This Dauphin Island group formed in 1992 after a handful of friends, having breakfast at a local restaurant, decided their little barrier island needed more than one Mardi Gras group. The first Mardi Gras organization, the Island Mystics, started that same year but folded just before its 25th anniversary. The Island Mystics have been replaced with the Dauphin Island People’s Parade. The first KDLD parade, held in 1994, had the theme “Scenes of Dauphin Island.” The group decided its parade would always be held on the fifth Saturday before Fat Tuesday, making this krewe, by far, the first Mobile-area parade of the year. And sometimes the cold winds of early January make them pay dearly for that distinction.
The 2026 theme is “KDLD Takes the Win.” The floats express competitive sports, games and hobbies. King Billy and Queen Virginia are accompanied by Emblems Kim and Andrew, and Jesters Sarah and Les. Bill’s Costumes brought the garments to life. Grand marshal is Dauphin Island Police Chief Matthew Emlich. Expect 60 units in the parade, along with dance troops, musicians, ABBA Shriners and other Dauphin Island groups such as the Dauphin Island Girls and the D.I. Cart Crew.
In 2025, KDLD rolled on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. The theme was “KDLD Saves the World!” Queen Wendy and King Bud were accompanied by Emblems Cookie and Elizabeth, and Jesters Heather and Courtney. The parade included nine floats.
