koemardigrashistory

1998         The birth of Mardi Gras' first Cyber Krewe, KOE and its
members are from all over the world. Two Internet "netheads"
founded it and it is made up of fellow Internet junkies devoted to
Mardi Gras. There are a number of costumed marching Krewes that
parade through the Quarter and surrounding areas each Mardi
Gras, but KOE was the first organized over the Internet consisting
mostly of out-of-towners who enjoyed New Orleans Mardi Gras.

1999        The first meeting of the group took place at the Lundi
Gras party, or as it was called at the time the International
Gathering of Internet Friends at Pat O’Brien’s. . The following day
the group of about 15 members paraded for the first time as Krewe
of Elvis. Most members dressed accordingly with white polyester
jumpsuits, wigs, and glasses. Little did anyone know that this was
the beginning of an annual meeting of a Mardi Gras family, not
related by blood, but by a love for fun and a Mardi Gras spirit that
lasts through the year.

2000        The 2000 Carnival season again began with the
International Gathering of Internet Friends this time held at Patout’
s. The parade year brought more members together from around
the world, and paraded under the theme of "Larger than Life". This
theme was the first of a long line of themes. The first KOE throws
were introduced, handmade donut beads,and wooden nickels were
among the items thrown.

2001        The meeting on Lundi Gras became the Lundi Gras Party
(or LGP) this year and was held at the Famous Door. The theme
was 2001 an Elvis Odyssey. The membership had increased
enough to warrant security girls a group of bodacious babes who
kept the crowds at bay.

2002        Mississippi River Bottom became home for the Lundi Gras
Party for the first of three years in 2002. After the events of
September 11th, the decision to have a patriotic theme was
selected...An American Trilogy was the result. Most members
costumed in red, white and blue.

2003        We took a Polynesian vacation with Luau on the Bayou.
Unfortunately the weather was not bright and sunny but other than
that it did feel much like a tropical paradise. Popular throws that
year were leis. The year included the initiation of a krewe
medallion available for sale to krewe members. These medallions
have become a collector’s item as they were the only one that
billed us as the Krewe of Elvis.

2004        Saw Change..... One of the founders resigned, The group
was reorganized by the remaining founder and he became the
Captain and appointed a group of Lieutenants to help govern the
group. Membership dues were started and the organization
continued to grow. This was the year we transitioned from Krewe
of Elvis to KOE. The theme of Mardi Gras with the Top Down and
the medallion of the pink convertible encouraged members to
costume in 50’s costumes.

2005        The LGP moved to our home base, the Tropical Isle.   The
theme, Viva Las Vegas Mardi Gras Style, couldn't’t be anything BUT
a winner.
We had dealers, gamblers, show-girls (including the debut of the
ugliest woman on Bourbon Street contest) and devils. From the
initial announcement and unveiling of the medallion this was a fun
year to plan. Later in the year Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ripped
New Orleans in August.

2006      In the days after the storm inundated New Orleans the KOE
Captain and lts. Discussed the possibilities of a celebration outside
of New Orleans. It was felt by all that the show must go on,
preferably in New Orleans. What better way to lift the spirit of the
city than the theme KOE Pops the Big Top. Perhaps 06 was the
best Mardi Gras in the Modern Era.

2007        We again visited the high seas with a theme of KOE
Shakes Its Booty on the Seven Seas. The medallion was
outstanding encompassing all of the components of sailing the high
seas – pirate wench, parrot, booty and a sailing ship.

2008        The 10th Anniversary of KOE was celebrated with a move
of the LGP to Ralph and Kacoos.   The parade was celebrated in an
old-time fashion with a theme of The West is History. The
medallions were accompanied by a badge and small stuffed horses.
Accompanied by a brass band and with a police escort we had a
problem corralling the fun we had.

2009       featured the LGP at GW Fin’s. Seeing everyone in a
relaxed atmosphere with the anticipation of the parade still in the
air is one of the things we look forward to every year. That, in itself
is worth the price of membership. The parade theme was KOE's
Fables and Fairy tales. Everything from the well known fairy tales
and nursery rhymes to a few fables.

2010        The KOE was led on Fat Tuesday by non other than the
legendary Treme Brass Band.

2011        The KOE was spaced out on a beautifal Fat Tuesday
morning throught the French Quarter!