FACES Pensacola | Issue 45

In Partnership with Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc.

Issue 45, 2026

KDK WONDERLAND BALL

MYSTIC ORDER OF REVELRY BALL

PENSACOLA MARDI GRAS KICKOFF CELEBRATION

scan here for photos

february 12th pensacola bay center

scan for tickets

www.pensacolamardigras.com

contents Cover 06

Featuring: Lori & Bart Dorn, William & Jax Ducote

Pensacola Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration

at Pensacola Bay Center photography by: Kristina Wright

11

Mystic Order of Revelry Ball

16

15th Annual Krewe of Blues Festival

20

KdK Wonderland Ball

26

Krewe Of Priscus Ball

31

Because I Wore This

Editorial 09

Mardi Gras Parade Route

14

Meet Mrs. Town Crier

34

The Merrymuse of Mardi Gras

36

Who’s Counting?

In Partnership with Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. Issue 44,

Issue 34,

Issue 35, 2025

wit h

ers hip rd i Gr as WOMEN IN Ma In Pa rtn co la LEADERSHIP MIXER Pen sa

Issue 37, 2025

2026

, Inc .

2025

BECAUSE THIS

Issue 42, 2025

I WORE

SEVILLE STEAK COOK-OFF

MEN WHO COOK

wit h Inc . ers hip rd i Gr as , Ma In Pa rtn co la Pen sa

AL 4TH ANNU GRAS PAW-DI

PMG GRAND PARADE

MIND, BODY & SOUL HALLOWEEN PARTY

FRED LEVIN WAY FESTIVAL

LESS M WIRE TITANIU SOIRÉE ANNUAL

DESIGNER PURSE BINGO AL GALA 5TH ANNU

PMG Fat Tuesday Celebration

A Cabaret of curios

e scan her tos for pho

FacesPcola.com

BOO BASH — DESIGNER BINGO

WSRE WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC

ities scan here for photos

scan here for photos

Rock th

e Runw

ay

e scan her tos for pho License to Thrill Charity Ball

scan here for photos

Publisher’s Letter At FACES PENSACOLA, we continue our monthly publication “covering the places and faces of Pensacola” and surrounding areas.

Our team has been busy covering events including runs, festivals, galas, openings, and more.

Watch out for Kristina Wright, our Lead Event Photographer, along with other event photographers to be included in the next issue.

Please stay connected with us on social on Facebook @FACESpcola and Instagram FACESpensacola. We love Pensacola and all the awesome events, places, and faces it has to offer. Reach out to let us know about your upcoming event. We would love to include you in our calendar and cover your events.

Thank you, Pensacola, for welcoming us and including us in your events. Don’t forget to check out our advertisers and give them some love.

We can’t wait to see your faces!

Steve Barber

Publisher/Editor steve@facespcola.com

photo by: Kristina Wright

In Partnership with Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc.

Rock the Runway

FacesPcola.com

In Partnership with Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc.

Issue 34, 2025

In Partnership with Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc.

Issue 37, 2025

Issue 35, 2025

BECAUSE I WORE THIS

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP MIXER

MEN WHO COOK

4TH ANNUAL PAW-DI GRAS

PMG GRAND PARADE

FRED LEVIN WAY FESTIVAL

TITANIUM WIRELESS ANNUAL SOIRÉE

DESIGNER PURSE BINGO

PMG Fat Tuesday Celebration scan here for photos

scan here for photos

WSRE WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC

A Cabaret of curiosities

scan here for photos

Issue 44, 2026

5TH ANNUAL GALA

scan here for photos

Team Faces

Steve Barber Publisher/Editor

Jessica Graña Creative Director

Kristina Wright Lead Photographer

Contributors Hudson Aho, Distribution

5

Pensacola Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Downtown Pensacola

1

3

6

2

5

4

7

1 Trina Clark, Jennifer Johns, Lee Joyce, Stacy Sexton, Melanie Burt • 2 Bobby Potomski, Julie Lee, Hong Potomski, Racquel Coe, Max Lee 3 Bonnie Davis, Teresa Gray • 4 Truli Hartley, Melissa Wright • 5 Michelle Moser, Trisha Purdy • 6 Gabby Wilson, Megan Walters 7 Keith & Latrelle Ard, Christina & Brian Williams

