Well, I didn't plan on doing a big KREWE YORK push this year, as so many of you made such a special effort to get there post-Katrina. Sadly, recent events in NOLA - the stunning crime rate and the lack of progress in the rebuilding - have left many in the city even more dejected than last year, and I would like to see as many Motherboarders possible there.

Johnny and I made our plans to go six months ago, as we have most years since the St. Anne parade brass band woke me up on Mardi Gras morning 2002. Marching with St. Anne on Fat Tuesday is an experience that I wish on you at least once in a lifetime.

So now, just a month out, I ask any of you who might have some frequent flier miles or a few loose coins jingling in your pocket to think of making it down this year.

I'll be posting parade info for Society of St. Anne and other highlights here. Please check in here or via email if you are planning on coming, and I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

A caveat: New Orleans is as dangerous now as Ave. C was 20 years ago. For those of you who dont remember those days, that means watching your back, and taking a cab anytime at night that involves leaving the quarter/parade route.

That said, I promise you a completely out-of-body experience on Fat Tuesday. Check out Last Year's topic if you want to know more.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chi Chi,

Almost forgot -

Fat Tuesday is 2/20/07 and the St. Anne Parade begins in the Marigny around 11 AM.


Just to get you in the mood..

One of my favorite pics from last year - the fabulous Basil Twist and Editrix Abby just before the parade kicked off..

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chi Chi,

Delightful news and now Brangelina too it seems are joining the parades this year. Good for them. New Orleans for Mardi Gras is one of the few adventures the increasingly loathsome America now offers.

I am travelling again now but will be checking into flights and hotels on my return, and know soon if I can make it again.

love from lisbon to all of krewe york and these mutterboards

U

Good morning Chi Chi! The last time Lou and I were in New Orleans was New Year's Eve, 2006. We left not knowing when we'd be able to return again, vacation dollars being in high demand, and all. It seems we simply do not function well if we are not in the throes of planning a Quarter trip. We've been planning the Mardi Gras Version of Getting to Know Our Past since July!

We're staying at Hotel Provincial (again!), arriving on the 18th and staying through the 23rd. See you then!

My dearest Ms. blue-

Such a pleasure to see you on The Motherboards - a true legend folks, a rose by any other name!

Johnny and I stayed at the Provincial last year for carnival, it is one of our favorite hotels and a great choice! We'll be right down the street at Le Richelieu, from 2/19 LATE to 2/23.

I just spoke to a friend down there, and rooms are getting very scarce, so uly and anyone else who is fence-sitting, or doesn't have friends to take them in, get something by Feb. 1 or you may be in a really sad room.

As we arrive too late on Lundi Gras, we won't be at the river for Zulufest, but its a great time for anyone who can make it. I will never forget last year watching Basil catch his first strand of beads...the coveted Zulu throw from the mayor!

Anyhoo, looking forward to seeing you at the St. Anne kickoff, 11 AM in the Marigny, exact spot tba week of carnival. As we are last-minute this year, no general theme, just ask you to incorporate the words "Krewe York" somewhere on your carnival deliciousness. (I personally love the sash, and will be featuring a new one this year, but the umbrellas proved most practical last year as it was HOT!)

Anyone who has written to me will also get an email or 2 of instructions where to meet and so-forth.

Yours in Bon Temps Roulet

Chi Chi

And Abigail is going again, you say?? I've a feeling I'll find you along the route...I shall begin work on a proper parsol this weekend.

Please feign nonchalance when you observe me in New Balance walkers! I promise to festoon them appropriately.

Ahhhh! 19 more days! I have to start packing! I'm going to require 4 valises just for me. Between the hats, the fluffy skirts, the feathers, the footwear (in addition to those ridiculous New Balance things)the gloves, the reticules, the accessories, how can I be expected to go to work, as well??
I have no desire to cook another meal. I have outfits to organize and rhinestones to coordinate. Let them eat cake......King Cake!
I have to pack pack pack pack!

Thank you for getting me in the mood. I need a DEEP garment/trim district expedition for my embellishments, and you've inspired me!

Thanks VB and yes, last I spoke to her Abby was coming - I'll let you know when I hear more.

