About the Krewe

NKOJ History New

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 membership, 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.

This annual event takes place on the second 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.

The Navarre Krewe of Jesters has also become a leader in community involvement. The “Krewe” sponsors a 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 night time parade, 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.” 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.

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