Krewe members are assessed fees in order to pay for the parade or ball. Fees can range from thousands of dollars a year per person for the most elaborate parades, to as little as $20 a year for smaller
clubs. Criteria for krewe membership vary similarly, ranging from exclusive organizations largely limited to relatives of previous members, to other organizations open to anyone able to pay the membership fee. Krewes with low membership fees may also require members to work to help build and decorate the
parade floats and make their own costumes. Higher priced krewes hire professionals to do this work. Parading krewe members are usually responsible for buying their own
throws such as beads and coins, which are thrown to parade spectators according to tradition. Some krewes have other events, such as private dances or parties, for members throughout the year. Some also make a point of supporting charities and good causes. Some krewes restrict their membership to one sex, while others allow co-ed membership. For example, the
Krewe of Endymion from New Orleans and
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla from Tampa are restricted to men only. Examples of female-only krewes include the New Orleans'
Krewe of Cleopatra and
Krewe of Muses and Tampa's Krewe of Venus. == See also ==