Endymion at Gallier Hall

This was my second year watching the Krewe of Endymion parade from the bleachers, this time – right in front of stately Gallier Hall with each float and band putting on a show for the Mayor. I was privy to all the pomp and ritual – the toasts with royalty and the smashing of champagne glasses. (I got to relive the moment standing next to Quentin Tarantino days later on his Orpheus float as he received his Key to the City, made his speech and smashed his glass).

Krewes of Choctaw and Freret Parades

The bad news is I missed the Krewe of Pontchartrain parade. The great news is I’m working this week. As a result, I won’t be writing much but I will include more photos. I also missed the first half of my first Krewe of Choctaw parade, recently moved from the Westbank, but arrived to see the Sci Academy Starlets, McDonogh #32, Andrew H. Wilson, Alice M. Harte, Harriet Tubman and Whatever School of Dance.  My favorite moment was when Wossman got stuck in front of us and their band really put on a show.

I also enjoyed the debut of the Krewe of Freret parade with Grand Marshall, DancingMan504.

Parades! Oshun and Cleopatra

The official Carnival parades kicked off with the Krewes of Oshun and Cleopatra on Friday night.  Oshun, named for the African goddess of fountains, love, wealth and religion, features peacock symbology and finely feathered royalty including Christopher Brown as King Shango, Queen Laquina Ladmirault Brown, Grand Marshall WDSU’s Damon Singleton and Ms. Black Lousiana, Chelsea Smith. Established in 1996, this year’s theme was “Night Out in the Big City.” My favorite float had to be the Saints Superfans float. Superfan Larry Jehle Jr. AKA “Saints Fett” passed last week after battling leukemia and, though he only ever got to attend one game inside the Dome, even Drew Brees mourns his loss.