Festigals Parade

Festigals is a weekend gathering of women for networking, education, fundraising and New Orleanian fun. Their STEP UP to stop domestic violence parade (formerly the Stiletto Stroll) is the city’s largest women’s second-line parade. Festigals was my first parade as a Pussyfooter

Festigals Stiletto Stroll

The Festigals Stiletto Stroll was the first parade I ever did as a Pussyfooter. Our non-profit organization of 120 women over 30 was one of the many dance troupes and walking krewes that helped raise money for New Orleans Family Justice Center. Their mission is to “bring together community-based domestic violence and sexual assault providers as well as criminal justice and law enforcement professionals to provide wrap-around and comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and child abuse.”

This year’s parade began at Carl Mack’s  Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture.

Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture

I was delighted to attend the opening of Carl Mack’s Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture this weekend. It was the perfect way to kick off the first day of Carnival, especially since they had plenty of King Cake on hand. The walls displayed vibrant photos, mostly by Carlos Gonzalez, celebrating the year-round costuming culture of New Orleans. There were even a couple of photos from our wedding in a display book. I especially enjoyed when the photos were placed next to the actual costumes they captured.

The fancifully displayed costumes are the real stars of the show. The majority come from the personal collection of Carl Mack

Creole Tomato and Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festivals

This weekend was the  27th annual Creole Tomato Fest and the 7th Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival.  I had been looking forward to the festivals for 2 main reasons – the amazing Heirloom Tomato Salad I get every year from Covey Rise Farms and the Sliced Creole Tomatoes topped w/lump crabmeat and Remoulade Dressing ($7) from George’s Produce. If I had kids, I would love this fest for its many activities for children. The Tomato Fest has miniature golf, circus arts, crafting, storytelling, swing dance lessons, face painting and a “decorate a secondline hanky” booth.