Panama City Mardi Gras 2012 Festival Krewe of Massalina

Panama City Mardi Gras Festival 2012 The old-timers know that the father of Mardi Gras (in Bay County) is Jerry Castardo. In 1985 the Krewe of Dominique Youx was formed under the guiding hands of Jerry, Eril La Gasse and Joe Williams. Beginning with a membership of fifty men, the annual parade started with little more than a dozen well-decorated golf carts. The Bay Point celebration was a lot of fun, enjoyed mainly by the residents of Bay Point. The event grew until, in 1997, there were over one-hundred and fifty members. This event had grown into a festival that attracted people from all over Bay County and beyond. It was decided that the event needed a new home, and Jerry went looking for a place to relocate his parade, Jerry first met with a few interested parties in St. Andrews. The first meeting was held at a The Bayview Cafe on the St. Andrews Marina and present were Jerry Castardo, Bob Wellborn, and Owen Radcliff all of the Dominique Youx Krewe. Lessa Coleman, John McVeigh, and Kathryn Miller represented the community of St. Andrews. When asked if the event was something that they wanted in St. Andrews, there was a resounding YES and the task was undertaken with much enthusiasm by the entire community of St. Andrews. The first fund raiser was developed to create enough revenue to allow the St. Andrews group to undertake this cause. Local restaurants including La Shack (now the Granite Cafe), Uncle Ernie's, Hunts Oyster Bar, Ferrucis, Chef Imondis, Beck Avenue Cafe ...

View Count: 5 Date: January 11, 2012