Tuesday - Mardi Gras is Here!

We arrived in New Orleans about 8:30 this morning and quickly got off the bus.  We were EXCITED!

Our King and Queen for Adventure Caravans were the first ones off and the first of many "sheets."

The first stop we made was at the viewing stands so we could watch at least a few minutes of the first parade of the day.

This sign was posted in the stands across from us and I just had to take the picture!

We had a very big group of marchers in festive costumes and they had lots of energy as they danced down the street.  After they went by the members of our group who were going to walk to the French Quarter left the stands - that included me and Gary.

This jester appeared right as we left the viewing area - great costume!

Gary also found some Angry Birds!  Actually, their last name was Birdsall so they took advantage of the similarity.

Our Canadian group were ready for some fun as they all went on the walking tour.  I think there were about 60 of our group that took off for the FQ,

These men all arrived in limos with the accompaniment of a police guard.  They are the men of REX, the "King" of the parades.  We were able to talk to them for a few minutes before they went on to the parade and they were quite impressed by our group's costumes!

Different groups or families were often seen in coordinating thematic costumes.

Pete Fountain and his Half Fast walking group were here to entertain.  Pete is a famous jazz musician who is in his s80's.  He played his clarinet for a few songs as the group moved about the FQ and was interviewed by many TV and radio stations along the way.  I think he enjoyed the chance to play as much as everyone loved to see and hear him!