FacesPcola.com

Pensacola Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Downtown Pensacola

8

9

10

11

13

12

14

8 Barbara Coffey, Russell Jarratt • 9 Brandy Anderson, Dawn Sampson • 10 Ben & Kristina Zimmern • 11 Krewe of Priscus 12 Donna Corey, Kris & Jerry Sobski • 13 Jay & Melissa Wright • 14 Wendy Warner, Marianne Stahl, Jeff Silva, Rick & Crystal McLeod

7

Pensacola Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Downtown Pensacola

15

17

16

18 19

20 21

15 Kristie Tobias, Midian Cosson, Jo Stanovich, Cara Adkins • 16 Tammy Arrant • 17 Duke Lee, Steve Barber 18 Brian Rairdon & Shannon Harrold-Rairdon • 19 Cameron & Jude Pyle • 20 Tammy Arrant, Emily Wright • 21 Krewe of Warriors

FacesPcola.com

Mardi Gras Parade Route 2026 Parade Route Map Provided by: Pensacola Mardi Gras

February 14 Parade Start The Intersection of Garden St. and Spring St.

Parade End The Intersection of Jefferson St. and Main St.

Due to the City of Pensacola’s Reimagining of Palafox, the Parade Route takes a slight detour from previous years, but will resume it’s normal route in 2027!

2026 Pensacola Mardi Gras Season presented by the Ice Flyers Foundation.

9

Krewe Showcase

Check out Pensacola’s Krewes at PensacolaMardiGras.com!

scan to visit PensacolaMardiGras.com FacesPcola.com

Mystic Order of Revelry Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Hadji Shrine Temple • Charity: USO of NWFL, Wreaths Across America, Manna Food Pantries

1

2

3

4 6 5

7 8

1 Nell Jadwisiak, Jay Benniefiel • 2 Sharon & Tito Lopez • 3 Sherry & Randy Palmer • 4 Raymond & Stefanie Osborne 5 Scott & Lori Reynolds • 6 Susan & John Carter • 7 Rich & Lori Johnson • 8 Mystic Order of Revelry

11

Mystic Order of Revelry Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Hadji Shrine Temple • Charity: USO of NWFL, Wreaths Across America, Manna Food Pantries

9

12

15

10

11

13

14

16

9 Jeff & Millie Abernathy • 10 Rick & Crystal McLeod • 11 Jeff Silva, Maria Stahl • 12 Mindy Stotler • 13 Mary & Tionne Grace 14 Terri & Hailey Clark • 15 Heather McKelvy, Teresa Gray, Amanda Lopez • 16 Beth & Nell Jadwisiak, Jay Benniefiel

FacesPcola.com

Mystic Order of Revelry Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Hadji Shrine Temple • Charity: USO of NWFL, Wreaths Across America, Manna Food Pantries

17

18

19

20

21

22

17 Misty & John Fowler • 18 Jen & Ronny Otts • 19 Sara Sol Flame, Eileen Tierney, Becky Sherman, Victoria Bach • 20 Nell Jadwisiak, Elizabeth Keeney, Meg Williamson, Krystal Paulson • 21 Jen & Ronny Otts, Trey Lynch, Allen Hatcher 22 Noah & Caroline Maddalozzo

13

Hear Ye, Hear Ye:

Meet Pensacola’s Mardi Gras

Town Crier written by: Jessica Graña photos by:Kristina Wright

I

Marty + Jo Stanovich FacesPcola.com

f you’ve ever wandered into downtown Pensacola during Mardi Gras season and heard a booming voice ringing through the streets, you’ve likely encountered one of the most charming traditions of the celebration: the Mardi Gras Town Crier.

