The season of Mardi Gras is in full swing in Pensacola 

and in this issue, you will find we have highlighted 

some Mardi Gras events, photos, and stories to share 

with you.

I was raised in the rural West Virginia mountains.  

Mardi Gras was something that we heard of and saw 

on television but really only associated with New 

Orleans.  As I grew up and began traveling, especially 

in the South, I realized that Mardi Gras was something 

that was celebrated more broadly than just in NOLA.  

However, until moving to Pensacola a few years ago, 

I had no idea of the extent in which the Mardi Gras 

season was such a celebrated spectacle.  Other cities 

have celebrations and use Mardi Gras as an excuse to 

have a party.  Some cities even throw together a parade.  

I had no idea that my future would take me in such 

a direction to lead me to this wonderful place called 

Pensacola where I would see what Mardi Gras was 

really all about. 

Pensacola has educated me very quickly on the history 

of Mardi Gras and the importance of celebrating 

this exciting season. The wonder of the krewes has 

especially been a real eye-opener for me. For the 

last couple of years, I have attended a few krewe parties to cover events for the magazine.  I 

thought, what fun parties and what great people with bright and fancy costumes. This year I 

was humbly accepted into the Krewe of Les Harlequins.  It was so exciting to have my dress 

created and attend my first ball as a krewe member. 

In this issue you can learn about a new biodegradable bead being developed to help with the 

clean up after Mardi Gras Parades. In Style we have broken down the dress codes for what to 

wear to the cocktail parties and balls. You will also find a great story of how Louisiana loves 

gumbo, leaving you with a nice gumbo recipe. Speaking of recipe’s, February is the month of 

love and Swizzle on page 42 features some Love Elixir recipes for you.

I hope your February begins with the fun of Mardi Gras and ends with you finding your 

Valentine!

letter from the associate publisher

10     |    VIPPensacola.com

Verla Price

Associate Publisher

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1/28/19   8:59 AM