It's Carnival Time!
I feel very fortunate and blessed to have survived the first weekend of the 2020 Carnival Season in spite of a persistent chest cold!
The first Carnival weekend has always been my favorite one since it includes the fun-loving Krewe of Cork and the Mystic Krewe of Barkus.
Unfortunately, for the first time ever, I missed the Barkus parade since my beloved Lolita was slated before her tragic death to be the Queen - or at least I was trying. So my bad chest cold and my grief forced me to forget attending it.
On a happy note, once again I was a Queen and this time it was for the Krewe of Cork. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the perennial King, Patrick van Hoorebeek, invited all the queens to be a 2020 Queen - The Year of the Queens.
The festivities associated with it went on since Wednesday when we were invited to pick up award-winning winemaker Charles Smith:
Album Welcoming Wine Maker Grand Marshal Charles Smith
Let's face, it is not everyday that I am invited as one of the 20 Queens of the Krewe of Cork to go to the airport to pick a Grand Marshal of the 2020 Krewe of Cork Parade who was arriving in his own plane. . Award-winning wine maker Charles Smith is not your typical winemaker. Charles Smith is a self-made multi-millionaire and owner of Wines of Substance: He is a "rock Star" and looked the part. He actually used to manage rock bands in Europe back in the '90s.) Wines of Substance is the largest winemaker-owned winery in Washington and the 4th largest producer in the state. After his arrival, the entourage was invited to Peche. Charles selected the dishes and the wine for this very special l and delicious culinary experience.
Welcome Charles Smith!
Welcome Charles Smith!
Love this festive photo by Jimmy Ray at the Krewe of Cork’s Grand Marshal wine dinner at Bayona
After his arrival, the entourage was invited to Peche. Charles selected the dishes and the wine for this very special and delicious culinary experience. Welcome Charles Smith!
Grand Marshal Wine Maker Charles Smith along with lieutenants paraded and celebrated Wine! Food! Fun!
At the historical Rex Room of Antoine’s with the King, Queens and Lieutenants of 2020 Krewe of Cork at the Queens luncheon
After 20 glorious years, Captain Bill Trufant retired and we welcomed Ronnie Laporte👏♥️🍾
After 20 glorious years, Captain Bill Trufant retired and we welcomed Ronnie Laporte👏♥️🍾
Mother nature blessed the 2020 Krewe of Cork with the most beautiful weather as its 20 Queens, perennial King Patrick van Hoorebeek, Grand Marshal winemaker Charles Smith along with lieutenants paraded and celebrated Wine! Food! Fun!
Margarita Bergen added 30 new photos —
The Original Illinois Club's 125 Year Celebration
The Original Illinois Club's Celebrating 125 Years - "Under the Big Top" Ball was lovely and very elegant. Fortunately for me, my darling friends and the French TV 2 Crew were invited by Tracey L Thibodaux, former King Illinois 2009 and President of the Original Illinois to attend its ball on Saturday. February 15 at the Jung Hotel.
It was a new experience for all of us and I enjoyed it tremendously since it turned out that the beautiful Queen Illinois 2020, Deryn Anaya Patin is the granddaughter of my longtime friends Gail Barnes McKenna and the late Judge Bruce James McConduit. Her King was Dr. Reginald Rigsby.
Celebrating 125 Years - Under the Big Topof the Original Illinois Club
One of the soirees that I enjoyed attending was at the colorful Terrance Osborne 's Gallery. It was to celebrate that one of talented Terrance Osborne was the cover for the Insider New Orleans magazine. In the photo Jonee' Daigle-Ferrand, Publisher of Insider New Orleans, Terrance D Osborne, Stephanie Green Osborne and yours truly at Terrance Osborne Gallery.
I also attended another memorable soirees.
At NOCHI for James Beard’s Taste of America
This second weekend is going to a fabulous one.
Mardi Gras is a fun and exciting time in New Orleans.
Schedule Calendar | Mardi Gras New Orleans
Mardi Gras is a fun and exciting time in New Orleans. With so many parades, it’s also busy! We’ve made it easier than ever to have the parade schedule at your fingertips!
Darlings, please put in your calendar:
Among the many soirees that I am looking forward to attending are the following:
Friday, February 21
Greasing of the Poles
Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 21. The public is invited to gather at the main entrance of the recently renovated hotel at 300 Bourbon Street to view the Mardi Gras spectacle.
For more information visit: https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/50th-annual-greasing-poles
Friday lunch at Galatoire’s
February 21
Krewe of Bosom Buddies Parade
Dressed in colorful tu-tu's and hats, this fun parade marches through the French Quarter the Friday before Mardi Gras. In addition to its theme-related medallions and other throws, this krewe's prized throw is a hand-decorated bra! More info
February 21-24
Mardi Gras Mask Market
@The French Market
Get your Mardi Gras on in the French Market! Find handmade masks by artisans from around the country who converge at the French Market during this annual event. More info
The Krewe of Armeinius. Founded in 1968, the Krewe of Armeinius is the largest Gay Mardi Gras organization in the city. Throughout the year, their mission is to educate the community and preserve the history and traditions of Gay Mardi Gras. Each year, they celebrate the organization’s mission and efforts with their annual Krewe of Armeinius Ball.
