What started with a group of 15 women, some with husbands involved in the local Krewe of Bowlegs organization, has evolved into one of Fort Walton Beach’s most vibrant social organizations, as the Mardi Gras Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
- “The club traces its roots to Jewel Howard, who brought her experience from Tuscaloosa’s Mardi Gras krewes to Fort Walton Beach,” said Pam Woodall, current Queen of the Mardi Gras Club. “Howard was elected as our first president – a position now known as Queen – and helped grow initial membership to 45 women within months of the first membership coffee.”
In their search for the inaugural ball venue, club founders met with an Eglin Air Force Base colonel about using the Officers Club. When asked about their organization’s purpose, they simply stated they partied and had a good time.
The colonel’s response – “So you have no social redeeming values?” – became an unexpected source of pride. After relocating the event to the Ramada Inn on Okaloosa Island, the club embraced the colonel’s criticism, adopting “NSRV” as their motto, which members still display proudly in rhinestones today.
- To commemorate their golden anniversary, the club will return to the original venue, now known as The Island Resort.
“While our motto may be NSRV, we’ve created something much more meaningful over these 50 years,” Woodall said. “We’re a sisterhood that supports each other through life’s joys and challenges. These women aren’t just club members – they’re lifelong friends.”
Today’s organization maintains a selective membership of 90 active participants, with special designations for past Queens and long-term members. The waiting list for new members stretches three to four years, with all candidates requiring sponsorship from current members.
“Our performances have evolved beyond the early days of simple skits,” Woodall said. “Members now perform 10 choreographed dance numbers in custom-made costumes designed by the Queen and crafted by a local seamstress. Our float, which changes annually to match the Queen’s theme, has won multiple first-place awards in community parades.”
The organization spans three generations, with members ranging from 21 to 91 years old, including grandmothers, mothers, and daughters sharing membership. “We put our crazy on display, have a great time and bring a bit of fun to all that participate and support us,” Woodall said.
The public can see the Mardi Gras Club in action during Fort Walton Beach’s annual Mardi Gras Parade and Downtown Throwdown on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The free event begins at 1 p.m., featuring a parade through downtown and live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe.
