The KOE was founded
in the summer of 1998 by two internet "netheads"
as a means for internet junkies to meet and "parade" during Mardi Gras .
We had no idea
that we were going to make Mardi Gras history! We were the
first Cyber-based Marching
Krewe to participate at Mardi Gras. Many other cyber krewes have
come and gone, but
only the KOE has a mast a huge following.
We held our First Annual KOE Lundi Gras party that year at Patout's Cajun Cabin
located on Bourbon St. We first paraded on Fat Tuesday 1999 with a
following of 20. Every
Year since our Krewe has grown by leaps and bounds.
The KOE is a non-profit club that parades throughout the French Quarter on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday). The KOE members are comprised of people from all over the world. This is possible due to the fact that we are "Cyber-based". Most of our members find us via the internet and the rest by word of mouth. All of the members have one common goal in mind: to spread Mardi Gras cheer on Fat Tuesday.
The KOE members work hard all year long to
make the next "parade" the best yet. Finally, when it is time to converge on the
"Big Easy" is when the true excitement begins! The KOE has a
Lundi Gras party in the French Quarter at a loctaion to be named. The
party lasts from 1 to 3PM on Lundi Gras day (Monday before Fat Tuesday). This is a time
to meet the new and old members alike and to discuss the next day's events.
Drinks are available, and dancing and revelry always break out. This is a great
party not to be missed!
The next day (Fat Tuesday) is the day we
have all been waiting for. We begin the day at 10:15 a.m. in front of the Saint
Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in
costume.
Most of the members opt for the 70's rock star look of white polyester
jumpsuits with bell bottoms and the cape. Sunglasses, sideburns and a pompadour
jet black wig are a must! Anyone can join in on the fun as long as you are
in costume. In 2005 we will be dressing according to our theme which will be
announced at a later date.
We
also carry many "throws" such as beads, candy, scarves, leis, stickers, wooden
doubloons, cups, trinkets--you name it, we throw it! Bring as much as you
can carry. Many members bring a canvas bag with them to hold all the goodies
that will be given to the adoring crowds. We will start the parade at
10:30 a.m. and that is when we start to get most excited. As we proceed down the
street, you can see the people lining up to catch a glimpse of the KOE coming down the parade route. Along the way, we will stop several times for
TV crews and for fans to snap photos of us. This year we also will make an
official stop at "Tropical Isle" for an impromptu performance
to the crowd in the bar. This is our opportunity to take a break and get a
drink. After that, we will continue to wind along the streets of the Quarter
until we make our way back to MRB. The parade usually lasts around 2
hours. Then it is up to you on how you want to spend the rest of the day.
Now to the throws. A sure bet for throws are beads since everyone likes catching them and this is what the Super Krewes throw. You can buy them by mail order or purchase them once you arrive in New Orleans. You can even recycle the beads you catch at other parades. Now, we here at the KOE like to express our creativity so we highly recommend that you make your own throws. Several of the members are now making or having made special throws that are unique to our Krewe. Some of our more famous throws are the scarves, the KOE "donut medallions" and the Blue Hawaii leis . This year will also prove to be a breakthrough year for our throws because we have introduced our first go-cups and the collector cards, and several BIG surprises which you will just have to be there to see! Remember, people like catching throws so bring lots of them and get ready to throw!
Want to join? Drop the
KOE a line and we will return your email with
the different options for joining us in 2007
email the
KOE