Welcome to the KOE Mardi Gras Website (currently under construction)
We would appreciate members contributing parade photos to help us populate our galleries. We've only done some of the years.
About Us
Who are the KOE?
WE WERE THE FIRST MARDI GRAS CYBER KREWE!
Craig Imboden and Chip Curley founded the KOE in 1998 as a “cyber krewe”—meaning that the Krewe were not connected through geographical location or any other demographic. Instead they were connected by their love of New Orleans and Mardi Gras.
Their main communication with each other was primarily done through social media. We currently have members throughout the US (and also a few members abroad) with dozens of states represented.
Mardi Gras Events
The KOE sponsors events for their members during Mardi Gras week, and attendance at our gatherings is encouraged but never required.
We host a private KOE party (often a balcony party) with a live band each year on a day and location to be determined. And we also host a Lundi Gras luncheon (on Monday) at the outstanding GW Fin’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. These are paid admission events and tickets are sold exclusively to our members and their guests.
On Mardi Gras Day we traditionally meet at the Cathedral and parade around the Quarter ending at the big Tropical Isle.
Our Themes and Krewe Beads
The KOE chooses an official theme every year and a special Krewe PolyStone theme bead is created.
Usually designed by current Krewe Co-Captain Craig Imboden, the beads are sold exclusively to KOE members at cost for distribution during our parade. The KOE has a reputation for having some of the best beads at Mardi Gras.
The KOE is a Social Club Year Round!
If you join the KOE chances are you’ll be connected with friends in the group for a whole lot more than just Mardi Gras season! Members of the KOE have organized glamping trips, cruises, vacation meetups and even held a big Halfway to Mardi Gras weekend in downtown Chicago every few years. Many members also get together on their own in small or larger groups in cities and destinations throughout the US.
We maintain a Facebook site for people to communicate throughout the year and we’ll be doing Zooms every few months for those who are interested in connecting and chatting with other members.
The Krewe is whatever you’d like it to be! Engage and stay involved regularly or just concentrate on our Mardi Gras social activities.
It’s all up to you!