Equal parts historian, hype-person, and living time capsule, the Town Crier, current title claimed by Marty Stanovich, plays a unique role in keeping the spirit of Carnival alive, loud, and proudly Pensacolian.

At its core, the position of Town Crier dates back centuries. Long before social media, radio, or even newspapers, town criers were the original newsbreakers.

Armed with a bell and a commanding voice, they were responsible for delivering important announcements to the public, from royal decrees to community gatherings. Today, Pensacola’s Mardi Gras Town Crier carries on that tradition, announcing parades, balls, events, and royal happenings throughout the season, all with theatrical flair and a healthy dose of local pride.

Pensacola’s Mardi Gras history itself runs deep. Often overshadowed by New Orleans, Pensacola actually boasts one of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country, dating back to the early 1700s. The Town Crier role evolved as part of the city’s commitment to preserving the pageantry, traditions, and storytelling that make Pensacola Mardi Gras special. Over the years, the position has become an honorary

and highly visible role, representing not just Carnival events, but the city’s festive heart.

Enter the newest voice of the season: Mrs. Town Crier, Jo Stanovich. Newly appointed and blessed by Pensacola Mardi Gras’s very own Danny Zimmern for the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations, she steps into a role steeped in history while bringing her own personality, energy, and perspective to the position. Already a familiar and beloved presence in downtown Pensacola, Jo is owner of Blush and Needle Society, artist, wife, and mom … and she has built both her life and career along Palafox Street. “Pensacola isn’t just where I live — it’s where my heart and my work are rooted,” she shares. “My days revolve around creativity, community, and connection, and Pensacola has always embraced that part of me.”

Her path into Mardi Gras came the way so many good things do in Pensacola: through community. What began as attending parades and supporting friends quickly grew into joining the Krewe of Swat, volunteering, and saying yes when opportunities arose. “The joy, the traditions, and the people pulled me in,” she says. “Before I knew it, Mardi Gras became one of the highlights of my year.”

Being named Mrs. Town Crier is an honor she holds close. “It’s not just a title — it’s a responsibility,” she explains. “To uplift, welcome, and help carry forward something that belongs to all of Pensacola is deeply meaningful to me.”

In today’s Mardi Gras landscape, the Town Crier, and Mrs. Town Crier, serves as a bridge between past and present.

While the bell and proclamations remain, the role now includes connecting with crowds, engaging families, welcoming visitors, and helping newcomers understand the traditions behind the beads. Mrs. Town Crier plans to honor that balance by showing up as her authentic self — joyful, creative, inclusive, and deeply respectful of those who came before her.

When asked what excites her most, her answer is simple: the people. “Mardi Gras breaks down walls and brings everyone together,” she says. “If people feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated when they cross my path this season, then I’ve done my job right.”

So when you hear that unmistakable call echo down Palafox, pause and listen. That voice isn’t just announcing a parade — it’s carrying centuries of Pensacola Mardi Gras history straight to your ears.

Danny Zimmern + Jo Stanovich

15

15th Annual Krewe of Blues Festival photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Ensley Field • Charity: Gulf Coast Kid’s House

1

2

3

5

4

6

1 Krewe of Karibbean • 2 Pirates of Lost Treasure • 3 Viking Mystics • 4 Mary Mattheiss, Shellie Miller • 5 Curtis Williams, James Thomas, Dan Powers • 6 Jay Benniefiel, Nell Jadwisiak, Angela Hatcher

FacesPcola.com

15th Annual Krewe of Blues Festival photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Ensley Field • Charity: Gulf Coast Kid’s House

7

8

9

10

11

7 Krewe Wicked Pirates • 8 Michelle Rewenko, Johnny & Raven Taylor, Brandy Lambert • 9 Krewe de Voulez Vous 10 Krewe of Blues & Krewe of Lafitte • 11 Audrey Preston

