2009 Krewe of Choctaw River Parade This Weekend!

I've been so busy that Mardi Gras is kind of sneaking up on me.  But this Saturday is the Krewe of Choctaw's annual River Parade and it's one of my favorite events of the season.  Choctaw is the only krewe to offer a river parade in New Orleans and it's a tradition that dates back many, many years.  I remember when I first heard about it and dismissed it out of hand thinking that it was just a boat ride.  Boy, was I wrong!

Rub shoulders with the royalty and court members, enjoy some great music, dancing and  food.  Those famous Natchez Steamboat Bloody Mary's are on tap for what is expected to be a beautiful day.  Thank goodness, because the last couple of years have been cold AND rainy and it's about time that the Krewe got a little love from the sun gods.

Here are a couple of photos from last year's event:

Boarding starts at the Gretna Ferry Landing at 9:30 am and the boat sails promptly at 10.  (Get there early and you can browse through the Gretna Farmer's Market before walking to the ferry)  Cruise up and down the river, getting a view of the city that you don't see very often, all while enjoying a party that doesn't stop until noon when the boat docks again.

The River Parade is open to the public.  Tickets are available by contacting kreweofchoctaw@yahoo.com.

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