Mardi Gras 2007

Yesterday morning was the Thoth parade (pronounced ‘Towth’), which is the only one I got to this year. Thoth takes a non-traditional route through Uptown New Orleans, and was really easy for me to catch it.  Mostly, because it passes right in front of my house.  When I bought the house back in 2004 my real estate agent, Lesley, told me that I’d be required to have a parade party.  So I invited a bunch of friends and we all had a great time. Last year it didn’t pass by because of Katrina so I had forgotten how much fun Thoth was until yesterday, when once again my friends all came and had a blast.

Lesley also advised me to close the front shutters during the parade. "If you don’t the window will get broken," she said. I forgot about that too, until the first float rolled by and my front window almost got nailed by sack of beads. I’ve only had to close the front shutters three times since I’ve lived here: twice for the Thoth parade, and once for Katrina.  Needless to say, the debris left by Thoth was more colorful and festive.  Plus I’ve never had to leave the city after Thoth.  It’s true that tomorrow I’ll be leaving town for Athens, Georgia and then Charleston, South Carolina.  But that’s so my daughter Bridget and I can visit colleges, not to avoid flood waters (or escape Mardi Gras).

The weather will be spectacular in New Orleans tomorrow, which is good.  It’s been a fantastic carnival time and a lot of out-of-towners have been on hand to enjoy the fun.  Last night Drew Brees was the Grand Marshall of the Bacchus parade, which gave folks a chance to say thanks.  Obviously the Saints players were a major source of inspiration this year, but there are some other people who should be recognized too, like Cornelius Washington.  Or, if my friend Clancy Dubos is right about Ed Blakely then maybe next year we’ll be honoring him. 

Whatever happens next year one thing is certain: I’ll be having another Thoth party and inviting all my friends to come watch the glorious floats roll by.  So mark your calendar for Sunday February 3, 2008.  The first batch of Bloody Mary’s will be served at 9:00 am.