Inaugural Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade

I’ve loved dancing with the Pussyfooters in the annual Krewe of Jingle holiday parade for years. Sadly, the parade didn’t survive the pandemic, so organizers from various local organizations came together to create the first ever Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade. The float builders at Kern Studios created Louisiana and New Orleans-centritc floats like alligators and Mr. Bingle. TV cameras were set up throughout the city to report the action. Floating balloons (like in the Macy’s parade) were added to the many dance krewes and school bands crowds have come to expect.

Krewe of Boo Parade 2022

Dancing in Brian Kern’s Krewe of Boo parade has become my favorite Halloween tradition. Judging by the thick crowds from the French Quarter to the CBD, it seems to have become a favorite for many. Every year, I especially love all of the children in adorable costumes lining the route, smiling and waving. 

The first time I danced in a major parade with The Pussyfooters, was in 2013.  The Pussyfooters are a non-profit body-positive group of over 100 women-over-30 in pink corsets who dance in Mardi Gras parades and partner with around 50 non-profits and events throughout the year. 

Southern Decadence 50th Anniversary Parade

Southern Decadence was cancelled in 2020 for the pandemic, then again in 2021 for Hurricane Ida. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the costumes, parties and parades celebrating the LGBTQ community. The now-6-day weekend attracts over 210,000 people annually and creates a $250 million economic impact making it one of the top 5 annual events in New Orleans.

This year’s colors were red and gold.

Chris Owens Easter Parade

With only days to go before the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade, Miss Chris passed away at somewhere around 89-years-old. The business and property owner, generous supporter of many nonprofits, entertainment legend, and grande dame of the Easter Parade danced and sang until the last of her life.

The weather was terrific for the parade, but locals felt the bittersweetness as her signature float rolled past.

Krewe of Tucks Parade 2022

The fun, toilet-themed Krewe of Tucks parade features throws like hand-decorated scrub brushes and plungers as well as other potty-humored beads, toys and poop-shaped keepsakes. I heard a dad ask his toddler to hand him the “poo-poo bottle opener” that had fallen to the ground. 

Traditionally, logo-embossed rolls of purple, green and gold toilet paper are tossed over the arching live oaks lining St. Charles.

Krewe of Muses (& some Chaos)

The Krewe of Muses is a crowd favorite. Fun floats include the giant stiletto, the bubble bath and the rubber duckies. I dance with the Pussyfooters and we were thrilled to be celebrating our 21st birthday with the Krewe that helped launch our group. The Pussyfooters were the first adult dance krewe to parade Mardi Gras since the Baby Dolls in the early 1900’s. The idea of adults dancing in the parades was such a hit that now there are over 50 groups. 

Krewe of Carrollton – Behind the Scenes!

The 4th oldest Carnival parading organization (after Rex, Proteus, and Zulu), Krewe of Carrollton is a fairly traditional parade with big floats and lots of bands and dance krewes. I was so excited to strut down St. Charles with my Pussyfooters sisters for the first time since 2020 – that I could barely sleep the night before.

Krewes of Freret & Themis Parades

The Krewe of Freret is fast becoming one of my favorites of the season. The Krewe paraded for 40 years until the 90’s then was reborn in 2011. Some members of the new Krewe are the children of the previous membership. Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty rode on his Trombone Shorty float with the super-long trombone prop.

The goddess, Themis, represents order and justice and is a perfect match to follow the diversity-and-activism-driven Krewe of Freret. Locals know the story

Oshun & Cleopatra Parades 2022

It’s been 2 long years since floats rolled down St. Charles – and it’s wonderful having our Mardi Gras back! We’ve been parading since Jan. 6th but the Krewes of Oshun, Cleopatra and Alla were the first to roll giant floats spewing beads, plushies, cups and more.

Christmas Tree 2021

If you’re a longtime reader of this blog or you actually know me, you probably already know I make most of my Christmas ornaments. I mostly use polymer clay, beads, and crystals from an old chandelier. Some favorites include Mr. Bingle, representations of my Pussyfooter uniforms from the 2015-2018 Krewe of Jingle parades, and little replicas of our wedding day in 2014. 

New Orleans decks many of its halls for the holidays but a favorite hallway is the lobby of the the spectacular Roosevelt Hotel.