I've been so busy that Mardi Gras is kind of sneaking up on me. But this Saturday is the Krewe of Choctaw's annual River Parade and it's one of my favorite events of the season. Choctaw is the only krewe to offer a river parade in New Orleans and it's a tradition that dates back many, many years. I remember when I first heard about it and dismissed it out of hand thinking that it was just a boat ride. Boy, was I wrong!
Rub shoulders with the royalty and court members, enjoy some great music, dancing and food. Those famous Natchez Steamboat Bloody Mary's are on tap for what is expected to be a beautiful day. Thank goodness, because the last couple of years have been cold AND rainy and it's about time that the Krewe got a little love from the sun gods.
Here are a couple of photos from last year's event:
Boarding starts at the Gretna Ferry Landing at 9:30 am and the boat sails promptly at 10. (Get there early and you can browse through the Gretna Farmer's Market before walking to the ferry) Cruise up and down the river, getting a view of the city that you don't see very often, all while enjoying a party that doesn't stop until noon when the boat docks again.
The River Parade is open to the public. Tickets are available by contacting kreweofchoctaw@yahoo.com.
Copyright 2009. West Bank Living. All rights reserved.
Now this looks like a lot of fun.
New Orleans is an amzing place. I'm glad that you share so we can live vicariously through you.
Looks like a boat load of fun Lisa. Love the costumes! How do you get your pictures to be side by side so nicely? I haven't mastered that. KM
Lisa you are having way to much fun when the rest of the country is in despair. Now get to work.
JL, it is! We always have a good time, rain or shine, but the weather is supposed to be wonderful this weekend so I'm looking forward to it even more.
Erik, I'll share some pics from this year next week - it's not every day that you get to take a cruise on a steamboat :)
Kristin, I write my drafts in Windows Live Writer, then I publish to my wordpress blog, then copy the HTML over to AR. Call if you need help.
John, all work and no play? Not me :)
This sounds like a lot of fun, but I have one question. What's a "krewe"? I just read your response to Kristin too. Since this is my primary blog, I usually post here first, then copy to Blogger and WordPress. I've been doing it backwards. Now I know how to get my pictures in a nice and neat little box =) Thanks!
Lisa, a krewe is the name for the group that puts on a parade during Mardi Gras. Every krewe has their own name, a theme for the year, a captain (who runs the krewe), a royal court and the regular members. Generally, they are not-for-profit groups that do fundraisers and charitable work through the year in addition to putting on the parade. We would love to have some out of town folks ride with us any year you want :)
Lisa, I was thinking about it earlier today!!! I want to be there next year for either the ball or the parade!!!! I keep thinking about it!!!
Woman's Club of San Antonio is hosting a Mardi Gras Party on Sat., Feb. 21st at The Woodward House (our clubhouse)!!! Don & I are cooking -- Jambalaya and Bread Pudding. Another couple is cooking Shrimp Etouffee. And, yes, we're having King Cake too. The beads and other decorations have arrived safely at my house. Oh, yes, we even ordered packets of Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix!!!
Laissez les bons temps rouler -- Let the good times roll!
Judi, come on down! I'll check on the dates for next year - it's the 75th anniversary, so it will be a special year for you to get to attend.
Lisa, ohhhh, yeah, let me know the dates for next year. I wanna be there! :)
Lisa,
My wife has been to New Orleans a few times and always has fun.....I have yet to be invited.....LOL
Actually my son just went there over Christmas break with a group of students from Immaculata University here in PA to rebuild homes....it was a eye opening experience for him.
Dan, ssshhh...we won't tell her if you happen to slip into town for a parade or two :) And thank your son and his classmates for their working visit - it's volunteers like them that accomplishing more than anyone else in the recovery efforts!
Yes it's that time of year. Nice post makes me sorry I missed this one. Hope you had fun.
Your having to much fun. Some great pictures and it looks like great fun.