MARDI GRAS – WIMPS NEED NOT APPLY by Michael Rigg

Krewe of ALLA Parade 2023. 

I write short stories and novels set in two disparate locations: Virginia (mostly Hampton Roads) and New Orleans. I live in Virginia Beach, so local research in/around Hampton Roads is relatively easy. But New Orleans? While the Internet’s great, there’s nothing like visiting the proverbial “scene of the crime.” Computer-based research gives you a one-dimensional view; you can read about events, look at maps, and view photos and videos. New Orleans is not a one-dimensional place. The Big Easy involves all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. And there’s only one way to experience the mix—be there.

I try to visit New Orleans at least twice a year. Since 2018, one of my semi-annual visits has involved participating in Mardi Gras, by both watching parades and participating in them. Except for 2021, when that virus-that-shall-not-be-named interfered, I’ve walked or ridden in three parades each year. Most recently, I spent the week of January 30^th to February 6^th in New Orleans celebrating and participating in Carnival, all in the name of “research” of course.

Mardi Gras parades just don’t happen. They result from planning and teamwork that starts almost the day after completing the current year’s parade. “Riding” parades, i.e., those involving floats, involve complex logistics, including weaving bands (mostly from local high schools) and marching/dancing groups (like the Muff-a-Lottas or the 610 Stompers) in between the floats. Each parade includes a command vehicle and maintenance trucks from Kern Studios to deal with breakdowns or other mishaps (like a multi-unit tandem-float hitting a tree). It’s like marching with McClellan in the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.

And each participant has a lot to do as well, beginning with being a member of a Krewe, ordering throws, etc. For someone like me coming from out of town, there are additional challenges. I thought you might like to see what my recent Mardi Gras research junket involved. Here’s a chronology of my week in NOLA:

Tuesday, January 30^th. Primary activities: Flight from Norfolk to New Orleans via Atlanta, checking into hotel. Fitbit steps: 8,957 (2.49 miles).

Wednesday, January 31^st. Primary activities: Participate in a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking; shop at Rouses Market, a local grocery store chain. Fitbit steps: 8,125 (2.29 miles).

Thursday, February 1^st. Primary activities: locate sites for meeting up with Friday evening parade (Krewe of ALLA) and Sunday afternoon parade (Krewe of King Arthur); establish walking times from hotel to each location. Attend Krewe of Cork (Friday walking parade) Meet-and-Greet in French Quarter. Organize throws for Krewe of Cork parade. Fitbit steps: 13,944 (3.9 miles).

Friday, February 2^nd. Primary activities: participate in Krewe of Cork Street Party, Luncheon, and walking parade in French Quarter; leave Krewe of Cork Parade early, return to hotel to change clothes; walk to Krewe of ALLA assembly point at the Higgins Hotel (near the National WWII Museum); participate in Krew of ALLA parade (riding on the ALLAGator float); parade started late due to delays in preceding parade (Krewe of Cleopatra), resulting in parade not being finished until approximately 1:00 am. Walk to hotel. Fitbit steps: 13,865 (3.9 miles).

Saturday, February 3^rd. Primary activities: Up early for Uber to Krewe of King Arthur float assembly area in Metairie (near the Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Center) to pick up costume and ensure throws were covered due to expected inclement weather; return to hotel to watch Saturday parades from hotel balcony; do laundry. Fitbit steps: 12,915 (3.64 miles).

Sunday, February 4^th. Primary activities: Walk to Krewe of King Arthur assembly location (Generations Hall near Convention Center); participate in Krewe of King Arthur parade (riding on “The Grinch Stole Christmas” float); parade started late due to issues with preceding parade (Krewe of Carrolton); completed parade at approximately 6:30 pm; walk to hotel. Fitbit steps: 12,433 (3.5 miles).

Monday, February 5^th. Primary activities: Do laundry; pack in preparation for return to Norfolk. Fitbit steps: 4,699 (1.33 miles).

Tuesday, February 6^th. Primary activities: Flight from New Orleans to Norfolk via Atlanta; coordinate with AAA due to dead car battery in Norfolk airport parking garage; arrive home approximately 11:30 pm. Fitbit steps: 7,721 (2.15 miles).

I’ll acknowledge it’s not like running a marathon, but …

By the way, Carnival season isn’t over yet. Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday—is next week (February 13^th) and there are several parades to come. If you would like to participate from the comfort of your living room, check out the Locations/New Orleans page on my website (New Orleans | Michael Rigg, Author) for information on NOLA video cams and parade live streams. As always, Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!