Pardi Gras 2012!
After meeting a few of the folks who came in early for Pardi Gras on Wednesday night, they really piqued my curiosity. While I’m not a die-hard fan of Jimmy’s music, I do enjoy that style of music and appreciate the relaxing mood it helps to put me in. These folks were truly here for a fun time, complete with funky hats (flamingos & sharks!), pirate outfits and lots of pink beads!
Pardi Gras Kicks Off with a Parrot Head Parade
I took a look at the Pardi Gras website and Facebook page and got the lowdown on all the festivities happening this weekend in the French Quarter. I decided to head into the quarter for the parade, yep, a “parrot head” parade! Apparently earlier in the year you could pay a fee to be one of the riders on the floats, so a few of the folks I met on Wednesday were actually there on the floats …. and sure enough tossing beads my way.
It wasn’t a huge parade, but when you add in that this year’s Pardi Gras theme is all about Pirates, it definitely was an interesting site to behold. One chap even had a huge hat that was a giant pirate ship. Others were decked out in pirate garb, glowing/flashing swords and toy pistols. While not my normal pirate crew, it was definitely done in great fun.
The rest of the weekend is dedicated to the music that these folks all love, so between Tropical Isle on Bourbon & Orleans, Tropical Isle on Bourbon and Toulouse, the Bourbon O across from Tropical Isle, the Funky Pirate and Margaritaville on Decatur – there’s definitely enough Jimmy Buffet / Island Style music to be found in the French Quarter this weekend, you might even be able to find a Cheeseburger or two in this Paradise. 
He's Really a Parrot Head |
One of the Past Pardi Gras Kings |
Pardi Gras Float |
Front of the Animal Themed Float |
They Are the Revellers |
Front of Another Pardi Gras Float |
The Master Gator |
Pardi Gras-ers on the Float |
Now That's a Pirate Hat! |
A View of the Hat from the Back |
Some More Pardi Gras-ers |
Pardi Gras 2012 King & Queen |
The Parade Starts out at Bourbon & Orleans |
Tossing Beads |
The Shark Hat Group |
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