About the Krewe of Vesta
The mystic krewe of Vesta was started in 1986 with 31 female charter members. The name “Vesta” was chosen from Greek archives meaning “goddess of hearth and home”. The term “mystic” refers to the court for each carnival ball which is held secret until they are unmasked on the night of the ball. All members remain masked until the court is revealed.
In 1987, Vesta participated in the Pascagoula Mardi Gras parade. The theme was “All that Jazz”. We did not host a ball that year.
The first ball was in 1988 with an Egyptian theme, “A Night on the Nile”. The ball was held on a Saturday night after another krewe’s ball that Friday night. We had our work cut out for us. Queen Hestia the first was Julie Killingsworth and our first King Zeus was Joe Romanoli.
From 1989 until 2005, there have been a world of themes for carnival balls and parades. Here are some of those: Cotton Club, Space Odyssey 2000, The Phantom’s Masquerade, Magic, Myth, and Fantasy, The Jeweled City, Carnival of Venice, Mardi Gras Magic, Planet Hollywood, Decade of Grandeur, Vesta Goes Retro, Vesta takes you on a Sea Cruise, Through the years of time, The Garden of Vesta, Once Upon a Time, Vesta goes Vegas, Vesta presents “Grease” and The Crystal Masquerade.
Vesta participates, not only in the Pascagoula parade, but in other local parades such as the Gautier Men’s Club and the Biloxi Mardi Gras Parade as well as the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Biloxi.
The Krewe of Vesta sponsors annual fundraisers such as the South Seas Drawdown and a saltwater Fishing Tournament each summer. We also volunteer for the Annual Steak and Steak dinner for the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson/George Counties and have been awarded the “Recognition of Commitment” Award from that organization.
We are a group of women dedicated to sharing in the fun which surrounds the Mardi Gras season as well as the spirit of friendship.