Mandeville has a new Mardi Gras krewe. The Krewe of Lyra, an all-women’s krewe, will roll March 4, 2011, behind the Krewe of Orpheus.

The krewe, which serves as both a social krewe as well a professional networking organization for local ladies, was formed earlier this year. It lists its main purpose as promoting “fun, friendship and festivity.”

But krewe members are about more than just having fun.

Officers for the Krewe of Orpheus and the new Krewe of Lyra are, from left, first row: Dan Berlin, Brett Lowe, Gwendel Booth, Lex Cairns, Cindy Casanova, Mary Grace Knapp, Toni McCord and Judy Amedee, Kirsty Nunez; and second row: Paul Eyster, Gregg Brauwn and Wade Brupbacher. Not pictured are Victoria Witt, Eli Wilson, Craig Boudreaux and Mike Anderson.

The krewe has adopted a community outreach project mission focused at enhancing the lives of those who are impacted by mental illness.

Parading members are also known as the Lyra Stargazing Society.

Participation in the society is by invitation of the founding members.

To help the new group of its feet, the krewe has decided to partner with the Original Krewe of Orpheus. The arrangement was made to both lengthen the parade and to help bring stability to both organizations during the recent economic downturn.

“Obviously, for a new organization, parading with an established krewe like Orpheus is very exciting for us,” said Krewe of Lyra Captain Mary Grace Knapp. “We appreciate Orpheus’ invitation to join them and are grateful for the opportunity to leave our celestial footprint on the Northshore.”

Orpheus Captain Brett Lowe is also looking forward to the partnership.

“The Stargazing Society will add a new dimension to our parade,” he said. “Anytime you can give people a better parade experience, you jump at the chance.”

The two krewes recently made the official announcement of the alliance at a luau at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club in Mandeville.

While the two krewes will parade together and will co-host some events, they will keep their balls and memberships separate.

Lyra will host is inaugural ball Feb. 5.