17

15th Annual Krewe of Blues Festival photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Ensley Field • Charity: Gulf Coast Kid’s House

12

14

17

13

15

16

18

12 Lily L., Jeri Cox, Kristy Peacock, Wendy Kramer, Jennifer Eykyn • 13 Krewe of Warriors • 14 Trish Jarry, Janice Ledbury 15 Tabbatha McGhee, Sandi Gray, Selisa Daniel • 16 Karen Harris, Teresa McCombs • 17 Krewe of Vixens • 18 Krewe of Sirens

FacesPcola.com

15th Annual Krewe of Blues Festival photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Ensley Field • Charity: Gulf Coast Kid’s House

19

20

21

19 Sarah Fish, Ashley Klawitter, Nina Cobb, Jennifer Rolin, Porsha Brown • 20 Natasha Brantley, Audrey Preston, Tracy Hornbrook • 21 Krewe de Karnival

19

KDK Wonderland Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Court of Deluna • Charity: Florida Cannabis Action Network, Ronald McDonald House, VFW Post 706 in West Pensacola

1

2

3

4 6 5

7 8

9

1 Michael Sneigoski, Jessica Lindsey • 2 Shelly & James Nutt • 3 Locks Gandy, James Hutto • 4 Dana Wolf, Shannon Harrold-Rairdon 5 Kobe Thomas, Christa Calder • 6 Hayley Artiola, Kevin Bragg • 7 Beverly Rios, Donna Donlan • 8 Tracie Polk, Donna & Mike Donlan 9 Steve Yo Galvin, Tammy Tomasek

FacesPcola.com

KDK Wonderland Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Court of Deluna • Charity: Florida Cannabis Action Network, Ronald McDonald House, VFW Post 706 in West Pensacola

10

13

16

11

12

14

15

17

10 Rhonda Wiggins, James Conyers • 11 Christy McCartney, Lisa Floyd • 12 Kendra Hamilton, Terri Clark • 13 Brenda Williams, Kindrina Stough • 14 Brenda Williams, Kindrina Stough • 15 Entertainment Ignited • 16 Stacey LaFoon, Jessica Wall, Ken Burnham, Sara Nilsen, Jason Herring • 17 Millie Abernathy, Crystal Maxwell, Sunnie Sweet, Casey Barrett

21

KDK Wonderland Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Court of Deluna • Charity: Florida Cannabis Action Network, Ronald McDonald House, VFW Post 706 in West Pensacola

18

19

22

20

21

23

18 Charlie Koski, Crystal Silins, Colleen Koski • 19 Nikki & Danny Fraser • 20 Kim Parvin, Christy Parker • 21 Misty Hoitash, Mary Fatolitis, Melissa Nicholson • 22 Krewe of Cheers • 23 Janice Ledbury, Jaime Johnson

FacesPcola.com

KDK Wonderland Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Court of Deluna • Charity: Florida Cannabis Action Network, Ronald McDonald House, VFW Post 706 in West Pensacola

24

25

26

28

27

29

24 Anthony Dickens, Laura Faith • 25 Tammy Arrant, Beverly Rios, Donna Donlan, Marcie Parker, Heather Castillo 26 Krewe of Pensacola Bells • 27 Raymond & Stefanie Osborne, Shirley & Jay Woodworth • 28 Tia Spear, Sherry Green 29 Melissa Nicholson, Tabetha Shellnutt, Jessica Lindsey, Nilla Worley, Chris Dumas, Steve Yo Galvin, Tammy Tomasek

23

Buy your tickets now at uwf.edu/wilc.

FacesPcola.com

Oh, What A Beautiful Morning!

Dance back in time to the American wild west with Oklahoma!–a classic, feel-good musical that follows the blossoming love story between farm girl Laurey and charming cowboy Curly as they navigate rival suitors and the challenges of frontier life. With unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” the lively “Kansas City,” and of course “Oklahoma!”, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic captures the heartwarming spirit of a community on the brink of change.

