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|  | The Krewe |
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| | Krewe Events |
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| | Membership |
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| | Mardi Gras |
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Pegasus History and Tradition |
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Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, born from the trickling blood of the
Gorgon Medusa, tamed by Bellerophon with the golden bridle given him by Athena,
and who, during a contest of song, struck Mount Helicon halting it arise into the
heavens. |
The Krewe of Pegasus was founded in 1957 by 15 military veterans, active military
personnel and friends; they composed the first Board of Directors of the all male
Krewe. Depicting its military beginning Pegasus was incorporated as “THE VICTORCY
CLUB, INC.”. The Captain was an active military member in the Louisiana National
Guard having served in World War II. Many of the Board of Directors were serving
both in the Active Forces as well as the Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National
Guard. Recruitment of members for the Krewe came from friends and associates of
this group of men. With a vision of building through the Armed Services the Krewe
built a foundation around patriotism, love of Country and God, and a desire to present
the finest Carnival Krewe in Mardi Gras. Hours upon hours were spent developing
the Constitution and By-Laws and the structure, which has ever since been the corner
stone of our organization. Throughout the many years, the Krewe has endured and
evolved into one the most respected Krewe in all of Mardi Gras, with many other
clubs being formed from members from within Pegasus. The original Captain brought
distinction, leadership, attitude, drive and professionalism to not only Pegasus
but to all of Mardi Gras. He was held in the highest esteem by other Mardi Gras
Krewes as well as city officials. He served on the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Coordinating
Committee for many years and is responsible for many of the ordinances now still
in existence and through his efforts made Mardi Gras what it is today. Our founder
was affectionately known as "Mr. Mardi Gras" left a lasting mark on not only Pegasus
but all who knew him.
Pegasus has endured many trying times but met each head on. The Krewe's Motto “Neither
Rain, Cold, Strike nor Hurricane’s Might” represents these times. Pegasus is known
as the Krewe that never cancels it activities because weather. Working closely with
city officials and the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments, the Krewe has established
a reputation of ensuring safety of not only our members but the viewing public and
will wait to the last minute to make a final decision on whether or not to parade
due to adverse weather conditions. We understand that not only have our members
invested time and money to put on the "greatest free show on earth" but so have
the parade goers. One year when New Orleans was snowed in if you can imagine
that, Pegasus paraded. Temperatures were in the teens and it was so cold that you
could warm yours hands on the light bulbs. When the New Orleans Police Department
decided to strike, Pegasus moved it parade outside the City and paraded anyway.
During two major hurricanes, Betsy and more recently Katrina, the Krewe found a
way to parade. When Betsy hit the city, the Krewe lost all its costumes and had
to remake them with the help of its members because out costumer's store went under
water ruining the costumes. When Katrina threatened to wipe out the Krewe's festivities
we once again found a way to parade. Pegasus has always been resilient always finding
a way to continue in its great traditions and lead by example.
Throughout our years in existence, many changes in our structure have taken place.
Evolving with changing times we moved from a “Ball Only Krewe” to a “Ball and Parading”
organization and from all male membership to co-ed membership. We welcome students
and families offering discounts where possible. We modified the presentation
of our court and combined events to ensure the most interaction with members and
most fun with minimal cost.
Events are held year round to promote socialization and for the entertainment of
our members. Events include: dances, picnics, golf tournaments, night at the ballpark,
bowling and other get togethers. We have a float load-up party a few nights
prior to the parade where riders can come to the float den to view their floats with their
families and meet and greet other members. Our Ball and Parade are culminated at
the after parade party where weary members relax and enjoy one last toast with each
other. One of the pilars of our Krewe is we are a family and family oriented
which is why we have maintained our position on the first weekend of Mardi Gras.
This weekend has become known more as the “family weekend” of Mardi Gras, where
families can view parades before the influx of Fat Tuesday and the final week of
Mardi Gras crowds.
With the retirement of our founder and Captain in accordance with our constitution
and by–laws a successor was elected. While our founder and first Captain was more
of the traditional Carnival Captain his successor is not. Both have the flare for
dramatic entrances however our current and only other Captain dances to his own
beat. And we mean dance. He sets an upbeat tone to our Krewe presenting
himself in magnificent costume, riding a top a lighted float in the sky being pulled
by two Pegasus horses. He descends from his float during the parade at
various times along the parade route to meet and greet parade goers. He continues
the traditions of elaborate entrances at our "Celebration" ball descending from
the ceiling thought fire and smoke or riding a four wheeler or motorcycle on the
floor; he is simply not the traditional Mardi Gras Captain. Like his predecessor,
our Captain holds dear to his heart, the needs of his members and the traditions
of Mardi Gras. He is a member of the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Coordinating Committee and
has worked tirelessly with this group of Mardi Gras Captains and city officials
to up hold the traditions of Mardi Gras as a whole. Working with city officials
he was instrumental in developing plans for the NFL to hold its Super Bowl, which
threatened to put a damper on Mardi Gras, and worked to achieve and acceptable plan
for putting parades on in the light of Hurricane Katrina.
The Captain is only a part of the puzzle, without the Board of Directors, Float
Lieutenants, Senior Lieutenants, Krewe Members, our Royal Courts each year, and
the many volunteers or "friend of the Krewe" from outside, Pegasus could not exist.
Throughout the year these individuals work on developing the theme of PegaFest (Celebration
Ball and Parade), organizing the parade including marching units and bands, membership,
throw packages, floats, events, costumes, fund raisers and volunteer work in the
community to mention only a few.
2007 marks the Krewe’s 50th Anniversary, an achievement not many other krewes can
boast. We vow to continue to provide top quality Mardi Gras productions and welcome
all that would like to participate with us. |
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Laissez le bon temps rouler |
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