The History of KMC
The Krewe of Mid-City was founded by Charles A. Bourgeois and the Mid-City Civic Association in the early 1930’s. Mr. Bourgeois created the Krewe’s motto, “Pour La Joie de Vivre” (“For the Joy of Living”) and designed the familiar interlocking heart emblem -- both are still in use today. Mr. Bourgeois and his wife, Gertrude, were the first monarchs of Mid-City reigning over the Krewe’s inaugural parade; comprised of six small, mule-drawn floats, a few bands and mounted riders. The parade was themed “Romance of 1934.”
Several innovative “firsts” were introduced to the Mardi Gras tradition by Mid-City. KMC was the first to use animation in float designs (1947). This early motion was achieved by volunteer Boy Scouts who were concealed inside the floats working several mechanisms, including pedaling stationary bikes to turn cables and gears on external devices.
Artist and painter Roy Kern was the earliest designer of Mid-City’s famous colorfully decorated foil floats and eventually passed on the tradition to his daughter, Bettie Rae Kern.
Upon the death of Ms. Kern in 1992 the design torch was passed to Royal Artists who produced parade themes until 1998. Sadly, Royal Artists were unable to duplicate many of the secret techniques and applications innovated by Ms. Kern and the dazzle of earlier years seemed lost. But from within the ranks of Royal Artists there existed one designer who had studied directly under the tutelage of Ms. Kern in the early part of his career. Ricardo Pustanio stepped forward.
The infusion of Ricardo Pustanio’s innovative new techniques and original handmade foil designs brought new life to parade and Krewe alike and helped set new standards in Mardi Gras parade design. His glittering creations of foil flora and fauna and uniquely humorous interpretations of the familiar and oddball have caught the eye of everyone from parade goers to critics. His talent, efforts and dedication have been instrumental in securing Mid-City the coveted title of “Best Day Parade” numerous times.
The Krewe of Mid-City is the fifth oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season and it continues to dazzle and awe with floats designed by Joey Mercer under the direction of Rizzuto Management Group. The Krewe's Foil covered floats are the only ones of their type used in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Hail Krewe of Mid-City!
—