< Previous70 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017FeaturesTen things to know about island Mardi Gras traditionsStory by Valerie WellsMardi Gras in Galveston is like no other Fat Tuesday celebration in the world. Dancers twirl umbrellas on a parade route. Revelers in tuxedos and glitzy gowns overflow at exuberant yacht parties and balls. Deep-curtsying duchesses perform the Texas Dip.The pre-Lenten celebration on the island that started in the 1800s took a lengthy hiatus from World War II until 1985. Galves-tonian Dancie Ware worked with developer and oilman George Mitchell and other island movers and shakers to revive the celebra-tion. She spent much of 1984 researching historical records to re-imagine Mardi Gras for Galveston. Ware, who said she is strictly a volunteer now, also interviewed residents who remembered the traditions and the imagery of the pageants.“It’s a true mid-winter carnival celebra-tion,” Ware said. “We created an iconic event that had roots on the island.”Since the 1980s, the celebration has evolved, the krewes have increased and the party keeps growing. In recent years, island businessman Mike Dean, a princi-pal of Yaga’s Entertainment, has managed and promoted official Mardi Gras events in Galveston.While New Orleans has a larger and longer celebration and while Rio de Janeiro is an international magnet for carnival-goers, Galveston has some specific island-centric elements.Party like the localsMardi Gras revelers dance in the streets of downtown Galveston with their umbrellas during the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade. Each year, the brigade attempts to break the record for the number of people doing the “Hokey Pokey.”Photo by Stuart Villanueva COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 7172 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Features1. FUNKY UPTOWN UMBRELLA BRIGADEPut your left foot in, put your left foot out. Anyone can participate in the swirling and twirling of umbrellas as long as he or she has a decorated umbrella and can do the hokey-pok-ey. The Feb. 17 brigade in downtown seeks to break its record of 2,923 umbrella line dancers.2. TEXAS DIPIt’s deeper than a curtsy and requires some grace. Duchesses are required to exe-cute the Texas Dip when they’re presented at the Knights of Momus Coronation Ball.Gerry Hornstein used to teach the duchesses to do it. Now, she mainly instructs debutantes.“But I will teach anyone who wants to learn it,” Hornstein said.A duchess dressed to the nines in a ball-gown holds her arms out to her sides and ends the manevuer by slowly lowering her forehead to the floor by crossing her ankles, then bending her knees and sinking. And then she has to get up gracefully.Photo by Jennifer ReynoldsThe Quaker City String Band Philadelphia Mummers march under the Mardi Gras arch.3. MENARDI GRASThe island’s reportedly first Mardi Gras party was in 1856 at the Michel B. Menard House, which now belongs to the Galves-ton Historical Foundation. The house is the oldest in Galveston. The foundation is host to a yearly party there open to anyone who wants to pay.4. THE ARCHThis is one of seven arches George and Cynthia Mitchell commissioned for the 1986 Mardi Gras celebration. The Fantasy Arches marked key points downtown. Architect Boone Powell designed the remaining one at Mechanic and 24th streets.5. TILMAN FERTITTAFor about 20 years, the entrepreneur and more recently the star of TV reality show “Billion Dollar Buyer” has played a key role in Fat Tuesday festivities, especially for the Knights of Momus.Photo by Rhea Hemmings/Rhea’s PhotographicDuchess Jordan Raschke per-forms the Texas Dip during the 2016 Momus Coronation. COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 73Photo by Leslie AckermanTilman Fertitta, second from left, is known for hosting a big Mardi Gras party aboard his 164-foot yacht, Board-walk, as a precursor to the San Luis Salute, which draws more than 1,000 people. Twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly attended the 2015 festivities along with Fertitta’s son, Patrick.“He became very engaged, taking it to an international level,” Ware said.Fertitta is host to the San Luis Salute. More than 1,000 people each year attend the event, which is sold out six months ahead. Fertitta also is known for a big Mardi Gras yacht party at Pier 21.6. TREASURE BALLWhile a generation or two of society missed out on Mardi Gras, Catholic families in Galveston always had the Treasure Ball.