FRequently Asked Questions

Webster defines a Krewe as "a private organization staging festivities during Mardi Gras in New Orleans."  Krewes are usually involved in a number of organized events and activities (most Mardi Gras related).  The KOE is also a closely knit community of friends who often enjoy each other's company in a variety of locations and social  situations often even away from New Orleans.

 Our Krewe was originally named the Krewe of Elvis and soon became known as a mainstay in the Mardi Gras community simply by their initials “KOE".  Because of legal complications involving the use of the Presley name and image, we were forced to withdraw the Elvis name.  However, because we were already widely recognized as "the KOE", it was decided that we simply retain the initials as the official name of our group.  However Elvis is definitely NOT dead in our Krewe and lives on in an occasional Elvis theme and some loyalist members who continue to honor his memory in costume on Mardi Gras Day 

 Member dues are currently set at $50 per person, due annually. 

A majority of the dues are used for Mardi Gras event expenditures.  There are costs involved in staging our annual KOE Mardi Gras Party, our Lundi Gras Luncheon and any short walking krewe parade for which we hire a Second Line band.

There are also ongoing website and other operating expenses that are voted on by the Board of Governors.  Our dues provide the cushion by which we can can actually book KOE sponsored events while keeping costs to our members as low as possible.

There are currently at least two KOE sponsored events that many members attend during Mardi Gras week which require paid admissions.  They are the KOE members party scheduled on Mardi Gras weekend and the Lundi Gras luncheon on Monday.  The cost of these tickets vary from year to year. The events are generally available for purchase to members and their guests only on this website but attendance is always optional.

The KOE is also proud to design and sell some of the finest and most collectible themed beads at Mardi Gras.  And we generally offer various other Krewe merchandise which can be purchased and distributed to friends and parade-goers.  All merchandise is sold (at cost) only to members through koemardigras.com.

There are usually a number of social events scheduled in various parts of the country which are made available to the membership.  We've even done a couple member cruises! These are posted on the KOE website and members and their friends are invited to attend.  If an event interests you, simply follow up with the posting member.

We are proud that we keep membership affordable and will never expect any purchases beyond the membership dues.  However, the KOE sponsored events all require that budgets be met, so we always appreciate as much participation as possible.

The KOE operates in much the same way most New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes do. Our Board of Governors consists of the Captain (or in our case Co-Captains) and Lieutenants appointed by the Captains who are responsible for making all decisions that affect the Krewe.  Members may lobby the Board about any aspect of the Krewe's goings-on, but ultimately the Board's votes dictate the Krewe's annual theme, events and operation.  Lieutenants can be added or replaced at the discretion of the Captains.  Feedback from members is always appreciated and comments and questions can be directed to any of our Board Members.  

We believe that our private Facebook page is a very valuable tool for making the best use of your membership.  Many people in the KOE are also members of other Krewes and local associations. The information shared on our site is invaluable in planning your Mardi Gras and keeping track of other festivals and events occurring in town.

The KOE is also a community of good friends.  On our members-only Facebook page you can follow the goings-on of members year-round, share in their joys and concerns and enjoy some of the good humor that permeates the conversation.

As was stated before, other non-New Orleans events for KOE members are also described and promoted on our page.  Join in on some of the fun or just enjoy the pictures posted after the events.  It's entirely up to you!

The Facebook page is what we make of it, but it's always worth it to see what's happening there.

Our website serves two purposes.  First we use it as an introduction to our KOE Krewe for people like you who want to learn more about us and may be interested in joining.  We’ll briefly describe what our Krewe is all about, and you’ll find a list of our past themes, a photo of every year’s themed krewe bead and a pictorial history of our Mardi Gras over the years.

The second purpose is the “Members Only” section which is only available to dues paying members.  Here you can purchase KOE merchandise (beads and other Krewe Mardi Gras themed items).   We’ll also make special announcements regarding KOE events away from Nola, scheduled dates for Krewe Zoom calls and any other important Krewe announcements.

We highly encourage everyone to continue renewing their membership each and every year.  It provides the Krewe a financial base on which to operate and keeps you in the loop with other members and as to all non-Mardi Gras events, in New Orleans and elsewhere.

We're always looking for members who have a lasting passion for Mardi Gras and the spirit of Carnival. But the celebration of Mardi Gras week is only part of what our Krewe has to offer.

Interested?  Many new members join through referrals, but we're always interested in fresh faces who might fit into the mix of our group.  We love Mardi Gras, love the spirit of goodwill and non-judgemental attitudes of Carnival and have a real passion for the City of New Orleans.  We are also ultimately friends who to varying degrees are a part of each other's lives year-round.  If this sounds like it might be for you, use the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page. We would love to consider you, and one of our officers will be in contact.