Facts and Information
The Krewe of Venus, established in 1965, is the second oldest Krewe in Tampa, Florida. It is a social organization established to be a part of the Bay Area Krewe Festivities occurring during the late winter/early spring months and continuing on a lesser scale throughout the year. It is one of many social groups in the Bay area using the designation of Krewe.The Krewe of Venus heritage extends over three decades in Tampa. Our founder, Mrs. Frank (Lucille) Cochran, and members of the Tampa Women's Club started our Krewe. The organizations and first year's activities were established with the assistance of the New Orleans Krewe of Venus. Their support and representation created a Mardi Gras style Coronation Ball at the old Curtis Hixon Convention Center in the Fall of 1965. Since that year, Kings and Queens have been crowned and lead our Gala events...a glittering part of the Tampa Bay Social Scene.
In 1992, an Inter-Krewe Council was established to assist in the yearly scheduling of activities in the Bay area including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee counties. The Krewe is an active participant with the Inter-Krewe Council. A dozen parades are held in the area each spring, and many of the Krewes support these many activities. The Krewe heritage is a blend of the traditions of the original Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (established in 1904), the Latin influences, a bit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, and local traditions.
The Krewe annually hosts a calendar of events, to include the Royal Coronation Ball, Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Derby Party, President’s Party, King and Queen’s Royal Party, Halloween Costume Party, King’s Guard Charity Christmas Brunch, and the Arms of Venus Glitz, Glamour Party. The Krewe also participates in the Gasparilla Children’s Parade, Gasparilla Pirate Fest Parade, Ybor City Knight Parade, and St. Patrick’s Night Parade.
As a family oriented Krewe, one of our goals is to supplement our many traditions established over the years to reflect the social needs and growth of our community.
Lucille Cochran Award Recipient
2015 - Bob & Lucille Clark2014 - Steve & Becky Myers
2013 - Sandy McLain
2012 - James V. Carver
2011 - Bonnie Perry
2010 - Jack & Tricia Barnes
2009 - Jackie St.John
2008 - Bill & Dianne Calderazzo
2007 - Jeanne Kill
2006 - Zoila Urquiaga
2005 - Trudy Carey
2004 - Roy Wilcox
2003 - Frank & Lee Schmoll
2002 - Edna & Howard Hill
2001 - Linda Cassell Jones
2000 - Dr. Leslie & Phyllis Chisholm
1999 - Cecelia Vance
1998 - Jane Lane