Tickets start at just $31

PensacolaOpera.com | 850.433.6737

Jonathan Bryan as Curly

Cadie Bryan as Laurey 25

Krewe of Priscus Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Pensacola Bay Center • Charity: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The ARC Gateway: Help me Grow Program

2

1

3

4

6 5

7

8

9

1 Elizabeth Anderson, Kate Dignan, Amanda Seich • 2 Jeff Silva, Maria Stahl • 3 Josh & Jenise Roth • 4 Jason Higgs, Ashley Donahoo 5 Brian & Cristina Williams • 6 Pam Kelly, Vern Derrick • 7 Duane & Carla Watson • 8 Matt Primm, Cheryl Armstrong 9 Midian Cosson, Cara Adkins, Jo Stanovich

FacesPcola.com

Krewe of Priscus Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Pensacola Bay Center • Charity: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The ARC Gateway: Help me Grow Program

10

12

11

13 14

15 16

10 Trey & Jennifer Morvant, Shaun & Jennifer Domnique, Tracy & Shan Percle • 11 Molly & Mark Holmes • 12 Michelle & Ernie Lewis 13 Lori & Bart Dorn, William & Jax Ducote • 14 Erik & Selisa Daniel • 15 Niels Andersen, Stacy Keller • 16 Debbie & Tim Mathews

27

Krewe of Priscus Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Pensacola Bay Center • Charity: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The ARC Gateway: Help me Grow Program

17

18

20

19

21

22

17 Tom & Beverly Vaughn • 18 Dr. Frank & Stefanie Watson • 19 Derell McCall, Tiffany Buccella • 20 Serena Thomas, Lisa Perry 21 Dawn & Chad Paulus • 22 James Monroe, Andrea Myrick

FacesPcola.com

Krewe of Priscus Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Pensacola Bay Center • Charity: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, The ARC Gateway: Help me Grow Program

23

24

25

27

26

28

23 Elizabeth & Mark Baer • 24 Don & Renee Harriman, Miranda & Jose Moronta • 25 Audrey Preston, Ellen Scott, Tracy Hornbrook 26 Dawn Grace, Traci Frick, Melissa Wright • 27 Jose & Ana Budde • 28 Katrina Crown, Shelby Hamilton, Nelson Munn, April Davidson, Amy Goetz

29

Krewe of Priscus Ball photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Pensacola Bay Center

29

30

31 13

29 Steve Galvin, Tammy Tomasek, Chris Dumas 30 Lane Vance, Christa Maxwell, Robert Simmons 31 Leigh & Clay Pyle, Mark & Molly Holmes

FacesPcola.com

Because I Wore This photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Jubilee Church • Charity: Survivor Led Solutions

1

2

4

5

6

3

7

1 Krista & Kassidy Adams • 2 Donna & Destiny Byrd • 3 Alicia & Brian Tappan • 4 Darra Flanagan • 5 Elden & Tiffany Scott 6 Christina Vaughn, Ronda Fisher, Alicia Tappan, April Fischer, Erika Sandstrom, Angie Ishee, Susan Junot • 7 Lori Meador, Jess Schafer

31

Because I Wore This photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Jubilee Church • Charity: Survivor Led Solutions

8

11

14

9

12

10

13

15

8 Abby & Scott Durrance • 9 Amy Read, Heather Harriott • 10 Alicia Tappan, Cookie Echsner-Rasmussen • 11 Alicia Tappan, Kaitlin Mischler • 12 Shauna Newell, Christina Vaughn, Ronda Fisher • 13 Mark Van Buren • 14 Jason & Melissa Grizzard 15 Trina Davis, Heather Fountain, Nyla Page

FacesPcola.com

Because I Wore This photographer: Kristina Wright

Location: Jubilee Church • Charity: Survivor Led Solutions

16

17

18

19

20

16 Dan Harriott, Alicia & Brian Tappan • 17 Board Members • 18 Alicia Tappan, Felicia Scaife • 19 Marissa & Jeff Osborne 20 Survivors

