Southern Folk Artist & Antiques Dealer/Collector: March 2011

"A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned" from the Knights of Revelry parade

The Order of Athena parade

This year's theme: "My Rock & Roll Hit." Get ready to travel back in time to the 1950s, an era of good music, fun times and funny songs.
"Rocking Robin"

"Cupid"

"The Flying Purple People Eater"

"Sweet as Candy"

"Jailhouse Rock"

"Splish Splash"

"Tan Shoes and Pink Shoe Laces"

The order was organized by five ladies sitting around a kitchen table having coffee back in the summer of 1954.

Abba Temple Hillbillies

Maskers in brightly colored customs tossed Moon Pies, beads, doubloons, cups, stuffed animals, boxes of candy and sweet treats, all to waiting hands. The grooving tunes, the smells of barbecue and fried everything, the hoots and hollers of pedestrians and even a few entertaining sights are now but a memory.

Abba Temple Nomad Clowns

The public parks of Historic downtown Mobile looked like San Francisco in the 1960's

I was able to see the parade lineup before the parade started

Knights of Revelry

"A Word to the Wise" is the theme of this season's Knights of Revelry parade,

The procession pays tribute to tried and true sayings that each generation comes to embrace and use on a daily basis.

First up will be the Emblem float (Folly), followed by the Theme float bearing the members of Gumbo Bay Jazz. Also in the procession:

"Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water"

"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch"

"Look Before You Leap"

"No Pain, No Gain"

"See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil"

"A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned"

"Love is Blind"

"Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk"

"Measure Twice, Cut Once"

"The Early Bird Gets the Worm"

"An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"

"Slow and Steady Wins the Race"

Floats were designed and constructed by The Mirth Co. Parade artist is Mark Calametti. Costumes were designed and created by Julie Jones of Andrade's.

Founded in 1874, the Knights of Revelry held its first parade in 1875. It is the oldest daytime parade and the third oldest mystic society in Mobile.

"No Pain, No Gain"

"See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil"

"Love is Blind"

"Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk"

"Measure Twice, Cut Once"

"The Early Bird Gets the Worm"

"Look Before You Leap"

"A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned"

"An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"

First up will be the Emblem float (Folly),

followed by the Theme float bearing the members of Gumbo Bay Jazz

"Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water"

"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch"

Blowhouse Brass band

MCA KING & QUEEN. King Felix III Edward Dickson Williams III and Queen Worth (Lynn Wentworth Morrissette).

The queen's train was designed by her second cousin, Homer McClure, and executed by her aunt, Laura Clark. Family and friends of all ages have also participated in this entirely hand-sewn train. The 18-foot train is fashioned in Queen Worth's favorite shade of green cut silk velvet in a damask pattern with a regal gold and is bordered with gold brocade raffia. The champagne fox fur border is embellished with multi-loop duchess silk satin and rhinestone bows. The brocade is encrusted with large rhinestones and medallions of Swarovski crystals. At the base of the train is a shell which is the symbol of Saint James. The shell along with crosses interspersed throughout the train was chosen by Queen Worth to reflect her strong spirituality. The shell is created in a deep gold silk shantung and is adorned with a crest that combines the Wentworth and Morrissette family crests. The top of the shell has angel wings in memory of her godmother and grandmother, the two angels in her life that she has recently lost. Above the shell are her intertwined initials, designed by another cousin who used a 19th-century duogram for inspiration. The duogram is Queen Worth's official symbol and will be featured throughout the season. As the focal point of the center of the train, the letters are created in deep gold and ivory silk overlaid with Austrian crystal entredeaux accented throughout with floral clusters of brilliants and baguettes and large emerald cut stones. Queen Worth's crown and scepter were designed and made by Dynasty Collection of Mobile. They were made of Swarovski crystals imported from Austria.

Comic Cowboys

The Comic Cowboys will present its 127th anniversary procession at 12:45 p.m. on Route A.

This year's theme, once again, is "Without Malice." Each unit offers unique, down-home commentary on all topics of importance to the people of Mobile. Topics include — but are not limited to — sports, local government, national government, international affairs, local affairs, general affairs and affairs some of us would like to forget.

The parade will feature Queen Little Eva, who received permission from her rehabilitation therapist and support group to participate in all carnival activities.

The Cowboys have redesigned many of their floats at their headquarters in Wragg Swamp. The procession will include the Queen's Float, which will be occupied by the Comic Cowboy of the Year. The special float was donated by Dr. Sam Eichold, and the Comic Cowboys wish to thank him and his family for the wonderful gift.

Blowhouse brass band

This kid fell off his ice chest backwards on to the hard street

All of the Kings men were having a very good time!

This was the best decorated Antebellum house for Mardi Gras

Order of Myths

The Order of Myths will celebrate its 144th anniversary parade at 6:30 p.m. March 8 on Route C.

This season's event pays tribute to a William Shakespeare classic, "The Tempest."

Thought to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone, "The Tempest" is set on a remote island and tells the story of Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan who plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place, relying heavily on the elements of sorcery and magic.

The traditional Emblem float will lead the procession as Folly chases Death around the broken Column of Life. Next is the Title float, followed by:

"Ariel's Cunning Spirit"

"A Most Delicate Monster"

"Mercy for the Brothers of Prospero"

Miranda's Booty Prince Ferdinand"

"The Tempest"

"All is Calm to Milan"

"A Splendid Feast for Nuptials"

"Bountiful Briny Sea"

"Invisible to All But the Magician"

"Caliban the Savage"

"Masque of Ceres"

The floats were designed by E. Bradford Ladd Jr. and built, illuminated and painted by Angie Bringhurst and Virgil McMillan of A&V Mystic Builders.