Each year, just before the Mardi Gras Parade takes over Crystal Beach, the Eagles Aerie 3719 hosts one of the community’s most anticipated events—the Crazy Hat Party. This year, the tradition takes on a new twist as the Crazy Mask Party, inviting revelers to showcase their most creative, festive, and extravagant masks. While the party itself is a highlight of the season, there’s one cherished element that makes this event truly special: the hand-painted medallions crafted by Jim Denys.
Fifteen years ago, when the first Crazy Hat Party was held, Denys introduced his unique, handcrafted wooden medallions, designed to match the theme of the year’s parade. These one-of-a-kind keepsakes, attached to a string of beads, serve as awards for all participants. Some are round, others rectangular, but all are beautifully hand-painted and treasured by their recipients.
Denys’ meticulous process begins months in advance. Each year, he creates approximately 150 medallions, cutting, sanding, and painting each piece by hand. Every tiny detail, from the vibrant designs to the delicate lettering—done with a toothpick—is carefully executed with dedication and precision. This is no simple craft project; it’s a labor of love, an offering to the community that has embraced this tradition for over a decade.
About five years ago, Denys expanded his creations to include another highly coveted award: miniature deck chairs. These tiny works of art, awarded to the twelve finalists, are crafted with the same level of care as the medallions. Each chair is carefully sawed, sanded, glued, and hand-painted to reflect the year’s theme. The result? A beautifully detailed, palm-sized piece of craftsmanship that symbolizes both the spirit of the event and the dedication behind it.
“In all, it takes about 300 hours,” Denys shares, reflecting on the countless hours spent ensuring each medallion and chair is a worthy keepsake. His work has become a beloved fixture of the Crazy Hat (Mask) Party, with past winners proudly displaying their hand-painted prizes from years gone by. Thanks to the talent and passion of Jim Denys, this tradition continues to thrive, adding a personal and artistic touch to an already popular celebration.
