Twenty women founded the Order of Polka Dots in May 1949, and in 1950, OOP was the first ladies’ organization to parade in Mobile. According to Mardi Gras historian Emily Hearin, the ladies chose the name (which, for the first year, was written “Polkadots”) “because they liked the sound of it.”
Still a robust and active group, the OOP was a trailblazer for several ladies’ organizations. Today, they are the largest ladies’ parading organization in the state of Alabama, with numbers totalling over 650.
The group’s emblem is the Gypsy Queen, and she rides on the first float, which features Pegasus pulling a chariot. OOP’s nine officers represent the nine ancient Greek Muses: Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpischore, Thalia and Urania.
In 2026, their parade theme is “Cocktails and Dreams.” Expect 18 floats, built by Meagan Marler’s Mythic Float Works and designed by Brent Amacker. The parade will also include marching bands, brass bands and Chico the drummer. Queen Dina and Emblem Michelle are escorted by Mark and Greg, respectively. Costumes are by Anita Finch of Seams to Be.
In 2025, OOP rolled on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The theme was “Seeing is Believing.” The parade included 17 floats, designed by Brent Amacker and built by Meagan Marler’s Mythic Float Works. Costumes were by Seams to Be.
