Mardi Pardi

by Riley Wootten, junior editor

FAIRHOPE, Ala.—Small town Fairhope hosts annual parades in celebration of Mardi Gras season. These three parades consist of the Knights of Ecor Rouge, Maids of Jubilee, and the Mystic Magnolias. 

These local parades have introduced Mardi Gras to the small eastern shore community just outside of Mobile, Alabama, where the southern holiday was first created. Each parade showcases the different themes, traditions and history of Mardi Gras. 

The Knights of Ecor Rouge (KOER) hosted the first Fairhope parade of the year and incorporated the men of Fairhope dressed according to this year’s Jimmy Buffett theme. On February 22, they paraded down the streets of Fairhope throwing beads, footballs and stuffed animals to the crowd. 

“I signed up to become a Knight after I saw how much fun the members were having leading me to join the organization,” said Randy Sternenburg, KOER knight. “The best part about parade season is enjoying the float loading party the morning of the parade and, of course, riding in the parade.” 

The Knights of Ecor Rouge symbolizes Fairhope in just the name as Ecor Rouge Stands for “Red Cliff” regarding the red mud just between Fly Creek and Fairhope. The KOER’s French motto “Chevaliers a se Rappeler” dates back to the theme of their first parade standing for “Knight to Remember.”

The Maids of Jubilee (MOJ) held the second parade of the season and served as the first female Mardi Gras crew to form on the Eastern Shore. They displayed their “bucket list” themed floats to the City of Fairhope on February 28. 

“Being able to dress in costumes and throw fun things to my daughters is what sparked my interest in becoming an MOJ. Every year I am able to share the experience of float building with my family which is what I love most about the Mardi Gras season,” said Amy Hollimon, MOJ. 

The Order of Mystic Magnolias closed the Mardi Gras season on March 3 with their Mythical Magnolias theme. These floats consisted of fantastical fairies and glamorous genies exhibiting true Mardi Gras madness. 

“I became interested in becoming a Magnolia through a friend who shared her excitement, and I decided to reach out to several other Magnolias solidifying my interest. I asked a couple of ladies to sponsor me and the rest is history,” said Lindsey Schoeneck, Magnolia. 

Each parade crew hires a float builder to style and craft their float according to the group’s chosen theme. All floats were built using wood, paper mache and cardboard and are made strong enough to support up to thirty people. 

These parades bring Fairhope together through their events such as family days and balls. Family day allows the friends and family of parade members to come and see the floats while enjoying food and games. The annual balls serve as the adult only after party where the community comes together in costume and Mardi Gras attire to have a good time. 

The festive costumes are vital for parades and get people excited including those dressed up. The ball attire consists of floor length gowns or costumes for the ladies while the gentlemen sport black tie and tailcoat suits or costumes. 

The Mardi Gras season in Fairhope continues to bring the community together and always shows a good time. Each parade requires effort from the crew but also excitement from the community of Fairhope to truly bring Mardi Gras to life.