“It was the only thing that stayed,” island res-ident Jo Daily said. Two of her grandsons have been kings of the ball, and other grandchildren have been dukes and duchesses. Daily, who is a seamstress, is sewing costumes and at least one 12-foot long train for this year’s ball.“I’ve sewn 100 trains and capes over the years,” she said.High school students compete to be king and queen by trying to raise the most money. The winning couple presides over the Trea-sure Ball at Moody Gardens. The money goes to support Catholic schools on the island.8. KING CAKEThe purple, gold and green pastry is as much an island nod to New Orleans as throwing beads and displaying the fleur de lis. But Galveston king cakes sell out fast. The Sunflower Bakery & Café and Mosqui-to Café are two popular island places to quick carnival costumes. Some have feathers, some have noses, most have slots for eyes.Unlike some New Orleans krewes, the Knights of Momus doesn’t require krewe members to wear masks on the floats during parades.“In Texas, nobody wants to wear masks,” Momus krewe member Johnny Listowski said. “We like it if everyone looks alike and wears a tuxedo.”9. MARDI GRAS! GALVESTONThis official downtown event is Feb. 17-28. For two weekends, the entertainment district is blocked off and party goers pay to get in the gate. Prices start at $11.95, but package deals offer balcony views, multiple-day en-tries and other amenities.10. THE BEACHVisitors to Galveston’s Mardi Gras also can enjoy the added benefit of the beach by catching a sea breeze, picking up a seashell, walking on a jetty or watching the surf. Some Mardi Gras parade routes include part of Sea-wall Boulevard. And on Ash Wednesday, after the partying ends and the idea of giving up an extravagance for Lent might take hold, a priest from Trinity Episcopal Church will bless you at the site of a pier that once held the legendary Balinese Room nightclub. Photo by Kevin M. CoxKing cakes are just as popular in Galveston as they are in New Orleans.acquire the cake. Another is Maceo Spice & Import Co., an aroma house of seasonings and straight talk. New Orleans jazz often plays in the background.7. MASKS FROM STAR DRUG STOREGlass cabinets filled with Mardi Gras masks for sale surround the downtown restaurant, making it a museum of ideas for 74 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Save the DateLet the good times rollMardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebra-tion in the United States, is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees. The island’s 106th Mardi Gras celebra-tion, Feb. 17-28, will feature more than 20 parades, 30-plus concerts, 20 balcony parties and, of course, millions of beads. Here are some of this year’s parade highlights. For a full schedule of Mardi Gras! Galveston activities, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.GEORGE P. MITCHELL MARDI GRAS PARADE [Feb. 17]The George P. Mitchell Parade honoring Larry Del Papa will begin at The Tremont House, 2300 Ship’s Mechanic row, with festive floats pa-rading through the Historic Strand District on the kick-off night of Mardi Gras! Galveston.7 p.m. Feb. 17, Strand District, GalvestonFUNKY UPTOWN UMBRELLA BRIGADE PARADE [Feb. 17]Sponsored by The Galveston County Daily News, this parade features more than 2,000 umbrella dancers as they try to hokey-pokey into the record books.8 p.m. Feb. 17, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE OF OLYMPUS PARADE [Feb. 17]The Krewe of Olympus is one of the largest predominantly gay krewes in the united States, although its membership is open to all. The krewe aims to present theatrical and educational events that perpetuate and continue Mardi Gras traditions and to raise money for community charities.10 p.m. Feb. 17, Strand District, GalvestonMYSTIC KREWE OF AQUARIUS KICK-OFF PARADE [Feb. 18]The 31st annual aquarius Kick-off Parade once again will wind its way down the seawall to 25th Street where it will turn to downtown for a trip down Mechanic and Strand streets. The big street pageant will feature three new aquarius floats, which includes a new royal Court float. Fifteen march-ing bands will join in the 65-unit event as aquarius