Vici Papajohn/Splash! magazine Rita Finkbone and Gerry O’Mahoney will serve as royalty for the inaugural year of the Krewe of St. Patrick. Finkbone is a Pensacola Beach resident who is married to Brian Finkbone and the mother of Pensacola Beach Elementary student Kylie Finkbone. O’Mahoney is a native of Ireland and a true supporter of the Krewe of St. Patrick. One hundred and fifty people responded to the call to form a new Mardi Gras krewe called the Krewe of St. Patrick.

Amy Martin told the crowd that her father, restaurateur McGuire Martin, wanted to see a crowd of people on the McGuire’s signature double decker bus, throwing beads and participating in the parades. He served as the grand marshal of the Krewe of Wrecks parade last year on Pensacola Beach and saw the crowds enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities.

McGuire’s Bagpipe Band is a fixture at most local parades, with the double decker bus following.

The krewe is based on the mission statement, “have fun,” and chose the Semper Fi Marine Corps fund as their charity, to provide assistance to injured warriors, and elected a slate of officers.

The first year’s theme will be “faithfully green.” Pensacola Beach resident Rita Finkbone and native Irishman Gerry O’Mahoney will serve as royalty for the inaugural year of the Krewe of St. Patrick. Jeff Elbert was selected as president; Robbie Legget was elected vice president; Jody Craney was elected secretary; and Linda Pate was elected treasurer.

Mardi Gras activities are in full swing as this year’s “Fat Tuesday” is on February 16.