us. When we think about Mardi Gras we'll always think of Andrea. There's a whole board doing what she used to do."

In addition to the parade and the Neried's King Kake party, the Mardi Gras season acts as a springboard to a plethora of parties and events. Most notable are the Nerieds Moon Pie party at the Sandshaker Lounge Jan. 19, the Junkanoo Cajun Boil Jan. 21, the Annual Black Tie

Formal Beach Ball at the Dock Feb. 3, the Junkanoo Kritter Krawl at the Casino Beach pavilion Feb. 10, and the Red Beans and Rice celebration Feb. 19. All events are open to the public and free, with the exception of the Black Tie Ball. Tickets for the ball are available for $30, which includes entertainment and a midnight breakfast buffet. For more information or tickets call Bonnie McDonald at 438-1660. To inquire about entering the parade, call Kay Turner with the Pensacola Beach Elk's Lodge at 932-4444. For a calendar of events or information about the Krewe of Wrecks visit them online at www.kowrecks.com.