celebrates “Mythology.”Noon Feb. 18, 57th Street and Seawall Boulevard to The Strand District, GalvestonZANIEST GOLF CART PARADE [Feb. 18]Why stop with a world record-breaking umbrella parade when you can have the Zaniest (Decorated) Golf Cart Parade? This parade is another chance for friends and family to get together and participate in this inter-active display of the zany spirit of Mardi Gras! Galveston.1 p.m. Feb. 18, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE D’IHEARTMEDIA ART CAR PARADE [Feb. 18]Tune into this rockin’ parade as the Krewe D’iHeartMedia art Car Parade cruises down The Strand.3 p.m. Feb. 18, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE OF GAMBRINUS ‘LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT’ PARADE [Feb. 18] Featuring 12 lighted floats, marching bands and other entertainment, this parade will wind its way down Seawall boulevard to 25th Street where it will turn downtown for a trip down The Strand District.6 p.m. Feb. 18, 57th Street and Seawall Boulevard to The Strand District, GalvestonFIESTA GRAS [Feb. 19]New to Mardi Gras! Galveston, Fiesta Gras will feature three parades appropriately named uno, Dos and Tres.1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Feb. 19, Strand District, GalvestonDANNY WEBER MEMORIAL FIRE TRUCK PARADE [Feb. 24]This parade of fire trucks is dedicated to Danny Weber Sr., a lifelong Galvestonian and 30-year veteran of the Galveston Fire Department.7 p.m. Feb. 24, Strand District, GalvestonPhoto by Jennifer Reynolds COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 75KREWE BABALU ALL KREWE PARADE [Feb. 24]Load up on beads at this parade featuring floats from krewes and busi-ness, civic and fraternal organizations throughout the region.8 p.m. Feb. 24, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE OF MAXIMILIAN PARADE [Feb. 24]Take a walk on the wild side and join Krewe of Maximilian as it rolls into downtown Galveston.9:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE D’ESPRIT ROSAIRE PARADE [Feb. 25]This parade will feature krewe royalty, motorcycle groups, drill teams, dancers, rOTC, boats and much more. The parade will begin at Kemp-ner Park, 27th Street and ave N. From there, it will proceed to Seawall boulevard. It will turn right onto 31st Street, proceed down to avenue N, turn left onto 27th Street and end at Jack Johnson Park, 27th Street and avenue M.11 a.m. Feb. 25, Seawall Boulevard, GalvestonZ KREWE Z PROCESSIONAL [Feb. 25]This parade features bands, military units and zany revelers from other clubs, and is led by big Daddy and big Momma followed by King and Queen Zanie and their royal Zoots and Zaftigs.1 p.m. Feb. 25, Strand District, GalvestonMARDI GRAS KING’S PARADE [Feb. 25]This Mardi Gras King’s Parade will feature floats, marching bands, bead throwing and more.2:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Strand District, GalvestonLES BON TEMPS ROULE PARADE [Feb. 25] Let the good times roll as this Louisiana-style parade rolls into downtown Galveston.3:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Strand District, GalvestonKNIGHTS OF MOMUS GRAND NIGHT PARADE [Feb. 25]Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more.6:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard to The Strand District, GalvestonSHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN & SUNSHINE KIDS PARADE [Feb. 26]bring out the entire family for a day full of fun at Family Gras. The parade will feature festive floats and Shriners clowns and mini-cars.Noon Feb. 26, Strand District, GalvestonKREWE OF BARKUS & MEOUX PARADE [Feb. 26]The theme of this year’s pet parade is “a PaW-jama Party” and will honor Shelby Scott and her winning “Pet of the year,” Travis.1:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Strand District, GalvestonMARDI GRAS CHILDREN’S PARADE [Feb. 26]Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and chil-dren of Galveston. The 2017 parade marches on with costumed kids and decorated floats.3 p.m. Feb. 26, Strand District, GalvestonMYSTIC KREWE OF AQUARIUS FAT TUESDAY PARADE [Feb. 28]everyone’s favorite parade will roll through downtown in the final hours of the 2017 Mardi Gras celebration. This all krewe event will feature eight marching bands and the krewes of Gambrinus, Momus, babalu, Z, Thala-sar, Lighthouse and more.6:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Strand District, GalvestonPhoto by Jennifer ReynoldsPhoto by Stuart Villanueva76 COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017Become A Fan On Facebook!8111 Hwy. 6, Hitchcock409.986.4200The Best is Yet toCome in 2017!GiftsJewelryCandlesHome DecorDiscover Your Living Style...and more!409.935.1126Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9AM-5PM • Sat. 9AM-3PM Closed Sun.14065 Delany Rd. 