Mardi Gras weekend is upon us. But before joining the screams of “Throw me sumthin’, Mister,” research the variety of options for the celebration.
Beginning with the parade schedule, be sure to integrate the most entertaining productions into the agenda. On Friday, Feb. 28, Hermes and Krewe d’Etat will roll at 6:30 p.m. in uptown New Orleans. For those staying in Baton Rouge, Krewe of Southdowns is at 7 p.m. and the following Saturday the Spanish Town Parade will ride through downtown beginning at noon.
New Orleans will host Tucks on March 1 at noon and Endymion at 4:30 p.m. Emdymion, for Mardi Gras virgins, is huge. Last year Gambit Weekly named Endymion “Best Night Parade.”
Starting at 11 a.m., Okeanos rolls uptown followed by Thoth, Mid-City and Bacchus. Comedian John Lovitz will reign as Bacchus XXXV. The Greek god of wine and merriment accurately personifies this 35-year-old krewe.
“Bacchus and Endymion are the best parades,” said Adam Verrette, a psychology junior. “They draw the most people.”
On Sunday, Proteus and Orpheus run back to back starting at 5:15 p.m. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith will be guests in the Orpheus parade.
Mardi Gras will begin with Zulu at 8:30 a.m.; Spike Lee will be riding with the krewe. He is the only celebrity monarch Zulu has honored since Louis Armstrong in 1949. Rex, Elks and Crescent City will follow. But take note, those planning to make all of the Mardi Gras Day parades in New Orleans should pack lots of water and a lunch. This is an all-day affair.
“If you bring your lunch in an ice chest you can stand on it and catch more beads,” said Brandon Trouard, a general studies junior.
Crescent City and Elks are truck parades; they are not the ornate floats of more exclusive krewes, but they make up for it in a ton of beads and trinkets.
Mardi Gras-goers also can catch the Mardi Gras Indians performing in their flamboyant handmade costumes at the Spanish Plaza. Their parade route is undisclosed for Mardi Gras day.
At Chelsea’s on Friday the Red Stick Ramblers will play at 10:30 p.m. to get patrons in the holiday state of mind. But students planning to visit the topless metropolis should stop by Vic’s Kangaroo Cafe on 636 Tchoupitoulas St. for a late dinner or early breakfast. The kitchen stays open till 3 a.m., and it is one of only two breweries in New Orleans.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is quoted saying “What other city can say that it has a Funky Butt?” on the Funky Butt’s Web site. The famed Funky Butt is located at 714 N. Rampart. On Friday the club will feature contemporary jazz from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
“I go to the Funky Butt every time. It is a really cool place to go,” said Emily Fontenot, a political science junior. “It is more mellow and less commercialized with authentic jazz from younger musicians.”
For a little more excitement, stop by Cat’s Meow on Bourbon Street to perform a karaoke rendition of “You Shook Me All Night Long.”
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a nice respite from the flesh herd. At 941 Bourbon St., it is a convenient place to take a time out without completely missing the action.
Those who happen to see daylight during the five-day weekend should stop by Mardi Gras World. The $10 tour comes with free king cake and a peek into the construction of Fat Tuesday’s most awesome floats. A free ferry ride will take vistors across the river to Old Algiers where the museum awaits.
However Mardi Gras is celebrated, be responsible. The New Orleans Police Department is out in full force during Carnival season. Finding accommodations in New Orleans allows partiers to stay later and have a secure place to rendezvous. According to The Advocate, the economy and Iraq situation have slowed down reservations. Prices have dropped and so have the minimum stay time.
“Mardi Gras is crazy and seems overwhelming,” Trouard said. “But if you know what you’re doing, you don’t have to miss a thing.”
Big Easy boasts beaucoup choices for Mardi Gras
February 27, 2003
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