- PRESENTED BYThe Krewe of Armeinius
- DATES02/21/2020
- LOCATIONMardi Gras World
- TIME8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- 1380 Port of Orleans Pl., Next to Convention Center
- New Orleans, LA 70130
P: (920) 306-1969
Saturday, February 22
Krewe of Lafcardio
The Krewe of Lafcadio parades in the French Quarter celebrating and satirizing New Orleans culture. Our icon is the journalist and writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) who published extensively about New Orleans culture, including the first Creole cookbook about its culinary arts, as well as political cartoons about its corruption. The Saturday of Mardi Gras weekend. In 2020, this falls on February 22nd. Time: Pre-Parade Party: 11:30am -1:30 PM, at Antoine’s Restaurant in the Japanese Room (a happy coincidence) and the room across the hall. The lunch buffet menu is gumbo & salad with passed appetizers, a choice of entrees and sides, a dessert, tea/coffee, and a cash bar. Parade Formation: 1:30pm – 2pm, in front of Antoine’s Restaurant Parade: 2pm – 4pm
- Chef Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace will be King this year along with Restaurateur Brad Brennan will be our Duke this year.
Saturday, February 22
Krewe of Lafcardio
The Krewe of Lafcadio parades in the French Quarter celebrating and satirizing New Orleans culture. Our icon is the journalist and writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) who published extensively about New Orleans culture, including the first Creole cookbook about its culinary arts, as well as political cartoons about its corruption. The Saturday of Mardi Gras weekend. In 2020, this falls on February 22nd. Time: Pre-Parade Party: 11:30am -1:30 PM, at Antoine’s Restaurant in the Japanese Room (a happy coincidence) and the room across the hall. The lunch buffet menu is gumbo & salad with passed appetizers, a choice of entrees and sides, a dessert, tea/coffee, and a cash bar. Parade Formation: 1:30pm – 2pm, in front of Antoine’s Restaurant Parade: 2pm – 4pm
- Chef Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace will be King this year along with Restaurateur Brad Brennan will be our Duke this year.
Sunday, February 23
02/23/2020 - Krewe of Bacchus
February 24
Lundi Gras Festival
"Fat Monday," the day before Mardi Gras, offers live music in the afternoon, several parades that evening and a spectacular fireworks display on the river. Hosted by the 800 members of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Rex, the king of Carnival, arrives on the river by boat and meets with the King of Zulu then both are greeted by the Mayor in a spectacular celebration. It now becomes official that Rex rules over New Orleans for the next day. More info
Monday, February 24
Riverwalk’s 34th
Annual Lundi Gras
Celebrate the season with local food and live music from New Orleans’ favorite performers, including Dj Rob Nice, Dash Rip Rock and Cowboy Mouth. This free event is open to the public and concludes with the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, a ceremony featuring Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the King of Zulu, followed by an elaborate fireworks display.
Join us on Spanish Plaza, Monday, February 24, 12:00 noon-6:30pm
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Monday, February 24
Orpheuscape
the Krewe of Orpheus
The Krewe of Orpheus has mesmerized the crowds who jam the streets of New Orleans awaiting its arrival. From its founding in 1993, Orpheus has consistently stunned the revelers on Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras, and has exploded as one of the largest Krewes. Since that first ride, Orpheus has been one of the most eagerly anticipated Mardi Gras parades of the season.
The Krewe of Orpheus has mesmerized the crowds who jam the streets of New Orleans awaiting its arrival. From its founding in 1993, Orpheus has consistently stunned the revelers on Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras, and has exploded as one of the largest Krewes. Since that first ride, Orpheus has been one of the most eagerly anticipated Mardi Gras parades of the season.
Orpheuscapade® 2020 in Morial Convention Center®
is a part of the parade, that includes live music, dancing, gigantic floats and more.
February 24, 2020
Tuesday, Mardi Gras Feb 25- Happy 2020 Mardi Gras
Tune in to WYES to watch one of Carnival’s most popular events of the season, THE 2020 REX BALL AND THE MEETING OF THE COURTS OF REX AND COMUS, on Tuesday, February 25th at 7:30 p.m. The broadcast can be seen LIVE on wyes.org, on WYES’ YouTube channel and locally in the Greater New Orleans area and Mississippi Gulf Coast on WYES.
Reminder:
Wednesday, March 18,2020
Annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting Spring Festivals and Galas on Wednesday, March 18 at noon in the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Hosted by social editor Margarita Bergen, the popular, informative luncheon will feature speakers from the Ewell Smith, President of the Board of New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (March 18-22), the New Orleans Spring Fiesta (March 21,22,28,29), the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival (March 24-29), Men and Women of Fashion's Prix d' Elegance Luncheon ( March 31), Valerie Grubb, Co-chair of the New Orleans Opera Mad Hatter's Luncheon (April 1),Aislinn Hinyup WYES' Victoria and Albert Gala (April 3) Sammy Steele - Annual Easter parade (April 12)and the French Quarter Festival (April 16-19).
The live entertainment will be vocalist Robin Barnes Casey with Jim Walpole on the piano and Carl Mack on the drums. Other invited special guests will be announced as they confirm their attendance.
The $65, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.
Menu
First Course:Asparagus and Brie Soup
Entree: Panko Pecan Crusted Catfish
Dessert:Fresh Fruit Tart
Make your reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.
Happy Mardi Gras to you all!
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