The Order of Zeus was founded in 1992 by a small group of enthusiastic Mardi gras participants who wanted to bring the thrill and excitement of the Mardi gras experience east from Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA. Several of the founding members of the order were former members of Mobile based groups who worked, lived and enjoyed life in the Pensacola area. The first ball was held at Zelica Grotto Hall in downtown Pensacola. It was the first and only Masquerade ball for the organization. Word of the elaborate ball and the production quickly grew and the ball was moved to the Bay Front Auditorium. After the Bay Front was no longer available and suitable for balls and gatherings we moved to the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds and Expo hall.
In 2003 during a very lean time for the Order of Zeus we found ourselves financially strapped and wondering where we could have a ball and save money at the same time. As we looked to Mount Olympus and the Gods who call it home for help we were rescued by some folks we have come to call friends and patrons over the past couple of years. Johnny Chisholm, Ted McCrary and the Emerald City Club came to our rescue and offered the use of the Temple on Garden Street to produce our ball. We stayed at the Temple for 2 years producing 2 wonderful balls, Let the Games Begin and Travel Experience - Destinations Unknown. We remained there for two years and are forever indebted to Johnny, Ted and the entire Emerald City family http://www.emeraldcitypensacola.com. Once we moved from the Temple we relocated to the American Legion Hall on Barrancus. This was a fun filled year that produced The Red Ball. Due to the ever growing popularity of our ball we found that the Legion Hall just could not accommodate us. So we packed up and headed back out to the Fairgrounds and Expo hall for the Holiday Ball. Elaborate tables and a breathtaking Tableau lead the evening's festivities. Great food and lot's of spirited drinks help to make our Mardi gras balls a success. And the ball themes have lead to quite a bit of conversation. Such themes as, Feathers, Leather and Lace, Around the World, Monarchs, Dames and Bitches, A Night on Mount Olympus, An Evening with Oscar, Zome Where Over the Rainbow, Disco Ball and From Here to There, Dream It, Be it leave lot's to the imagination and even more to the eyes once you have had the pleasure to experience it first hand.
Each year the krewe members work diligently to produce a successful ball. These balls are executed to please Zeus and Hera the emblems of the organization. Once a year they travel from Mount Olympus to the fair city of Pensacola to frolic and partake of the bounty offered by the members to their friends and guest. Zeus and Hera are chosen each year by the members of the organization in a secret ballot ceremony that is not revealed until the night of the ball. The outgoing Zeus and Hera relinquish their positions to the newly anointed emblems. Once in place all take head to the appointment of the King and Queen or King and King or Queen and Queen. This person or persons are chosen by the Ball Captain each year. The duty of the ball captain is to help in the production of the ball and Tableau. The ball captain uses a keen eye throughout the year in helping to come to the decision of who the new incoming Royalty of the order will be. The small and resilient membership of the order work year round in fund raising activities to help offset the cost and expenditures of these elaborate balls.
Each year the membership participates in the parades in downtown Pensacola area as well as each June they participate in welcoming Deluna and celebrating with the Fiesta of Five Flags Organization. Each June a ball is held to honor the Royalty of all the organizations in Pensacola hosted by Deluna his maid and court. The Order of Zeus has the distinction of winning the table decorating trophy five times. This is an outstanding honor for the group to be recognized by the Fiesta of Five Flags organization for our participation and hard work.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and who we are. If you would like additional information on our upcoming ball or on becoming a member of the Order of Zeus please contact us at info@orderofzeus.com or by writing to us at The Order of Zeus, Inc. P.O. Box 13695 Pensacola, FL 32591.
