Surely, the rest of the country cannot possibly be having as much fun as New Orleans this weekend. They might getting ready for a couple of days off and even the Super Bowl, but right in the middle of preparations for the Big Game, we have a whole other party starting.
Friday kicks off Mardi Gras 2010 in earnest, with 5 parades rolling in the metro area (plus a couple on the North Shore as well). On the West Bank of New Orleans, this Friday is when folks that haven’t seen each other for a year meet up again on the Krewe of Cleopatra parade route along General de Gaulle in Algiers and Terry Parkway in Terrytown. Getting there early and waiting for the parade to pass is never a waste of time. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and gives you time to sit back and take a deep breath before standing shoulder to shoulder, yelling “Throw me somethin’” over and over and over again until the last float has rolled away.
Friday evening there will be free, live bands at Stumpf and the Expressway in Gretna (The Bucktown All-Stars play at 6:30 pm) and at Terry Parkway and Carol Sue in Terrytown (the Wise Guys perform at 6:30 pm). Live music, friends, floats, beads…who else is having this much fun on a Friday in February?
Saturday is expected to dawn sunny and chilly, perfect weather for the parades rolling on the West Bank. Kicking things off at 10:15 in the morning is the Krewe of Choctaw, followed by the Mystic Knights of Adonis. But wait! It doesn’t end there. Because the Super Bowl falls on a parade day, the Krewe of Alla has moved their parade, complete with a huge marching band competition, to Saturday as well. That’s 3, count them, 3 back to back parades rolling through Algiers, Terrytown and into the City of Gretna.
Pssstttt...look for me in the Krewe of Choctaw on the shrimp boat float, driver's side. I bet yelling "West Bank Living" might snag you a pair of big beads :)
The live music continues on Saturday, with The Topcats playing at 11 am at Stumpf and the Expressway and Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys kicking off at 10:30 am at the corner of Terry Pkwy and Carol Sue. While the rest of the country is blowing snow or grocery shopping or running other errands, we’ll be partying in the streets all day.
And then there is Sunday.
Oh my gosh, Sunday. The big day. The day that Saints fans have been waiting for over 40 years to see. The day that purple, green and gold is set aside for the Black and Gold of the New Orleans Saints. Churches are canceling evening services, parades are on hold, businesses are closing early and, in some places, school has already been called off on Monday.
The day when an entire city will be crowded around televisions, whether at home or at a party or in the bars that are broadcasting the game, we will all be united with one goal…to watch our boys win the most important game of their careers – the Super Bowl.
Of course, as always, we put our own little local spin on it and I’ll be wearing my limited-edition-sold-out-can’t-get-them-anymore “Supa Beauxl” shirt from local designer Fleurty Girl.
The newspaper warned travelers this week that Miami doesn’t allow the kind of tailgating we are used to. Hmphf. Well, Miami, we don’t need to be there in person to cheer our team on.
We will have the biggest citywide party of any team ever to hit the Super Bowl and you can bet that even though the NFL thought they could rip it off (and failed), we will WHO DAT! our way to the end of the game and on into the night.
Here’s wishing you a safe start to your Mardi Gras and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!
2010 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
For information about home buying or selling in New Orleans, or relocating to or from NAS JRB New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs and have a little fun while welcoming you to our community!
Lisa, I don't think the rest of the country ever has as much fun as New Orleans! I'm rooting for the Saints!!!
Do you have an extra bedroom??? I'l be right over! :) Enjoy your weekend and be safe
Yeah, what does Miami know anyway LOL! Thought of you this morning when GMA had a "Who Dat" t-shirt on TV. I'll be rooting for Black and Gold!
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That looks like a lot of fun and I have yet to go to one. I gonna try to change that because I keep thinking the eye candy is amazing. :-)
Gary, GEAUX SAINTS!
Stacie, how 'bout a sofa bed? LOL!
Colleen, aw, I missed it! Remember, every time they score you have to yell WHO DAT!
I am so excited for this years game! I wish I were in New Orleans watching and celebrating with you!
CTS, you have got to come to Mardi Gras one year - just the photo ops alone are worth the trip!
Terrie, it's gonna be wild, I'm sure! We are having a big Super Bowl party at our house with loads of food, friends that ride in the parade with us and plenty of black and gold.
Lisa, How exciting! I have one pair of beads that someone brought me back from your Mardi Gras. It's the closest I've gotten to actually being there during it! It comes at a wonderful time with Superbowl Sunday!!
Right on Lisa go Saints. Let Miami be boring by themseves. We will have a blast Sunday. it's black and Gold Sunday though. Have a good parade.
Lisa, I am so excited for the city of New Orleans, can't stand it! I lived there for six years and have two of my sons there now (28 and 26) and I am so happy that they get to participate in this fine hour! Go SAINTS! And how dare the NFL try to take money on Who Dat! Please! Thieves, they are!
As for New Orleans, nothing funner than New Orleans right now! COOL-COOL-COOL!
I wish we could make it down there... at least we were able to send Flat... Have fun.
Have a great time and I'll be rooting for the Saints.
Carole, do you want beads? I'll send you some if you like :)
John, thanks!
Jane, your boys are here? I bet they will have a blast this weekend!
Lane, Flat is going to have an excellent time ;)
Terry Bonnie, GEAUX SAINTS!
Hey girl, I just posted in my blog about the Westlake/New Orleans connection in the upcomong SuperBowl and you would not believe the excitement here in Austin for the Saints!
Dang I wish I could re=blog!! I got some HUGE beads at a party this week and will wear them to the super-bowl party to support the NO SAINTS! Kathy
Lisa, 28 and 26 and yes, they have been having a blast! Yes, I will be screaming for the Saints tomorrow. I see a lot of folks are putting their money elsewhere...which makes it even more fun for the Saints...if I were a betting gal, I'd put my beads on them:) Have fun tomorrow! What a great day for New Orleans!
Hi Lisa! OMG, I can only imagine the excitement down there--NO is a passionate city ANYWAY, oh how I would LOVE to be there for the festivities!
As I told Russell, I'm rooting for you guys and wanted to share a personal tidbit --When I was a little girl, we lived in the Biloxi area (Gulfport) and attended church with Archie and his wife when he was playing with the Saints--what a grounded guy (and a good Methodist)! My parents have moved all over the country and still remain loyal Saints fans!
Enjoy the festivities and the game--GO SAINTS!
What a GAME! Way to go SAINTS!!!
WHO DAT!!!
OH MY, Lisa! What a fantastic game! Lost my own voice screaming to much and that was up here in Charlotte! Cool city! Enjoy "Saints" week! The media is all over it...not just in New Orleans! FUN-FUN-FUN!!!
Lisa, all I can say is the whole world is smiling with you! What a game is an understatement! Congratulations! Bask in the glory for as long as you want!!!