Can you believe that Mardi Gras is right around the corner? The Christmas decorations are not even tucked back into their boxes yet, and the Carnival season in New Orleans has already begun. Mardi Gras 2008 is February 5th (quite early), so the balls have started taking place throughout the city.
Last night, the Krewe of Choctaw held it's 25th annual Big Pow Wow at Mardi Gras World on the West Bank in Algiers, LA. While most krewes hold balls, Choctaw, with its Native American theme, holds a Pow Wow, complete with Chief, Princess, Medicine Man, Maids and Maidens, Indian Braves and Papooses.
Mardi Gras World provides the perfect venue for a Carnival event...it comes predecorated with huge props and full size floats! Traditional purple, green and gold banners hung from the ceiling, while the Choctaw tribal teepee provided the grand entrance for the royalty and court of the krewe.
The afternoon was spent in preparation for the nights event...decorating tables, meeting caterers, accepting flower deliveries and, of course, the rehearsal for the tableau.
A frenzy of activity followed the rehearsal, as court members began donning makeup and their elaborate costumes in preparation for their introduction to the waiting crowd of over 450 people. As a proud mom, I couldn't resist including this picture of my daughters, who were both maids this year!
The presentation of the court and royalty began at 8 pm. At the end of the presentation, all previous Choctaw royalty were invited to the stage area for a champagne toast to the reigning Chief (Frank Ruiz Jr) and his Princess (Jina Ellingburg). How fantastic to see so many long time members continue the Mardi Gras tradition, standing with glasses held high!
The tableau was followed by dining and dancing to both a band and DJ until the wee hours of the morning. Beautifully decorated tables competed for prizes and the umbrella decorating contest judges had a hard time choosing from the many entries as they second lined through the ballroom.
From the opening notes of the National Anthem to the final sounds of the last dance, it was an incredible, fun filled evening. To everyone who worked so hard and so long to make this a success, a heartfelt thanks from the Captain and his family to you. Happy Mardi Gras from the Heindels!
Marc, my son was the official DJ, so he got away with "just" a tuxedo. As the official First Lady of Choctaw (one of my friends tongue-in-cheek names for me), my only real job is to find a dress that doesn't clash with my hubby's costume, since he is the Captain of the krewe.
Kathy, thank you! The costumes are very elaborate and IMO, sooooo beautiful as well. That is what they will wear to ride on the float on our parade day as well.
Ok, back up a minute. What is a krewe? How do you join one? Is there an initiation or do you just show up wearing sparkly things? Is there a secret handshake? Are there good krewes and bad krewes? Were you the one up on Choctaw ridge with Billy Joe MacCallister? (Oh wait, that's not LA). We who have never been to the beautiful Land of the Mardi Gras need to know more.
You look spectacular, dahling! No wonder I couldn't reach you last night. You were out having a ball --literally. How splendid. Your family is lovely. Glad you had a great time together. Will there be more soirees to attend?
Oh my poor deprived CA friend, Elaine!!! We'll have to enroll you in Mardi Gras 101 to catch you up with the rest of us :)
Krewe: a group or organization that puts on a parade and/or ball during the Mardi Gras season.
Membership: depends on the organization. We (Choctaw) have open membership, which means anyone can join in the fun! There are no secret handshakes (hmmm...need to work on that) and initiation comes in the form of dues. Unlike the original Choctaw tribe, we accept cash, checks or credit cards :)
Sparkly things: I love sparkly things and take any opportunity I can get to drape myself in them!
Soirees: As the First Lady, yes, I have multiple soirees to attend between now and Fat Tuesday. More glitz, glamour and sparkly things to come!
We really did have a great time and I was so proud of my girls...they were beautiful and did me and dad proud...apparently they have been paying attention to how you are supposed to behave in public! The youngest was an Indian Brave, so he was working the teepee as they were presented and managed to refrain from tripping either one of them.
I want to see the shoes! LOL! You guys look great!
H A P P Y NEW Y E A R !
Amanda, ssshhhh...they were new - silver, peep toe, 3 inch heel...quite sassy until they made my toes start screaming and I ditched them under a table :) Happy New Year right back at ya! Have fun!
Georgina, yes, another month of parties, but most are on the weekends, so I can get stuff done during the week. Once the parades start rolling, it is almost nonstop for 2 weeks!
Lisa, I was thinking of you last night. Somehow, I remembered the Ball/PowWow was last night. You all do look beautiful and handsome for the 3 men in your life. Love the color of your gown -- perfect color for you! :) Can't wait for more pictures and details of the other Mardi Gras events you'll be attending! Especially the parade.
Laissez les bon temps roulez!!!