33

The

Merrymuse written by: Chesley Polk photos by:Kristina Wright

I

of Mardi Gras

n a city where tradition runs deep and celebration wears many faces, Chesley Polk has become a defining force of modern Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast. As the founder of Polkadot Entertainment and the producer and host of The Fat Tuesday Drag Show, Chesley has spent the last five years re-inspiring what community-centered celebration can look like when it leads with love, joy, and intention. And this year, as the anticipation begins and the applause continues, a fitting new distinction emerges: Chesley Polk is the Merrymuse of Mardi Gras.

Now entering its fifth year, the Fat Tuesday Drag Show has earned its place as a local institution. Voted Pensacola’s Favorite Mardi Gras Event twice, the show has grown from a bold idea into a can’t-miss finale of the official Pensacola Mardi Gras season. It blends spectacle and heart, glamour and grit, creating an experience that feels both electric and deeply personal. At the center of it all is Polk, equal parts producer, host, advocate, and heartbeat of the room, inspiring joy not just through performance but through presence.

Chesley’s guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: move with love toward understanding. It is a phrase that echoes through their work, their leadership, and their presence. Whether curating a high-energy production or navigating the realities of being a queer business owner in the South, Chesley leads with kindness without sacrificing strength. That balance has become their signature, and it is exactly the kind of spirit the word Merrymuse was made to describe.

In 2025, Pensacola recognized that impact by voting Chesley its Favorite Influencer. That same year, Chesley was also honored as a United Way Emerald Coast 40 Under 40 recipient, recognizing young leaders who are making a meaningful difference in their communities. Together, these honors speak less to visibility and more to real-world influence built through consistency, authenticity, and service. Chesley does not just create events. They create space. Space for self-expression. Space for celebration.

Space for joy that feels earned and shared.

At its core, the Fat Tuesday Drag Show is a love letter to community.

Performers, crew, and audience members alike describe it as more than entertainment. It is a moment of belonging. Chesley has been intentional about ensuring the show reflects a wide range of voices, styles, and stories, making it accessible while still elevated. The result FacesPcola.com

is a production that feels inclusive without ever feeling diluted, a reflection of the joyful inspiration Chesley brings into every room.

That intentionality is rooted in lived experience. Chesley’s journey has not been without obstacles, and resilience is woven into every chapter of their story. Rather than allowing challenges to harden them, Chesley has chosen softness as a strength, meeting resistance with grace, fear with humor, and pressure with personality.

Their joy is not accidental. It is practiced, protected, and offered freely to others.

As an activist and advocate, Chesley understands visibility as responsibility.

Their work champions representation not as a trend, but as a necessity. In doing so, they have helped shift perceptions, open doors, and invite new audiences into conversations they may not have otherwise entered. It is advocacy delivered with warmth, wit, and an open heart.

Five years in, the Fat Tuesday Drag Show stands as proof of what is possible when creativity is paired with courage. And Chesley Polk, the Merrymuse of Mardi Gras, remains its brightest throughline, leading with love and reminding Pensacola that celebration, at its best, brings people together.

35

Who’s Counting? abies B e k a ing C win!

K d y l n u a o m yo u c h ow d s n s e a u G e Ja r h t n i are

F i r st c t re r o C y Entr !

Wins

The firs t co gue rr ss w ins a ect Mar di G free ras fro m G o Ba s k e t Pro visio urmet ns a Free nd a 1/2P g Ad Fac es P e n sa f o r col a!

How to Play: Email your guess to promo@facespcola.com by February 12th, 2026 In order to qualify as a valid entry you must: 1. Put “King Cake Baby Guess” in the Subject 2. Include your Name, Phone Number, and Email Address in the email 3. Your best guess for the number of King Cake Babies in the jar pictured above!