My dear Empress, I am at your service! All this going to work is seriously cramping my style. I expect to have everything laid out this weekend so I can take a good look at it all. Good thing Miss Coco Dolly lives in a dorm now, I can spread it out in her room.
Masks have been ordered! I need more lingerie!

It's official......there's no living with me. This always happens when a vacation draws near. Add to the calendar winding down the fact that on New Year's eve, the guys from Preservation Hall Jazz Band dedicated a song to Lou and I because we told them we were headed down to their club for Mardi Gras.
Our masks came in the mail the other day. I just spent a hundred and forty bucks on panties. I have 30 dollars worth of loose rhinestones and eyelash glue. I've made more gumbo in the last three weeks than I did in the last 6 months. I doubt there is any okra left in the south.
I have to get back to packing.

Just heard from Abby - she will be flying in on Monday for the St. Anne parade Tuesday and will be meeting up with us there.

I cannot wait to see what you come up with my dear VeraBlue. There may only be a few of us Krewe Yorkers this year, but we will be REPRESENTING!

I spoke to Abby yesterday. She's getting in on Monday. We've started to make some plans for the days after....I see much shopping in my future!
See you in a few days!

Thought you'd enjoy this snippet about the St. Anne parade, explains it well..

quote:

Ste. Anne, like so many of the precious ephemera of Mardi Gras, defies attempts to define it. As a walking club, the only requirement for membership is that you know about it. Every Mardi Gras morning, a large group of people, wearing the most over-the-top costumes imaginable (including the kitchen sink), arrives at someone's house somewhere in the Bywater. Soon the Storyville Stompers show up, and everyone follows the band through the Bywater into the French Quarter up Royal Street, gathering more costumers at various points along the way, until they come to Canal Street where they await the arrival of Rex.

In Ste. Anne, everyone costumes; there are no spectators, only participants. Without any stated doctrine or structure, the Ste. Anne parade, in its spontaneity and disorganization, resembles the old Creole cavalcades that sprawled through New Orleans' streets in the 1830s...

Full article at http://www.kreweofsaintanne.org/history.html

The site's main page has the updated parade route, but it still has last year's directions.

I'll post here in a few days..Remember to look for the signature ribboned hoops if you're in the quarter looking for us.

I have to post my regrets at not making the parade this suncycle. After last year's postapocalyptic blowout I want to kind of just preserve the solemnity of the joy. I am sure I will be back again and wish you all a pass-out inducing march. And Empress please say hi to your brother whose hospitality I so enjoyed.

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I've been to the St. Anne's website several times already...mostly looking for pictures of you, ChiChi, but also enjoying the pictures of everyone else. The ribboned hoops look beautiful. I want one, actually...for my garden. It would look beautiful next to the mannequin beneath the pear tree.

So far, the weather looks lovely for Tuesday!

There's a picture of JD and I in the Rex/Canal Street section, but you might not know it was us!

Music We We Are beading to right now:

Bon Temps Roulet - Clifton Chenier
Mardi Gras in New Orleans - Professor Longhair
Do Whatcha Wanna - Rebirth Brass Band
They All Asked for You - Rockin' Dopsie, Jr.
Big Chief - Wild Tchiapatoulis
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Dirty Dozen Brass Band
I Wish I Was In New Orleans - Tom Waits
Carnival Time - Wild Magnolias

Your musical choices sound inspiring, indeed. You've listed favourites of mine! The Rebirth Brass Band is playing Tuesday evening in Carrolton. Tornado notwithstanding, we're thinking of going.

I wish I was is New Orleans, too!

quote:

The Rebirth Brass Band is playing Tuesday evening in Carrolton. Tornado notwithstanding, we're thinking of going.

Well, by Tuesday night I know I'll be perched in Boys Town on a stoop, still in full carnival drag and masque, feet swollen to 3x normal size. And you will need a wheelchair to go out dancing!

Rebirth is amazing live, though, we saw them last year at Zulufest.

Have a great safe trip and I'll post here and leave a message for you when St. Anne posts the final, final route..

PS

That handsome white-haired older man at the desk of The Provincial also walks St. Anne! We saw him on the parade route last year dressed as Poe with a black raven on his shoulder a la my own "Russell Crow"