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

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2/25/18   11:17 AM