History
History
The Krewe of Venus, established in 1965, is the second oldest Krewe in Tampa, Florida. It is a social organization established to be a part of the Tampa Bay Area krewe festivities. Activites for the Krewe of Venus are not limited to the Gasparilla parades. Our parties, gatherings and Galas continue throughout the year. It is one of many social groups in the Bay area using the designation of Krewe. The Krewe of Venus heritage extends over three decades in Tampa. Our founder, Mrs. Frank (Lucille) Cochran, and members of the Tampa Women's Club, started our Krewe. The organizations and first year's activities were established with the assistance of the New Orleans Krewe of Venus. Their support and repesentation created a Mardi Gras style Coronation Ball at the old Curtis Hixon Convention Center in the Fall of 1965. Since that year, fourty-one Kings and Queens have been crowned and lead our Gala events... a glittering part of the Tampa Bay Social Scene.
King's Guard
The King's Guard is the men's group organized to assist and protect the Royal Court, assist in area Parades and support all Krewe events. The King's Guard hosts a Christmas Brunch which supports local area Children's Homes or Hospitals with toys and gifts. The King's Guard has a standard uniform which is worn for all Parades and special Krewe functions. The King's Guard is under the Krewe of Venus and reports directly to it, but has its own Captain and committees for its functions.
Activities
The Krewe of Venus annually hosts a calendar of events such as The Royal Coronation Ball, President's Party, King's and Queen's individually hosted parties, King's Guard Christmas Brunch, King's Guard Golf and Derby Party, Arms of Venus Spring Garden Party, and the Debutante Presentation Ball. Our Krewe also participates in the Gasparilla Parade, Ybor City Knight Parade, Chasco Parade, Royal Yacht Invasion, and the Children's Parade.
Arms of Venus
The Arms of Venus is the women's group organized to create and facilitate the Debutante program each year. The Arms of Venus is under the Krewe of Venus and reports directly to it but, has its own Captain and committees to organize its functions. The Arms of Venus has its own costumes for all functions and parades, but are more individual in their appearance and in keeping with the Krewe colors of purple and gold.
