The Krewe of Bananimals was founded in 1993 by a group of friends who all loved to party and hang out at Banana Bob’s on Pensacola Beach. Founders Karen Cook Cowen and Bryan Denham spearheaded the development of the new Mardi Gras Krewe then known as the “Krewe of Animals” which later morphed into the Krewe of Bananimals after Banana Bob’s closed down.
At the very beginning, the Krewe adopted the motto ‘Rude, Crude and Socially Unacceptable’ based on their wanting to have a fun-based Krewe with no strings attached and this remains their infamous tagline today. Members consist of business owners, bartenders, socialites, land developers, realtors, investors, blue collar workers, retirees, snowbirds and more from the Florida Panhandle as well as AL, TN, MS and reaching as far north as WI and MI.
They are a philanthropic Krewe that donates their time and money for various local charities such as Magdalene’s (stop human trafficking), The Santa Rosa Kids House, Capstone Academy (autistic children) as well as several other deserving organizations.
During Easter and Halloween, the Krewe collects candy donations to partner with the ‘Lunch Bunch’ ladies of Pensacola Beach to assemble approximately 300 Easter Baskets and Halloween treats for children.
During Christmas season, approximately 50 children are “adopted” with bags of toys, clothes, games, etc.
Membership is co-ed and open to new members 21+ year-round. They do not discriminate in any way and all fun-loving people are welcome to join. Go to one of their many social events, meet some members, pay a fee of $99 to a Board member for your annual dues and you are a Bananimal!
The Krewe hosts various social gatherings and events including a Mardi Gras Ball, annual Membership Drive, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Summer Luau, Beach Mardi Gras Parade, Food Drives, Toy Drives, Bar Bounces, Monthly social meetings and much, much more! For a full line up please visit their website.
