Krewe of Marionettes

The Krewe of Marionettes, originally founded in 1957, is the longest established all-female krewe in Pensacola! We have remained an active part of the Pensacola Mardi Gras Society for 66 years.

The Krewe of Marionettes is a sisterhood of the finest ladies gathered as one to celebrate the Mardi Gras season and to support each other in all life events.

The local charity we support is the Honor HER Foundation of Northwest Florida.  Marionettes host a booth at the Krewe of Blues Pin and Bead Festival to raise money for this group for female veterans.  In addition, members participate in volunteer activities at the Foundation’s location on W. Fairfield Drive in Pensacola.

Membership in the Marionettes is by the invitation of a current member. We hold a general membership meeting every April.  At this meeting, activity plans for the upcoming fiscal year are presented and voted on by the membership.

During the year, the Krewe sponsors quarterly social events.  A President’s Tea is held each fall at the home of a member.  We host a Christmas party each December along with a hat and tutu decorating party prior to the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras parade. We schedule a bead shopping night at Pensacola Parade People and a morning bus trip to Toomey’s in Mobile to purchase throws for the parade.  In January, we participate in the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration and host a booth at the Krewe of Blues Pin & Bead Festival.  This year, we have instituted “Marionettes Mingle,” an informal meet up where krewe members have a monthly opportunity to mingle with other Marionettes, their families and prospective new members!  NO RSVP required.  We just show up!!!

We set up for the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras street party and parade in the parking lot of the Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon offices on Spring Street. Our floats are rented from Kip Dingler. We design a new trading pin each year to distribute at this event.   Our Grand Mardi Gras Ball will be held this season on January 27, 2024, at the Pensacola Yacht Club.  It is open to Krewe members and their guests only.  The Krewe of Marionettes Grand Mardi Gras Ball is a formal, black-tie dinner and dance.  At this event, new members and Krewe royalty are introduced.  This year’s ball theme is “Great Gatsby,” and the ballroom will be festooned with art deco décor in black and gold.

Honor HER of Northwest Florida https://www.honorher.org/