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The Change of Command
At the first meeting of the new Board of Directors a Captain is elected to serve for one year as the chief commanding officer of the Krewe. In May the Members and guests gather in formal military style to honor the past Captain and Board and to install their new Captain. The reigning King bestows the silver medallion signifying the rank and the gold plume of honor. He is presented with the ceremonial sword inscribed with the names of all the past Captains. Of course it is always an occasion of feasting, dancing and other revelry.
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The Coronation Ball
The most distinguished honor for a member is to be selected by past Captains and Kings to the throne of Neptunus Rex to reign over the Krewe for a period of one year.
The annual Coronation Ball is held in November when the outgoing King surrenders his realm to the new King, as yet anonymous. Amidst appropriate pomp and ceremony the new monarch is clothed in royal robes and crowned Neptunus Rex. He is presented with his new Queen, Amphitrite whom he in turn crowns Queen. He then pronounces that a royal feast and ball should begin for members, ladies and guests.
Finally, the new King presents to each member "The Coin of Fellowship". This coveted coin must be produced upon demand by any other active member. Failure to produce the coin....he buys!
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The King's Party
Traditionally, the King shows his authority over his subjects by demanding their presence at his special party. Usually an occasion of great festivity, the King, who sets his own theme, goes royal for his faithful ones with food, dancing and entertainment bespeaking his appreciation to the masses. No taxation is exacted for the event.
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The Gasparilla Invasion
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the original Tampa Krewe, host the annual invasion of the City of Tampa in honor of the mythical pirate Jose Gaspar. A great flotilla of ships and boats of all description and sizes stages the invasion by water and “captures” the city for the day. A grand parade, marshaled by the Krewe of Gasparilla, delights the crowds of thousands who demand to be “beaded” in exchanges for other and sundry favors. The Krewe of Neptune joins the festivities and members escort the Krewe float for the parade.
Click Here for YMKN Gasparilla Float Video |
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Parades
Every year Ye Mystic Krewe of Neptune participates in various parades besides the Gasparilla Invasion in Tampa. Some are out of the area like Fantasy Fest in Key West and Springtime Tallahassee. The others are in the Tampa Bay area; Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, De Soto Heritage Parade, Festival of States and Chasco Fiesta Parade.
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Chef de la Krewe
In late fall, the famous “Chef de la Krewe” event is staged at the command of the King who honored the previous year’s winner at the Coronation Ball. The coveted “Chef” award is diligently sought each year as members vie in serious competition to be selected the best for his entry. Twenty members, including new members who are expected to enter, prepare their entries for judging by local noted chefs. The winners of various categories are recognized at the conclusion of the event, however, the over all winner or “Chef de la Krewe” is not announced until the next Coronation Ball when he receives the Chef’s jacket, the “Golden Spoon” award and the coveted chef’s medallion.
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Whale Watch
Do they really have whales in Tampa Bay? Nope. Not even close to here. Whale Watch is a weekend away with fellow Krewe Members. Great Golf, Competitive Team Games (Poker Included), Great Food and Drink. But more than that. A change to have fellowship with a bunch of guys who just like to have fun. Numquam Ludimus
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The Annual Meeting
The whole membership gathers in clandestine style to elect five members to serve on the Board of Directors for a period of three years. Spirited campaigning precedes the election by the nominees, bribes not excluded. While in session the membership considers other items of business including changes to and amendments to the Bylaws. Bonding and fellowship prevail for the evening.
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New Members' Party
Each year the Krewe accepts New Members into its ranks to replace members who have taken a leave or who resigned from the Krewe. These "Newbie’s" are expected to host a party for all the members each year. Using their collective ideas, these men usually come up with a super entertaining event. Want to join? You will become a Newbie when elected.
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Foreign Travel
The Krewe is famous for invading other lands and is known to be found frequenting Bourbon Street at the Mardi Gras, capturing the Ski slopes in Colorado, riding the crests to the Cayman Islands, bartering in Bermuda, frolicking in Jamaica and testing it’s will power in the Key West Fantasy Fest. The imagination of membership is always at work finding new ventures for the Krewe to show its stuff and amaze others with its stamina.
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