The Broken Axle Club was born of an unfortunate event on Friday evening, March 2, 1962. As Hermes XXII led his royal entourage onto St. Charles Avenue to the cheers of the assembled multitudes, Float 7, still well back in the gloom of Washington Avenue, gave one tentative lurch and then broke down, the victim of a front axle aneurysm.

Despite the debacle, the fearless group of float riders moved to the property wagon to distribute their generosity to a curious crowd.

In honor of this pitiful episode, the inaugural Broken Axle Club dinner was held in 1963 at Vista Shores. Since then, the gathering has expanded and been held at various locations. It remains a lively occasion for revelry, feasting, and honoring the new King Hermes.

A large banquet hall filled with many round tables, where people in formal attire are seated for what appears to be a formal event or dinner, with high ceiling, chandeliers, and elegant drapery.

Round banquet table set for a formal event with gold chargers, white plates, silverware, and white napkins. Each place setting has a program booklet and a decorative blue and gold ribbon. The centerpiece features a floral arrangement with yellow roses, purple flowers, and greenery, along with a table number sign displaying '11'. There are salt and pepper shakers and a small candle holder on the table.

A man with gray hair and glasses playing a large brass tuba at an indoor event.

A golden platter with a Hermes badge, a folded white napkin, and a yellow event menu card for the Hermès Broken Axle Dinner on February 19, 2025, at the Audubon Tea Room, with utensils on both sides.

A decorated event stage with a central ornate white and gold throne on a platform, surrounded by white-covered chairs, dark curtains, and blue drapes, with a large emblem or crest behind the throne.

A large sculpture of the Greek God Hermes is displayed in a banquet hall with tables, chairs, and large windows.

Hermes

Broken Axle Dinner