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By Krewe Historian - Adam M.
HISTORY OF KREWE OF AQUILA
Eagles Nest, Inc. (D/B/A Krewe of Aquila) was formed in
1976, immediately following Mardi Gras, by a small group of
friends that had been members of another Mardi Gras
organization. They banded together to form a mixed
organization that would present a traditional Ball tableaux
and a street Parade in Jefferson Parish.
They were determined to keep certain of the old Mardi Gras
traditions while yielding to the then popular format of having
members of both sexes participate in their celebrations. They
would build an organization that would provide year round
activities for the enjoyment of their members and their
families and in an attempt to keep the membership dues at a
level which all could afford – the members themselves would
perform a considerable portion of the work involved in the
making of their Court costumes.
The Captain, having been a member of several other
organizations, had certain ideas as to how the organization
should be formed and how it should operate. He brought in the
services of the Premier Mardi Gras costume designer – Mr.
San Nicholas. Mr. Nicholas’ designs instantly placed the new
organization among the leaders of costume presentation. From
the beginning, the Captain insisted that Mr. Nicholas’
designs be followed in great detail. The Krewe’s Court
costumes have become the "talk of the town" each
season. While other organizations are drifting into the realm
of "generic" krewe costumes – the Krewe of Aquila
prides itself on the fact that their krewe wears completely
new costumes each year – individually prepared to present
the designs created for the particular theme being depicted.
St. Bernard Civic Auditorium was the location of the Ball
for many years until the Pontchartrain Center opened its doors
in Kenner. Aquila was the first organization to show that the
Pontchartrain Center could be used to stage a Carnival Ball
Tableaux in a manner similar to those presented in the New
Orleans Municipal Auditorium. The Center is now the location
used by several Krewes which have formed a cooperative group
that work together to decorate the facility and stage their
Balls over a two week period.
In an attempt to maintain their dues structure at an
affordable level, yet holding to their tradition of exhibiting
some of the most elaborate costumes in Mardi Gras, the Krewe
has utilized what they know best – staging an elaborate
Mardi Gras Ball - as a means of raising funds by restaging
their Ball and providing entertainment for many thousands of
New Orleans Convention visitors. They have
"restaged" their Ball and / or presented various
versions of their Parade in "mini" format several
hundred times over the past twenty nine years. In addition,
they have traveled to Atlanta and Tampa – St. Petersburg on
several occasions to present their "one of a kind"
show. Of course, the fact that they have traveled all the way
to St. Petersburg is a good reason for stopping at Disneyworld
on the way back.
It was during one of the restagings that a spontaneous
event occurred that lasts in the memory of those who
participated. The Krewe had chosen a Patriotic theme that year
and it was during a particularly stressful time in the history
of our great Nation. The last member of the Court to enter
from the rear of the Ballroom was the King and after the
Orchestra had played his Fanfare it started to play His
Majesties’ entrance music, which was "God Bless
America", the audience, composed of visitors from all
over the Country, rose to their feet and started to sing along
with the Orchestra. By the time the King made his way to the
stage – everyone was singing and cheering. It certainly
created one of those memories that lasts for a lifetime.
It was during the trip to Atlanta that a strange visual
image was observed that has been the source of considerable
humor. The client in Atlanta wanted Aquila to restage its Ball
presentation and also wanted the services of the New Orleans
Orchestra – Jubilation. We traveled in two buses. Jubilation
in one and the Krewe and costumes in the other. The fact that
the costumes were loaded on the bus with the members is what
created the situation. The costumes themselves – dresses,
tunics, capes and mantles were stored in the compartments
beneath the bus. The large headpieces and collars were place
on the seats and laid across the backs of the seats on one
side of the bus and the members used the seats on the opposite
side of the bus. Due to the size of the collars and the fact
that they completely blocked the middle aisle from someone
walking down the aisle – made for some very comical sites as
one traveled the length of the bus on his or her hands and
knees to reach the "facility" at the rear of the
bus. There were several cameras on board and these photos have
been laughed over for years.
Their elaborate street Parade rolled for many years on the
Thursday night before Mardi Gras through the streets of
Jefferson Parish. In 1999 they moved their Parade to the
Friday night before Mardi Gras when the night became
available. They are very proud of the traditions that they
have established through the years for providing the Parish of
Jefferson a first rate Parade and have adopted the phrase
"Metairie’s Finest" as their Motto.
In their continuing efforts to defray the ever increasing
costs of staging an elaborate Ball and Street Parade they
operate their weekly bingo sessions as well as operate a
concession stand at the local Ball Park. Always being mindful
of the expenses related to being a member of a Mardi Gras
Organization they continue to prepare the beautiful headpieces
and collars worn by their Royal Court members with all donated
labor by members and friends of the Krewe. The many thousands
of hours of work that it takes to prepare these costumes takes
place over a time period that extends from early summer all
the way to the Ball each year. This work, for those involved,
becomes a tremendous source of pride and accomplishment each
year.
Throughout the years the Krewe has chosen themes around
which an entertaining story can be developed that can be used
as the a basis for their Ball Tableaux and be the continuing
thread that holds the Parade together. They have always tried
to use titles that makes one think as to what they are
presenting. The first year was entitled "A Man and His
Dream" – which was Walt Disney. The year that their
theme was Rock and Roll their title was "That’s All
Right Mama" – Elvis’s first recording. While
maintaining their tradition of not revealing their theme until
the night of their Ball (which will be held at the
Pontchartrain Center on Saturday, 11 February 2006) the
thirtieth anniversary show promises to one of their best.
The Captain has often stated that he wishes that he had
jotted down notes of the various things that have occurred
through the years. He could probably write a best selling
book. While it takes a great amount of work to create and
stage an elaborate Ball and Parade each year – and to do so
for almost thirty years – the lasting friendships that have
been made, the camaraderie between people of various
backgrounds coming together for one goal, the memories, the
support of each other during times of need, the laughs, the
ultimate pride in knowing that you have created and presented
to the public something that has been the source of enjoyment
– is the ultimate reward – that cannot be measured in any
way. Happy Mardi Gras!!!
Copyright © Krewe of Aquila
Last modified: December, 2006
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