Katrina Update #61Katrina Update #61Mardi Gras fever has hit New Orleans, with preparations for the annual celebration of Carnival well under way. The reviewing stands are up along St. Charles in the CBD, as well as along Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. In order to conserve funds, parades in Orleans Parish have consolidated onto one parade route: the "uptown" route that just happens to go down St. Charles just a block from our house. At last count, a total of 28 parades will roll on that route between next Friday (2/17) and Fat Tuesday (2/28). I finally finished my annual Parade Calendar, which you can view here. If you are a Mac user, you can also subscribe to it using iCal. The calendar lists the dates and times each parade will roll, as well as interesting information about the krewes as well their 2006 parade theme.
Unofficially, the parade season begins tonight with Krewe du Vieux, which is perhaps the most traditional of all Mardi Gras parades, since it is the only one that parades in the French Quarter, and maintains the true independant spirit of Mardi Gras. Krewe du Vieux is actually made up of several smaller sub-krewes who pooled their resources together in 1987 to create one larger parade. The themes of the various floats (which are always drawn by mule or humans, never tractors) are always satirical and usually a bit bawdy.
The gang at Coop's have their own krewe as well, the Krewe of Woo Hoo. They march on Fat Tuesday in the French Quarter. This year's theme is "Storybook," and they asked I share their proclamation with you:
~ Captain DR
The Krewe of WooHoo! Is pleased to announce that the Theme for Mardi Gras 2006 is “Storybook”. We would like to request that when creating your costume, you fashion a drinking vessel for yourself. The Krewe of WooHoo! Is taking an anti beer can stance.
In light of the recent trials, tragedies and tribulations that have befallen our city and Krewe, the Krewe of WooHoo! Is hereby requesting, as previously threatened and for the very first time ever, annual membership dues of 50.00 per person. These dues will go towards the replacement of our storm damaged float and wagon, as well as help defray the costs of our libations and merry feasting. If you have questions regarding the annual dues, please contact julisilvergreen@gmail.com – dues should be paid in full no later than February 14, 2006. *IMPORTANT – if you are a first time marcher or the guest of a Krewe member, Marching fees are reduced to 25.00*. Come check out the Krewe and see if we make you WooHoo! We’ll be here next year if you are ready to join!
As so many of our members are scattered to the four corners, the Krewe of WooHoo! Is in need of volunteer workers and New Members. Remember – New Member marching fee is a reduced 25.00. We need people to assist with Float Decoration, Feasting Detail and a myriad of other duties.
Please respond to the Krewe Proclamation as soon as possible to let us know if we can expect your presence on this, the most jubilant, personal and important of our celebrations – the 150th Anniversary of Mardi Gras. To RSVP for the Krewe of WooHoo!, please contact Laura Roe at lauracroe@msn.com no later than February 14, 2006. Updates and Schedules will follow this email.
“We are the Storytellers – and We are the Makers of Magic!”
~ Captain Laura Roe
~Her Royal Left Hand- Juli Green
Yes, this means you are invited to join the krewe and participate in the merriment this Fat Tuesday.
Earlier this week, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that hotels in New Orleans were 95% booked for Mardi Gras weekend, so there is still a chance you could get a room if you hurry. Of course, there's always an air mattress on the floor of the Rogers' Beer & Bed (as opposed to Bed & Breakfast. I get the bed part, but getting up early enough for breakfast during Mardi Gras just doesn't happen!).
Kathleen "Mama" Barrow is recovering well and is in good spirits. I saw her last night at Coop's and she is getting around with the help of a cane and many friends.
- It has been revealed that the White House knew the levees broke early on August 29th, the day Katrina hit, even though they initially denied knowing anything until two days later.
- The New Orleans Saints will play their first home game in the Superdome on September 24, 2006 against the Atlanta Falcons.
- The Hornets, meanwhile, have committed to playing most of their home games next year in Oklahoma City, but the City of New Orleans is in discussions with the NBA to hold the 2008 NBA All-Star game in New Orleans.
- Frustrated with our own government's lack of response to help get New Orleans back on its feet, he is looking to other countries for help. Jordan and France have already pledged their support.
- Chevron is the second major oil company (after last week's announcement by Shell) to commit to returning to New Orleans. They say they will have all 750 of their New Orleans-based workers back in the city in March.
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