Cotton Candies Krewe: A look at this fun group of women; includes many over 50
By Erin Coggins | Living 50 Plus
Being from New Orleans, the home of the Mardi Gras parade, April Black knows all too well how to be a spectacle in a parade.
And what better way to put on a show than to don all things pink, including pink wigs and having fun with friends?
After reading about the Blount Hospitality House’s annual Mardi Gras parade, Black knew her sadness in missing out on Carnival Season could be cured with the creation of her own Krewe. So, she created the Cotton Candies Krewe in January 2014.
“It started with an early morning text to three girlfriends, ‘we’re doing this.’ I’m not sure they fully understood what they were getting into and what my plans were, but they were immediately in,” Black said.
With Black’s upbringing, the group styled themselves in the tradition of a New Orleans marching krewe but with a Huntsville flair. Every member creates her own costume following the guidelines of pink wigs, pink outfit and white boots.
“It is a wonderful creative outlet with a lot of glitter, feathers and glitz,” Black said. “We are not ones to blend in and our signature pink makes sure we stand out from the crowd, especially during Mardi Gras with everyone in traditional colors of purple, green and gold. We also want to differentiate from the overwhelming Rocket City space culture that the area is known for. And there is never too much pink. The color evokes fun, confidence and joy and is flattering on everyone.”
The Krewe, made up of 50 members, primarily parades where they dance with only a few seconds break between songs to quickly wave to crowds. The Krewe operates on an on-season and off-season schedule. During the on season, they march in parades and practice weekly. The off-season is about get-togethers, game nights, movies and just doing what women normally do to catch up with their girlfriends. But no matter the season, the ladies are always up to being Cotton Candies.
“We were eating at a local eatery one day after a parade and the owner of the establishment had to come out and meet us and take a picture with us,” Shawna Williams said. “She was so excited. We taught her one of our signature Candy dance moves.”
The limit on membership is set at 50 and with little turnover, the possibility of getting one of those spots is almost nil. Black says it is a good problem to have, but not always a popular answer to give. Out of the 50 members, 20 are over the age of 50, some of those are grandmothers.
Jacqueline Holmes (aka Charms) is a Nana to six girls and says it is difficult to form sincere relationships after the age of 50, but after joining the Cotton Candies she found a sisterhood where the love is genuine and always on display.
“I began to have far more confidence in myself after becoming a Cotton Candy. I am among mature women who seek to uplift each other and fix each other’s crowns rather than being negative and seeking to destroy. The joy of knowing that I am not alone in this world no matter what I face. My Cotton Candy sisters are a rock for anyone who is in need,” Holmes said. “As a mature 60-year-old there are lots of flaws that can shake the confidence but with this Krewe I benefit from sisters who seek to instill and build my confidence. They encourage me to be me all the time.”
In July 2019, Holmes experienced the side of the Cotton Candies that did not include dancing in a parade. Her brother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away and she was totally lost and completely heartbroken.
“Despite my mature age, I needed help. When my Krewe sisters learned of his passing, they immediately stepped in to not only take exceptional care of me but also my family,” Holmes said.
The Krewe is visible to the Huntsville community in various parades, including the Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades, they took their show on the road recently to Rome to participate in the Italy New Year’s Day Parade.
“It was such a magical experience dancing through the beautiful historical city in front of thousands of people cheering us on,” Black said. “It’s not only the parade but just traveling and sightseeing together. That’s where the really good stories come from, but I can’t share those.”
What once started out as just for fun has now become a non-profit social club organization that has supported many local nonprofits in either fundraising or performing. But perhaps the best contribution to the community is empowering women.
“We really represent this idea of female power, fun, frivolity and confidence, all while making financial contributions with our fundraising efforts,” Black said. “I know what I get out of it and I know others feel the same way.
Since the Cotton Candies Krewe is all about community and providing a fun, drama free space for women, it is obvious that the one thing that makes them really smile is interacting with their female audience.
“I think our favorite part of parading and dancing is seeing the little girl’s eyes just light up but also seeing the older women dancing along to the music and yelling out, ‘you go girl,” Black said. “We’ve had teenage girls tell us; I want to be you when I grow up. It’s that example of, ‘if they can do it, so can I.’”
