In my new-found role as New Orleanian Emissary To America, I find myself having to explain this quite a bit to the folks n00bs up here: Mardi Gras in New Orleans is not at all about boobies and meter-long what-passes-for-cocktails. So, get off those four foul blocks of Bourbon Street. And, for the record, you and your tourist frat kids made it that way.
The above is an example of a good Chicago Tribune article on Carnival celebrations down south. This, however, is not. Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge? I think not. And don’t even think about dressing like that in New Orleans.
I will say one thing about northern Ohio: The fabric and craft stores up here are extremely well-stocked and customer service very curious and helpful when it comes to our Krewe du Vieux and Fat Tuesday costume planning. “Mardi Gras? In New Orleans? How cool!” They really look at it as being a part of something bigger and brighter.
We await the unveiling of the 2010 costume(s?). Pictures are mandatory.
All costumes will be revealed at respective parade times. Pictures will be posted, too, as per the usual.
Looking for kippot this week. Have some ideas for a HinJew Ganesha on ’em. Will send pictures. And most folks from Chicago don’t know better…what will doubtless be coming next will be a review of Rachael Ray in Argus, which STILL won;t be in New Orleans.