Matt Brim, Robin Gochenour & Travis Kee
Queen Sharon Egan & King Dan Harriett
Melanie Collins & Theresa McKeehan
T
he Sanders Beach Community Center was full of Mardi Gras enthusiasts during the
32nd annual Krewe of Warriors Masquerade Ball on Friday, January 26. Each year,
the Krewe changes the theme of the ball, with this year’s being “Warriors of Oz.”
Guests were invited to come dressed in costume, or formal attire. Live entertainment
was provided by “Fortag,” and in traditional Warriors’ style, members joined the band on the
stage to belt out a song before the king and queen were unmasked. A masked reception was held,
followed by a choreographed performance with the king and queen mask reveal, which was
directed by Lavonne French.
The Krewe of Warriors is the only Pensacola krewe to have both a children’s and adult court
to date. Members work with a different charity each year, and strive to work on community
improvement projects. The krewe is full of diverse members, with ages ranging from 21 to 80.
Today, the Krewe has a cap of 100 members. The Krewe of Warriors enters the annual Pensacola
Mardi Gras parade every year with three fl oats, one for the Court, one for the Krewe, and one for
the Kids Court.
the
“Warriors of Oz”
ball
VIP Pensacola at Sanders Beach Community Center
photos & story by
Kristina Wright
Lavonne French & Lisa Combs
Ann Keike & Paula Pelezo
Aggie Lee & Chris Ketnick
March 2018 | 59
59-61 Event The "Warriors of Oz" Ball.indd 1
2/25/18 11:46 AM