Golden moments: Celebrating 50 years of the Krewe of Mystic Maids
By Leah Seacrest / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Mardi Gras has been a vibrant part of Pensacola’s cultural tapestry since the late 19th century, with the first recorded celebration in 1874. Over the years, the city has embraced this festive tradition, marked by parades, elaborate costumes and a sense of community spirit. By the mid-20th century, Mardi Gras in Pensacola had grown into a beloved annual event, with numerous krewes contributing to the city’s colorful carnival season. However, there was one missing element — a group specifically representing young women in their 20s and early 30s. This gap in the Mardi Gras social scene was filled in 1975 with the formation of the Krewe of Mystic Maids.
Comprising 107 young women its first year, Mystic Maids was created to provide a space for camaraderie and fun for young couples. A tradition was established in the beginning: The board chooses a court made up of deserving men and women from the community, and from this group, the king and queen are selected. Adding to the revelry, the court is dressed in elaborate costumes that match the ball’s theme, which changes each year. A king and queen are selected from the court at the annual masked ball, a tradition that began with their inaugural dance at the Pensacola Country Club.
The first ball, with a Disneyland theme, crowned Cheryl Saiter “Cinderella” and Ashton Hayward, Sr., “Prince Charming.”
“I knew that I was supposed to sing ‘When you Wish Upon a Star’ to someone,” Saiter recalled, “but I had no idea that I was the queen and would be singing it to the Krewe! When Ashton and I were crowned, they asked me to sing, and as I began, Ashton started singing with me, off-key and making up words as he went along. Somehow, we got through it, and it was all in good fun!”
Claudia Hahn fondly recalled the practicality of the early days.
“In the early years, because so many of our age group were having babies, our krewe uniform was a stretchy green dress to accommodate all sizes,” she said.
Over the years, the krewe’s attire evolved, transitioning from those early green dresses to black bottoms paired with Mardi Gras-colored silk tops and eventually to the formal dresses of choice seen today. One tradition has remained steadfast — members cannot wear the color designated for the board, preserving a sense of distinction and unity within the group.
In 2008, Mystic Maids underwent a refresh after the Pensacola Country Club reopened following hurricane damage. That year’s co-president, Liz Hamrick, reflected on the changes.
“We felt like we wanted to bring back some of the glamour of the past. Board members wore elaborate, hand-painted masks created by a local artist, and we embraced the opulent costumes of carnival Venice. It was all about elevating the experience and making the event truly unforgettable,” she said.
The tradition of creating immersive, themed experiences has remained a cornerstone of Mystic Maids. Michelle Griffin, co-president in 2014, vividly remembered her time planning the ball.
“Lori Krigler and I wanted to create not just an event but an experience. Inspired by The Great Gatsby, we brought the 1920s to life with dancers, two bands — including a New Orleans jazz band — and even a yellow convertible for photos. Every detail, from Art Deco wine stoppers to the choreography, was planned to perfection. It was truly the event of the year,” Griffin said.
For 2024 queen Ashley Hawkins, the Krewe continues to embody the spirit of Mardi Gras in Pensacola.
“The Krewe of Mystic Maids brings together amazing, local women who reflect the vibrant energy of our community. After months of planning by the board members, it’s always thrilling to see the chosen theme come to life at the annual Mardi Gras ball,” she said.
Fast forward to the present. Mystic Maids, with 225 members of all ages, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a golden-themed ball at the Pensacola Country Club, a tribute to the Krewe’s enduring legacy. The evening was steeped in tradition and nostalgia, with photos from past balls adorning the venue as a nod to the Krewe’s history. In a poignant and symbolic moment, Cheryl Saiter crowned the 50th queen, linking the Krewe’s illustrious past to its vibrant present.
“My wish for the 50th queen is for her to enjoy and remember the evening,” Saiter said. “She will be surprised at how fast the next 50 years will go! I can hardly believe that 50 years has passed this quickly for me.”
Cait Gross and Lauren Burch, the Krewe’s current co-presidents, shared their reflections on the milestone celebration.
“The 50th ball was an opportunity to honor the women who laid the foundation of Mystic Maids while celebrating the creativity and energy of its present members. It was a moment of connection and pride for our entire board, and we were thrilled to see the golden-themed masked ball come to life so beautifully,” Burch said.
While the Krewe is known for its glamorous balls, it is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Each year, Mystic Maids supports a local charity chosen by the board, exemplifying the generosity and community spirit of its members. At the annual New Member Party, members bring donations for the selected cause. This year, the Krewe collected donations for the Children’s Home Society, extending their impact beyond the dance floor and into the lives of those in need.
As Mystic Maids celebrates its 50th year, the Krewe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Mardi Gras in Pensacola. Through decades of change, the Krewe has remained steadfast in its mission to foster community and camaraderie among its members. Its commitment to tradition, paired with a willingness to evolve and embrace new ideas, has solidified its place as a cherished part of Pensacola’s Mardi Gras legacy. With each ball, charitable initiative and vibrant celebration, the Krewe of Mystic Maids continues to honor its history while looking toward a bright and generous future, ensuring that its impact will be felt for generations to come.
