re: How do you join Krewe of Endymion?

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nealnan8

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What the frick are you babbling about with that dumb list. You must be confusing Endymion with a Denham Springs or Houma parade rider.

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Just go skiing instead. Much better time

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Exactly. Rather than multiple thousands to play dress up and throw plastic.

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It’s a little over $2000 in fees plus another $1500 or so for throws. Whoever paid $3500 was getting skimmed for $1500. I’m told there is a waiting list to join.

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And what do you get for that much money? You ride on the float? Or is there a whole social club built around it?

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And what do you get for that much money? You ride on the float? Or is there a whole social club built around it?

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I was already friends with several of the guys before I became a rider, so yes, I ride the float. The Krewe handles all the logistics — they store and maintain the float, carry the insurance, arrange the tractor drivers, and keep everything running.

Your membership includes a baseline bead load, which the Krewe loads for you. You can also buy additional beads through them, but most people order custom Endymion throws they really want and then supplement with stuff they source themselves. There are two designated loading days if you want to bring your own, but it’s a bit of a grind. You can’t just pull up and unload. You’re hauling boxes across a warehouse floor along with everyone else doing the same thing. It’s not exactly convenient.

There are membership meetings, usually with food, that I occasionally attend. The two big non-ride events are the Coronation and the Extravaganza. Coronation is basically a huge formal party. I’ve never gone, but I’m told it’s a great time. My wife has recently decided we should attend, so that may change. The Extravaganza happens in the Superdome the same night as the parade. They bring in legit entertainment every year — last year was Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

Honestly, the best part for me is the week itself. We usually spend Thursday or Friday through Tuesday with friends, including several who come in from out of state. It turns into a long weekend of visiting, day drinking, and bouncing between the Quarter and the Warehouse District. This year especially was great because of the heavy law enforcement presence. It felt like old-school New Orleans again — relaxed and safe enough to actually enjoy yourself without constantly watching your back. I made a point to thank them whenever I could.

Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. You can show up, ride, and go home. Or you can turn it into a full social weekend and build friendships that extend beyond Mardi Gras. We’ve already got invites from Ole Miss friends to stay with them for the LSU game this fall, and we try to find other excuses to get together throughout the year.

Nobody does this to save money. It’s expensive and objectively unnecessary. I’m fortunate to be able to do it. And honestly, there’s something fun about tossing stuffed animals to kids or handing someone a really nice set of beads and seeing their reaction. It’s excessive, it’s ridiculous, and it makes zero financial sense — but it’s a blast, and you don’t get to take it with you anyway.

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And what do you get for that much money? You ride on the float? Or is there a whole social club built around it?

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There’s a stripper party that no one has been forthcoming about. This isn’t exclusive to Endymion though

Considering the quality of the parade, Extravaganza and Coronation Ball, I think Endymion is a bargain compared to what other krewes charge.

Regarding how the kings and queens are chosen, the maids and the queen are chosen based upon connections to the VIPs; the king is chosen at the Coronation Ball completely at random by picking his card out of a barrel.

I've ridden several times in a parade and it truly is a blast especially if you know people on the route. Riding on the float is a high like none other. You feel like a King amongst other Kings where everyone wants what you have to throw. Highly recommend doing it at least once. And if you get a chance to ride on Mardi Gras day on St. Charles Ave do it.

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Not pretentious at all.

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What’s the pretentious one? That’s what I want to join.

Had a great time riding. Would recommend it. I was with a great group and my best friend, so that definitely helped. But it is awesome. Enormous crowds, and you get a lot of that second hand smoke under the Claiborne overpass. We must have been playing the right music because thousands of people under there were dancing in unison. Was quite a sight from the top deck.

I ride in Endymion, who wants to sub my spot next year?