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The Krewe of Nereids was organized by professional women in 1966. They own their own krewe headquarters, which is called a den, and design their own floats. They parade the Sunday before Mardi Gras weekend, traveling down Highway 90 from Waveland to Bay St Louis and back again. Treasured keepsakes in the form of posters, cups, and doubloons are tossed from the floats to the eager crowds who chant in true Mardi Gras tradition, "Throw me something Miss". The posters, which reflect the theme of their carnival ball, have become a collectors' item.3
For twenty-five years, the predominately African American Krewe of Real People paraded in Bay St Louis on Mardi Gras Day. In 2008, the Krewe decided to become a community organization that does good works. The spin-off Krewe of Diamonds is made up of younger Real People members and will parade along Real People's regular route on Mardi Gras. They will also hold the traditional ball and definitely name a queen and possibly a king.4
The Mardi Gras Man
Photo from Rising from Ruin Website Copyright MSNBC
One of the pre-eminent costume makers for the courts of Mardi Gras Krewes lives in Bay St Louis. Carter Church designs the costumes of Mardi Gras Royalty. During an average season, Carter makes between 125 and 150 costumes for the celebration for the Krewes such as the Krewe of Iris. For over’ forty years he has made the gowns and costumes entirely by hand, and each rhinestone (thousands on
3	www.kreweoftiereids.org
4	www.sunherald.com/160/story/269778.html