New Orleans Real Estate News: The Best Kept Secret of Mardi Gras

We've heard the songs again and again, since childhood. 

Carnival Time, The Second Line, Mardi Gras Mambo.  We know the words and sing along.

We've seen the mega parades.  Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus.  We line the streets of uptown and downtown and hope that the crowds aren't 15 people deep if we are stuck in the middle.

We know the only appropriate colors to wear if not masking during the season are purple,green and gold.

There exists a Mardi Gras tradition that only a few are aware of or have participated in.  A tradition set atop the currents of the Mississippi River, with the city skyline providing the backdrop.  An opportunity for ordinary citizens to rub elbows with Carnival royalty and their court while enjoying music, dancing and a terrific view of the city while cruising the mighty river.  Two hours of revelry that is the unique hallmark of the West Bank's Krewe of Choctaw...the River Parade.

The Krewe of Choctaw held their first river parade in 1946, celebrating the return of Mardi Gras to the West Bank after World War II ended.  The tradition has continued each year, making Choctaw the only krewe to hold both a street parade and a river parade. 

The 2008 River Parade will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 aboard the Steamboat Natchez.  Boarding will begin at 9:30 am at the Gretna Ferry Landing.  The River Parade will sail up and down the Mississippi River, returning to the ferry landing at noon.  Chief Choctaw, Frank Ruiz Jr., his Princess, Jina Hughes Ellingburg and the court and officers of Choctaw welcome you to attend.  Open to the public, tickets are available online at www.kreweofchoctaw.com with a $15 donation. 

Hail the Chief!