The 2015 Mardi Gras on the Harbor parade rolls at 2 p.m. Feb. 7. The 2015 King is Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce and this year’s Queen is Suzy Hunt, events coordinator at the Destin Chamber. \
More than 100 floats, carts, brass bands, dancers and festive marchers will throw beads, treats, T-shirts and trinkets to parade-goers down the harbor on the mile long boardwalk along the Destin harbor. After the parade, the party continues at HarborWalk Village all through the evening.
King Shane Moody
Mardi Gras King Shane Moody is also considered a bit of a joker to all who know him well enough to enjoy his enthusiasm for life and contagious smile. King Moody has been president and CEO of the Destin Chamber since 2004. During his tenure, he has used his keen sense of humor and positive attitude to help develop The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce into the award winning and productive organization it is today.
King Moody is a graduate of Institute for Organization Management and under his leadership, the chamber has won the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Award for Excellence. Originating in South Carolina, Moody is an avid Gamecocks fan. We all know him as a pillar in our community and appreciate his extraordinary leadership while still preserving our small town charm. King Shane Moody’s greatest accomplishment is his three beautiful children, also known as his royal court.
Queen Suzy Hunt
Local, vocal and chock full of energy, Queen Suzy Hunt was chosen to reign as this year’s queen thanks to her vibrant and outspoken personality and her ability to uplift others in the face of turmoil or personal trials. In 2007, she was already heavily involved in the community during her career as a professional broadcast personality and manager, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unafraid to speak out about her diagnosis, she raised awareness within her sphere of influence, sharing phrases like “Catch it on arrival, better chance of survival.”
Queen Hunt did not stop as simply a health advocate, she actively held a fundraising event aptly titled “The Breast Party in Town” and The Suzy Fund was born. Sacred Heart Hospital offers screenings and diagnostic mammograms to qualifying Okaloosa and Walton County women through this effort.
Queen Hunt is a Fort Walton Beach High School graduate and has been working with the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce since 2012. She is the proud parent of two-four legged fur children, Rudy and Tink, and a die hard Browns Fan.