Sirens of the Sea Mark 25 Years With Patriotic Gala Honoring First Responders

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The Sirens of the Sea, an all-female Mardi Gras krewe, marked its 25th anniversary with a patriotic Stars & Stripes Silver Celebration on Sept. 11 that also saluted America’s 250th birthday and honored local first responders on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Guests filled the evening with dinner, dancing and patriotic spirit, and the event’s silent auction drew donations from more than 50 local businesses. Proceeds will support the krewe’s annual scholarship program for female high school seniors at Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Foley high schools.

A night of music and celebration

The Groovinators provided the music, keeping the dance floor busy throughout the night. Krewe Queen Donna Fitts and Emblem Betty Marino, wearing their crowns, led guests onto the dance floor. Siren member Deborah Penza’s food committee prepared the dinner.

Bo Tucker won the evening’s $2,000 grand prize, and longtime Siren Shirley Barbour took home a Red, White & Blue BBQ Grill Package.

Honoring first responders

The krewe welcomed a number of first responders from across south Baldwin County, including:

• Lt. Lisa Augustin, Orange Beach Police Department
• Trace Clayton, Orange Beach Fire Rescue
• Chief Dan Netemeyer, Gulf Shores Police Department
• Deputy Chief of Police Joe Taylor, Gulf Shores Police Department
• Battalion Chief Jonathan Wells
• Lt. Benjamin Rye
• Engineer Jason McDanal
• Engineer Owen Shivers

The Sept. 11 date gave the evening added meaning. The 2001 terrorist attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, including 343 New York City firefighters, and the anniversary has become a day to recognize the police officers, firefighters and paramedics who respond to emergencies in communities across the country. Just weeks after the celebration, many of those same local responders were called on again as Hurricane Isaias moved through the region in October.

Sirens of the Sea Ways & Means Chair Charlene Doody thanked the businesses, guests, first responders, volunteers and supporters who helped make the milestone celebration a memorable night.

Three milestones in one evening

The celebration tied together three anniversaries. For the krewe, it marked a quarter-century of parading, balls and community service. For the nation, 2026 is the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and communities across the country have held events throughout the year to mark it. And the Sept. 11 date allowed the Sirens to pay tribute to the first responders who protect the coast year-round.

Mardi Gras on the Alabama coast

Mardi Gras runs deep along the Gulf Coast. Mobile held the first Carnival celebration in what is now the United States, and the tradition has spread to communities throughout Baldwin County, where Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Foley all host parades each season. Krewes such as the Sirens of the Sea organize year-round, raising money through social events and balls and spending much of the year preparing floats, costumes and throws.

Many coastal krewes, like the Sirens, also direct their fundraising toward charitable causes. The Sirens’ scholarship program gives female seniors at three south Baldwin high schools help with the cost of college.

Next up: Queen’s Mahjong

The Sirens’ next event is Queen’s Mahjong, set for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Orange Beach Community Center. The cost is $50 per player, and the krewe is inviting the public to come play, laugh and spend an evening with the Sirens.

• What: Queen’s Mahjong, hosted by the Sirens of the Sea
• When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m.
• Where: Orange Beach Community Center
• Cost: $50 per player