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This casual reunion ultimately betrays a darker purpose.2:30 p.m. Jan. 29; 8 p.m. Feb. 2-4; Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston; 409.762.3556, islandetc.orgSPRING JURIED SHOW [Feb. 2-26]Check out the works on display during the Spring Juried Show fea-tured at the Galveston art League gallery.Noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays from Feb. 2-26, 2117 Postoffice St., Galveston, www.galvestonartleague.comMAINLAND MARDI GRAS PARADE [Feb. 4]Texas City will celebrate Mardi Gras with a parade featuring cos-tumed revelers, school groups, bands and, of course, beads. The parade will start at Carlos Garza Park on Magnolia avenue, turn on Palmer Highway and continue to Sixth Street.Noon Feb. 4, Texas City, www.mardigrasmainland.comFebruary EventsPhoto by Stuart Villanueva COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 771411 – 39th Street, Galveston409-765-7773www.DeemRealty.com Buying, selling or renting give the Deem Team a call!Licensed Realtors Wanted 80/20 split - Full or Part Time1013 Church3/2 historic, With 2172 Sq FtFenced back yard$222,0001024 Church3/1 C A & H1403 Square Feet$144,0004527 Ave N (Ursuline)Updated 3/2/1 brick homeOn corner lot with 1/1 garage apt rented for $850 (not open) Only $315,000907 Church2/1/1 Historic1225 Sq Ft with CA& H$159,000New ListingNew ListingNew ListingIf your property is not selling, consider a free second opinion. Is it Price? Is it Location? Is it exterior curb appeal or interior appearance? 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Doyle Convention Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City; 409.771.0450, 409.682.3064, www.mardigrasmainland.comAN EVENING WITH SOPHIA LOREN [Feb. 4]Synonymous with grace, beauty and artistry, Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren will captivate you with an intimate onstage conver-sation with former entertainment Tonight host bill Harris. enjoy film clips, home movies and a question-and-answer session from the audience.8 p.m. Feb. 4; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; www.thegrand.comLAS VEGAS NIGHT FUNDRAISER [Feb. 10]Food, fun, games and prizes await at the Galveston County Fair and rodeo’s 27th annual fundraiser.7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 10; Galveston County Fairgrounds, state Highway 6, Hitchcock; www.galvestoncountyfair.comMENARDI GRAS [Feb. 10]Celebrate Mardi Gras 2017 at the site of the island’s first celebration of the annual fest in 1856, the Michel b. Menard House. Join Galves-ton Historical Foundation for a night of food, fun, music and frivolity at Galveston’s oldest residence. 7 p.m. Feb. 10; Menard House, 1605 33rd St., Galveston; www.galvestonhistory.org‘CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN’ [Feb. 10 to March 5]The bay area Harbour Playhouse presents a funny play about a family of 12 coming together with its efficiency expert father.8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 10 to March 5; Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 state Highway 3, Dickinson; 281.337.7469 or www.harbourtheater.comTHE TIME JUMPERS [Feb. 11]The current edition of The Time Jumpers includes 10 members, each a master of his instrument. They are Vince Gill (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), “ranger Doug” Green (vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), brad albin (upright bass), Larry Franklin (fiddle), andy reiss (electric guitar), Kenny Sears (vocals, fiddle), Joe Spivey (fiddle, vocals) Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano) and billy Thomas (drums, vocals).8 p.m. Feb. 11; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.; www.thegrand.comREALESTATESALESSINCE1974409.797.5500 Isandnsea.comGalveston IslandReal EstateWe have an App for that! COASTMONTHLY.COM / February 2017 79Next >