My first Mardi Gras experience down here in NOLA happened in 2003. We had the best time, really didn't catch that many parades, we were out seeing music and went to the Orpheus Ball. Both Craig and Leroy told some of us (there were about 30-40 of us here in a group) to come out the St. Anne parade. That it was a lot of fun and we really needed to check it out. So early on Mardi Gras day several of us packed into a cab and headed on out to Bud Rip's for the start of the parade. Little did we know at the time about "NOLA time" all I know is we got there rather early and did a lot of standing around waiting for Leroy and Craig to put in an appearance. As more and more people arrived I began to feel seriously under dressed. I was wearing jeans, a tshirt and fleece jacket. Every single person but my group were completly dressed up in costumes. When we saw Craig and Leroy everyone busted out laughing at their attempts in drag.

Since becoming a resident, I have spent every Fat Tuesday with the St. Anne parade. It has a crazy amount of people all dressed up, drinking and dancing down the street to the sounds of the Storyville Stompers (plus many many other musicians) We always leave from Bud Rips, go through the Marigny, end up in the Quarter and meet up with Rex at Canal. From there it is to the Moonwalk. That is where the structered parade ends. We usually end up on Frenchmen street. Or asleep in a car. I don't think there is any other wayI would want to spend a Mardi Gras day.

I am getting into a desperation point on my costume for this year, I do believe I will end up doing what I have done the past two years in a row and that is to raid my friend Twinkle Toes Mardi Gras Costume Closet and find something fantastic to wear. I do know that Leroy is on the quest for something outrageous and he doesn't want to do drag again. I think they may end up raiding the closet as well. The following pics are some of my favs from Mardi Gras Day.

Posted by: Stacey at 09:26 PM
Category: Mardi Gras Madness