It looks like it might be a wet start to the West Bank Carnival season this weekend, so put on your rain coat, bring your umbrella and let the good times roll!
Krewe of Cleopatra Parade
Cleopatra rolls through Algiers and Terrytown starting at 6:30 pm Friday with the theme Cleopatra's Bits and Pieces of the Past. Following the traditional Algiers/Terrytown route, the all female krewe kicks off the West Bank parade weekend with 21 floats and a dozen marching bands and units. See the entire parade route here.
Krewe of Choctaw Parade
In a return to their traditional parade day, Choctaw will roll on Saturday at 11:30, immediately followed by the Mystic Knights of Adonis. With the theme Worldly Travels, Choctaw features 24 floats and multiple bands and marching units. Adonis is celebrating it's 10th anniversary with the theme Adonis Celebrates 10 Screamin' Years for the 14 float procession. See the entire parade route here.
As Choctaw turns onto Franklin Avenue in Gretna, they will pass the site of the Gretna Family Gras festival, featuring live music at the corner of Stumpf Blvd. and Franklin Ave. Workers have been setting up the stages this week, in anticipation of a great turn out to hear the sounds of the Dixie Cups, Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues and local favorite Irma Thomas. Admission to Family Gras is free, but the area will be gated and no ice chests will be allowed inside the gates.
pssst...Look for me on float #17, driver's side...I've got some great plush spears to throw!
Krewe of Alla Parade
Sunday starts early! Alla Gras, a family friendly celebration, will begin at 9 am on the neutral ground of General de Gaulle, between Kabel Drive and Rue Parc Fontaine. Featuring local musical acts Rockin' Dopsie, the Algiers Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and more, the event is free. Food and drinks from local restaurants will be available for sale. The party will continue as the parade passes and wind up at 4:00 pm. Get there early to set up your chairs and snag a front row seat for the parade!
At 11:30 am, the Krewe of Alla will roll on the traditional Algiers/Terrytown route with 34 floats, a marching band contest and the Budweiser Clydesdales. The theme for this year's parade is Name That Tune. Alla is one of the few krewes still throwing doubloons and if you are lucky, you can scoop up the special turquoise and gold doubloons being thrown only from the Captain's float.
Be safe, stay dry and have a great West Bank weekend!
So, why did the other floats stop throwing doubloons? Mystic Knight of Adonis? How many parades are there? So does anyone in NOLA work this month? Are ya'll just decorating and feasting?
So much to learn! So much to envy!
:-(
Have fun....
Elaine, doubloons are just not as popular a thrown item as they used to be, so most krewes don't have them made anymore. Just this weekend, there are 6 parades on Friday, 7 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. They will continue through the week, next weekend, Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras day. (Got that?) Everyone is trying NOT to work until Ash Wednesday!
Martin, want me to throw you something?
Sally, we do have something good happening almost all of the time here. It's a great place to live and play!
WooHoo!!! An Active Rain Party hosted by Lisa in New Orleans!!! I'll be there, cher!!!!
Oh, ok, I'll calm down. Lisa, oh boy, Mardi Gras is in full swing now!!! Wish I were there! My house is decorated for Mardi Gras. And I have a bunch of beads to hand out! We DO have a Mardi Gras Parade here in San Antonio. I'll have information out about it soon. :)
Shannon, where ya been?? I'll be happy to host an AR party. Perhaps we should have an AR float in next year's parade?
Judi, can't wait to hear about the parade there...will there be beads and bands and cups and pictures afterwards?
I thought of you yesterday when I ran across this video of Hunter Hayes (age 4) Hank Williams, Jr. The kid is amazing... Jambalaya
Hunter Hayes & JambalayaJan, thanks for sharing that...he is adorable! I'm running like a chicken now...less than 24 hours til the parade rolls!
Lisa, have fun tomorrow! Hope the weather is beautiful for the parades!
Oh, Lisa what a shame. Just checked the weather forecast for New Orleans for tomorrow -- they're predicting more rain?!?! I'll keep my fingers crossed for y'all!!!
Lisa, Ok, legs, feet and toes are crossed -- good thing I'm sitting down! Hmmm, if I cross my eyes, fingers and arms -- I can't blog!?!?!?!
Judi, we were cold and wet yesterday! Just a mist on us, but enough to make it yukky and keep the crowds small. Today, of course, was beautiful and sunny. Day late and a dollar short! Oh well, there is always next year, right?
Brian, I am paraded out for this weekend :) Will post pictures soon...
Lisa, ewwww, cold, wet and gloomy -- not the perfect day for a parade! We'll look forward to next year! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that next Saturday the weather in San Antonio will be beautiful for our Mardi Gras Parade on the River! I did write a post about it.
Lisa, Looking forward to the pictures.
Your posts are so filled with great stuff about New Orleans, that I think I just have to plan a trip soon!!
I'm still not finished with the move, but I had to come up for a little air! :-) I've been missing you guys!!! GBU!
Judi, can't wait to see your pics!
Elizabeth, come on down! Been missing you too - hope the move is going as smoothly as it can :)
Lisa, I am really looking forward to Saturday. Plan to have the camera battery fully charged and ready to take a lot of pictures!
Martin - catch!