Founded in 1986 by Burt Johnson and Ken Leveque Jr., the Navarre Krewe of Jesters was conceived at the Navarre Orleans Restaurant on Navarre Beach, Florida. Throughout the years, the Krewe has grown in ranks to over 100 members and the parade, first held February 28, 1987, has grown from 10 or so walking Jesters and a ragtag vehicles and floats to almost 60 floats and entries in the 2004/5/6 parade.

This annual event takes place on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday and draws entries from several local businesses and social organizations as well as organizations from as far away as central Alabama. We are well known as a family oriented parade and many families are annual spectators, knowing that their children will enjoy a parade free from the bacchanalian escapades that inundate other parades. We are also famous for having the best throws of area parades.

In 2006 we had over 60 entries, ranging from Antique automobiles, marching bands and floats of all sizes. The crowd was somewhat smaller than in past years due to a bit of inclement weather and the fact that the parade was again held on the mainland because of safety issues on the beach. The 2007 Mardi Gras parade was once again held on Navarre Beach. There were over 50 entries and an estimated crowd of 20,000. The cold weather kept the crowd down but as usual in Navarre the parade goes on rain or shine. If you are interested in entering a unit for the parade there is a parade application and rules on this Navarre Krewe of Jester web-site. We hope to see lots of folks at and in the parade, this is one of the best family oriented parades in the area, and there are always lots of beads, doubloons and stuffed animals for everyone.

The Navarre Krewe of Jesters has also become one a leader in community involvement. The “Krewe” sponsors a $4,000 dollar scholarship every year to a graduating Navarre High School Senior, targeting a student that might not otherwise qualify for a scholarship. The “Krewe” participates in several other parades around the local area such as the Krewe of Laffite Fiesta of Five Flags parade, Fort Walton Beach Mardi Gras and Billy Bowlegs parades, Pensacola Beaches Mardi Gras Parade and Milton’s Mardi Gras Parade. The “Krewe” also participates in the annual American Cancer society “Relay for Life” and “Making Strides for Breast Cancer.” The “Krewe” also helps the Chamber of Commerce with the Annual Christmas parade.

Every year our main focus is conducting a safe and entertaining parade. The “Krewe” encourages everyone either attend or participate in the parade. Membership applications and Parade Entry forms are available on-line in the Applications area of this website.