Linda Hawthorne & Ray Taylor
Jean Marie Jonston, Paula Judd, June Ferry, Camille & Chuck Lacroix
Dean Kirschner & John Ownes
Lesa Vierling & Carol Jones
Dayre Lias & Hugh Willenbrad
O
n Saturday, February 10, The Krewe of Avant Garde gathered for their annual
pre-parade party at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Family Center in Pensacola.
With the annual Mardi Gras Parade lining up outside under the forecast of rain,
the members of the krewe were enjoying great food and libations. The Krewe of
Avant Garde, with quite a few years of parade experience under their belt, was ready to “pull”
rain or shine . In February 1983 a group of retired military offi cers decided to provide a military
presence during the area’s Mardi Gras festivities and the krewe was formed. They celebrated
their inaugural ball in March of 1984, as well as joining in that year’s Mardi Gras parade. The
fi rst year they marched behind a pickup truck wearing tan t-shirts and dark pants. Over the
years the krewe has grown and in 1992 the fl oat was built, which they have been “pulling” ever
since. As quoted by Dean Kirschner, “The Krewe participates in parades and Mardi Gras as a
way to give back to the community and show support for military personnel currently serving
our nation and the veterans who have served. The fl oat displays the fl ag of our country and the
uniformed services as a show of pride.”
Krewe of Avant Garde
Breakfast
photos & story by
Verla Price
VIP Pensacola at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Family Center
Anita Raymond & Gus Donohoe
28 | VIPPensacola.com
XX Event_Breakfast.indd 1
2/25/18 11:17 AM