Page 28 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2019

COASTNOTES
28 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Krewe of Gemini
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Krewe of Gemini
The Krewe of Gemini celebrates
50 years this carnival season. The Krewe of Gemini was formed in 1969 by a group of caring citizens, led
by Hazel Easterling who wanted to bring the festivities of Mardi Gras
to Gulfport. The first King Jupiter was the late Leo Cooper and the first Queen Leda was the late Mary Huth Lyons. The 50th anniversary royalty are King Bob Olson and Queen Debra Study.
Speaking for the Krewe of Gemini, Shellie Moses says the krewe and the city of Gulfport have always had a great relationship. “The mayor dubbed us ‘the official krewe’ and
to this day we work closely with the city on many activities held not only at Mardi Gras but throughout the year.”
Gemini has always paraded in downtown Gulfport and is known for its two parades, the only Coast krewe that has two. “The first year we did not parade, but the following year the parades began,” Moses said. “In the early years the queens didn’t
ride but held their place of honor on the grand stand. This changed in the mid 1970s when a float for the queen was built and both king and queen have ridden ever since. The day parade and the Fat Tuesday evening parade began in the mid 80s.”
The Krewe of Gemini’s rst King Jupiter and Queen Leda
The parade route has changed this year to encompass more of the downtown area, passing before more businesses. The golden anniversary is being observed with custom 50th anniversary beads,
throws and doubloons and with 60 visiting krewes to add to the parade festivities.
With multiple generations being involved, Gemini is a family organization through and through. “Not only do we pride ourselves on making sure our parades are family orientated, the same holds true with our membership and royalty,” Moses says. “My mom, Sylvia Marengo, was the third queen and dad, S.J. Marengo, was the ninth king. I
was the first legacy but also the first double legacy in 2001 when I reigned with my husband.”
Bob and Kathleen Talley were
the first husband and wife to
reign as king and queen with six couples reigning together since then. Krewe members’ children and grandchildren are often brought up for membership when they turn 21.
Krewe of Gemini, Gulfport
Day Parade: March 2, 2 p.m. Night Parade: March 5, 5:30 p.m.