Krewe of Iris – 100 Years

The oldest all-female krewe, Krewe of Iris was founded in 1917 and began parading in 1959. The bold and beautiful floats this year were inspired by the different parade themes across the krewes’ history. The court wore gorgeous sequined costumes with giant collars depicting cultural iconography. The queen was resplendent in a  traditional  beaded gown, jeweled crown and mask and regal lace collar. Sunglasses are a favorite throw with the hand-decoareted ones being the most coveted.

Krewe of Endymion

Founded in 1966, Krewe of Endymion is a Super Krewe featuring over 3,000 riders and a 9 car, 365 foot long megafloat. Many of the vibrant floats are covered in thousands of lights – it’s Vegas on wheels. Jerry Springer made a return visit as Grand Marshal. His first ride was in 1998. It was chilly and windy but was a grand show worth shivering for. The royalty are particularly beautiful, so covered in bling and plumes they have to be held up by a chain from above. 

Why I Won’t Be Writing About Katrina

When I was a kid, another teenager in my family was murdered. I learned a long time ago the cost of talking about it. Even if you could handle the pain of reliving it, people couldn’t tolerate knowing things that awful happen in their world. I’d end up having to comfort the person I told rather than getting their comfort for my pain (and anger, confusion, grief, fear, loss, sadness, despair). Sometimes, people would distance themselves from me to avoid thinking about it. It even became an identity. My best friend from high school recently admitted it was the first thing anyone ever told her about me when she transferred to our school. But every once in awhile, I still try to talk about it.

Beauty Pageant Judge

Last weekend, I had to choose between attending the gallery opening of Women in Film and Television’s “A Woman’s Work” and judging a beauty pageant in Mississippi. Since I’d committed to the pageant first, the choice was easy – but I did go through a post-feminist battle in my mind. I was excited to see my clips included in WIFT’s documentary of interviews with over 50 Louisiana women in the industry (and I will make it to the exhibit at the CAC before it closes July 27th). But, I honestly wouldn’t be in this industry if not for a pageant I entered at 17.

Krewe of Iris

The Krewe of Iris is the oldest and largest all-female krewe. Founded in 1917, they began parading in 1959. Though it’s usually ladies first on Mardi Gras Saturday, imminent stormy weather pushed the larger Tuck’s parade first and Iris, unfortunately, into the storm. What started as drizzles crept into weather-garbed marching bands and ended with thunder and scattering crowds. BUT, it was fun while it lasted.

Between the parades

I’ve spent so much time talking about parades that some of the simpler things I love about New Orleans have fallen through the cracks.