166 MARDI GRAS GUIDE 2020

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Founded in 1917, Iris is the oldest female Carnival krewe in New Orleans. Recog-nized for innovation throughout its history, the organization also honors the mystery of Mardi Gras. In 1949, the Iris Tableau was the fi rst Carnival ball to be televised, providing insight to the elegant pageantry that continues today. Parading since 1959, Iris riders wear masks, white gloves and colorful wigs for anonymity. www.kreweofi ris.org

IRIS

TUCKS

The Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 as a rag-tag group of Loyola University students. Known for its irreverence, the club takes its name from Friar Tucks, an uptown pub where two college students decided to cre-ate their own Carnival krewe after trying (unsuccessfully) to become white fl ambeau carriers. What began as a small nighttime parade of boats on trailers has grown into a procession of major proportions. In 1983 the parade became a daytime event, and in 1986 the parade route fi nally stretched to downtown. While the club has grown in size and stature, Tucks has not lost its sense of humor. www.kreweoftucks.com

TUCKS HITS THE SWEET SPOT is the satirical theme of the 52nd annual parade of this 1,800-member club of men and women whose parade features

nearly 100 units, including 36 super-sized fl oats with titles such as Bit-O-Honey Boo Boo, Blow Pops Suckers, Gushers, and Friar’s Original Hard Candy. Tucks signature fl oats include Robin Hood, Blaine Kern Eat Your Heart Out, Funky Tucks, Brothel, Funky Uncle, Naughtyham, and Tucksedeaux Chalice. New this year is a handicapped accessible tandem fl oat. Special fl oats have also been provided for Saints players and for the Magnolia Special School. Kevin Hellman reigns as King, and Amy Creel is Queen. The parade features a band contest. Tucks throws a varied assortment of signature items, including doubloons of wood and aluminum, colored toilet paper, emoji-shaped suckers, candy bracelets, koozies and lit up ring pops. Toilet brushes decorated by Magnolia School’s special adults will be handed out. The Tucks Coronation Ball is held at the Hyatt Hotel on February 1, 2020.

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Iris now has 3,448 female members—the largest membership in its history. Blaine Kern Artists has provided 34 fl oats (all tandems) that illustrate the theme IRIS SEES

20/20. Float titles include Happy Birthday, Summer Olympics 2020, Summer Vacation, and New Years/Welcome 2020. The parade will showcase 37 bands and marching units from fi ve states including former Iris favorites Krewe of Rolling Elvi, Fat City Drum Corp, Amelia EarHarts, and many of New Orleans favorite local bands. Reigning as Queen and King are Mrs. Rebecca Russo ands Mr. John W. Theriot. Wearing hand-decorated masks and white gloves, the members will toss plush fringe skirts, super hero capes, king cake babies, fanny packs, paddle ball sets, and cut out doubloons in the shape of the club’s logo. Hand-decorated signature sunglasses are the most treasured throws. Iris will stage its ball at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel on January 25, 2020.