“It’s only cold outside, so all you have to do is never leave. You’ve already made it through getting here.”

Such sagacity is normally wasted on the Masked Observer, but as he and his retinue were shoved into the Civic Center lobby by a brusque and mighty wind, eyes parched from the blow, squatting like frontiersmen suddenly looked like an appealing option to facing the elements. While it had rained on some of the “Super Saturday” krewes, by the midway point of the lumbering procession, sporadic gales had settled on the streets of downtown Mobile causing each masker and patron alike to flee for festive cover.

It often happens in this moody burg we call “the Mother of the Mystics,” as the transitional weather tends to be as predictable as MoonPie flavors in silver wrapping. The effect it has on ballgoers is spectacular for one such as the Observer, however. Everyone’s instantly a little more frisky and brazen — a combination Dark Hallway likes to call “daringly delicious.”

And so were the thousands streaming into the Dainty Dome, as events unfolded in the building’s wings, as well as center stage.

Krewe of Marry Mates

The Crewe d’Observe’s first sojourn was as guests of the Krewe of Marry Mates, the pioneers of Carnival cohabitation, celebrating its 31st annual fête in the Expo Hall. Much like Apollo’s Mystic Ladies the night before, the Mates have a more relaxed sensibility when it comes to party etiquette, allowing elaborate headgear as well as — gasp! — sneakers for the fashionistas in floor-length drapery.

One such lass, waiting for the Krewe’s arrival, gazed in appreciation at her companion’s bejeweled tennis shoes, which punctuated a skyrocketing slit in the other woman’s gown.

“Aren’t you afraid they’ll say something about you not wearing dress shoes?” she asked. “Not in the least,” came the reply. “Why would anyone look down when there’s much more to see up high?”

The Masked One finds such joy in rhetorical statements such as those, especially when they distract him from the beverage lines that tend to stretch like human taffy due to there being only two drink stations in the Expo Hall. It’s like this every year with the Marry Mates, which is merely a sign of growing pains as the group expands to its current logistical limits. One member was heard opining that it might be time to run up the white flag and approach the nearby Order of Juno about gaining access to the Civic Center arena moving forward.

Such discussions may or may not happen, but what was crystalline during the Mates’ tableau was the power of family and fellowship. For its 31st, the organization chose the theme, “It’s Showtime,” which is by far the most popular motif of the season having been utilized now three weekends in a row in some manner.

Dancing to a host of film and Broadway hits, King Tyler and Queen Loretta were delightful in their thankfully brief procession, making way for the group’s emblems, Mr. and Mrs. Marry Mate. This is always one of the Observer’s favorite couples, as they not only prance about the parquet, but subsequently perch in a special review stand to be honored by their fellow maskers during callouts.

A touching highlight among the maskers was discovered on the Caddyshack float, where three generations from the Cypress Shore neighborhood in west Mobile strode across the hall, elated at the notable achievement of their participation. It was a foregone conclusion that the trio of couples would earn the night’s first Mellow MoonPie. The elder couple counted themselves among the founders of the festive group, and for the first time, their grandchildren were able to not only parade side-by-side with them, but shake hindquarters in matching costumes long into the night.

Music for the evening was provided by Nashville’s Party of 5 Band, and a revamped buffet line offered one of Dark Hallway’s favorite delicacies: pork dumplings, and plenty of them.

Deaf Mystics of the Galaxies

On the other side of Juno’s celebration, near the Civic Center Theater entrance, a new krewe was holding its inaugural soiree, much to the Masked Observer’s delight. Witnessing the birth of communal merriment is a singular pleasure, especially considering how many groups are over a century deep into their self-gratification.

As indicated by its name, the Galaxies are comprised of deaf and deaf-blind celebrants eager to enjoy the city’s signature celebration in the way they know best — full tilt. And such was the mood in their hall, as deejays Lee and Jamming Jerry played a string of tunes “all about that bass,” so the rhythms could pulse through the floorboards and into the hearts and souls of those in attendance.

It was a sight to behold, and inspired the Observer to award his second Mellow MoonPie for the Mystics’s salute to their muse. Here were nearly a hundred revelers getting their groove on in the best possible way. The evening’s theme was Medieval Time and the group’s first royals were King Rodney and Queen Maria.

According to the founders, guests from 38 states were in attendance for the amazing event, many experiencing something they’d never even attempted before. Floral Headpiece watched in amazement as a group of delighted younger patrons FaceTimed their friends from the dance floor, conversing into the camera with their hands, just as anyone else would using their voices.

For those as appreciative of the uniqueness of the organization’s name as the Observer, sources close to the krewe reported that “Deaf Mystics of Galaxies” was chosen because “just as there are many planets in our universe, there are many types of people in our community.” Your humble denizen will certainly never be called “cool,” but he knows it when he sees it.

Order of Butterfly Maidens

Over at Fort Whiting, for its 21st annual ball, the Order of Butterfly Maidens were ready to “Tropic Like It’s Hot,” a creative and flirty theme that had Dark Hallway almost giddy in anticipation as the Crewe d’Observe arrived on the outskirts of the Brookley Aeroplex. “Look at these ball groups,” the bodyguard leered as he perused the table program. “Reef Riders! Pineapple Passion! Umbrella Concoctions! I anticipate very short skirts and very high heels!”

As always, the Butterflies did not disappoint, fluttering across the stage in a lavish whirl of tropical colors and flair. Led by President Shawn, the executive board members — saucy and barefoot in their watermelon-and-green dresses — held center stage to preside over the tableau as the sexy Islanders of Tahiti.

“Now, that’s a creative solution to foot fatigue,” Floral Headpiece whispered in admiration.

The Butterflies love their flair, and every tropical troupe sported colorful wigs, glowing shoes and elaborate fascinators. The tableau opened with a high-energy performance by young dancers from Malinda Leigh Performing Arts Center, and concluded with a mesmerizing, ethereal butterfly dancer on stilts, who waved her glowing wings over the dance floor and posed for photos with her many admirers.

Instead of the usual slow dance to close out the tableau, Madame Butterfly Sydney and President Shawn twirled across the floor with their sure-footed escorts, drawing cheers from the crowd. The band Five Star Funk Lounge and DJ Ron Anthony kept the dance floor packed.

Gorgeously glowing Fort Whiting was filled with elaborate, tropical tablescapes, with no detail overlooked. The fort, the Observer reflected, is the perfect venue for the Butterflies, with its intimate atmosphere and ample room for dining, dancing and conversation.