Yesterday, New Orleans made history with the largest Super Bowl parade ever held. Even in a city that is used to hosting big events, I don't think that anyone was prepared for the record breaking crowds that showed up along the parade route to cheer for the National Champions, our boys in black and gold - the New Orleans Saints. It must make the whole 11 people who showed up to welcome the Colts home hang their heads in shame....
Were you in that number? I tried my hardest, but sadly, I was not.
Who would have thought that the entire city would become gridlocked and that there would be thousands of people pouring onto the ferries to attend the parade? We parked and got in line at the Gretna Ferry landing as the crowd grew by the minute. When the ferry showed up and allowed boarding to begin, we all moved forward...a whole 4 or 5 feet.
With only 233 people allowed on the ferry at one time, it quickly became apparent that we would be waiting for hours and that there was absolutely no way we were getting downtown before the parade was over. So, we made our way down the stairs, through the crowd and back to the car to head home to catch it on TV.
We were so disappointed that we couldn't be there in person to cheer on our team, but seeing the aerial shots on television, I'm almost (not quite, but almost) glad we weren't in the middle of what everyone is claiming to be the largest attendance at any parade ever held in New Orleans - bigger, even, than any Mardi Gras day.
I have a couple of hopes after yesterday. First, I hope that city officials learn how to compensate for these types of crowds in the future. Second, and most importantly, I hope that the feeling of pride in our team and our community that was evidenced yesterday continues throughout the year.
Oh, and WHO DAT!!
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Lisa, great photo! What a great story. We were all Saints fans on Sunday.
Dear Dear Lisa,
So sad that you could not make it across the river, but you were there in spirit, I know for sure.
As a 'Quarter resident, I was lucky to need only walk six blocks to view the scene. As you may have heard, one estimate placed the crowd @ 800 thousand. I believe it. It was a who dat state of mind. Noisest but happiest mob I have ever witnessed; including any Mardi Gras day parade.
We Believed! They Did It!!!
Craig, I've heard them being called "America's Team" now...couldn't happen to a better group.
Elvie....lucky you....heavy, dramatic sigh....
I didn't make it either too cold. I watched it on TV. Actually I am glad considering the traffic after the parade.
Did Flat Garrett make it to the line? ;^ ) Tire him out so that he'll behave when he gets home.
Oh, Lisa, What a SHAME! I figured the crowds would be huge because of what I've seen and heard on TV but didn't know you needed a ferry to get there. I was thrilled that New Orleans won...your beautiful City sure needed a boost!
Lisa, you shoulda woulda started a day early! It was all over the national news, which is great fun for New Orleans. My oldest son lives by lakeside, so they were down in front of the casino...my other son had to bartend:) Someone had to be there to serve, right?!!!
They are both in school and work down there. Funny, both were born in Thibodeaux, LA...they say they are cajuns...hahaha. Idiots! Very proud for your city. Very proud, indeed!
I was pleased to see the Saints win both great teams but only one could win. The Under Dog wins again.
Lisa - Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez! There is no one that throws a better parade than yall. Seeing Drew Brees with his son really brought a tear to my eye. Great story.
Lane, Flat Garrett was hiding in my purse because he didn't want to help pull the ice chest ;)
Carole, there's a bridge too, but we thought the ferry would be easier and we wouldn't have to fight to park. Turns out that several thousand others had the same idea....
Jane, you knew there was all of that traffic? Why didn't you call me? LOL!! Where does your son bartend?
Terry/Bonnie, not under dogs anymore!
Susan, wasn't that the most touching moment?
Sounds like the "not-Flat" Garrett... Wants the drink, doesn't want to carry it...
Increadible. I had no idea there wrere lines like this! I decided not to drive from Baton Rouge and watched it live on tv. It's great to have such positive news coming from New Orleans.
Lisa, I was lucky enough to drive in from Lake Charles with a friend the morning of the parade so we had a place to stay that night.
You are so right about the crowd. I've never been to a "Hero's Welcome Parade", but that is what we experienced. Fortunately, my friend's brother invited us to watch from a balcony on the corner of St. Charles and Canal so it was a double treat. The crowd was typically New Orleans fun-loving and very well behaved.
I've always loved New Orleans. The outpouring of affection from that crowd reinforced my love-affair with your city and those Saints!