What an incredible time to be living in southern Louisiana! The Saints have finally made it to the Superbowl, parades are rolling…does it get any better than this? The world is watching and green with envy as New Orleans, the northshore and basically the entire state of Louisiana, enjoys this wild ride! If we can endure the partying and make it through the month without spontaneously combusting, it may be one of the most memorable February’s of our lives.
In addition to: seeing any of the 1,200 floats that will be rolling, hearing the 600 bands that will be proudly marching their way down the street, and taking advantage of the insurmountable opportunities to tailgate, there are a few other events you and your family may want to check out this month.
On February 19, at 7:00pm the Greater Covington Center’s Fuhrmann Auditorium will be the host for a unique concert experience. Local producer Jeff Falkenstein and J&M Productions welcomes Glen Phillips and Vienna Teng & Alex Wong. These talented musicians are all individually partaking on a nation-wide tour right now that will lead some of them to other continents to tour as well. However, we are fortunate that they will all be uniting right here to perform for us. Many of you may be familiar with Glen Philips as the lead singer/songwriter for Toad the Wet Sprocket. He has moved on from that group to enjoy a solo career and singing/songwriting partnerships with other groups. In addition to Phillips performing his set (probably 75 minutes long) and Teng and Wong’s set, we can probably expect them to sit in with each other a bit to hear a little of them collaborating. They are all hugely talented musicians. This concert benefits the Covington Unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana. It should be a great night for music here on the northshore and it is a very cool thing to have them perform here. Tickets are $25.00 and available now at www.ticketstorm.com.
If the south shore isn’t for you when it comes to Fat Tuesday, worry not. The City of Covington’s Mardi Party will provide you with every opportunity to costume and feel that carnival spirit! The annual event will again be at the Bogue Falaya Park in downtown Covington. Mardi Party is immediately following the Lions Parade on Mardi Gras Day, February 16. It is a fun, family event that includes music, food, and more. Covington’s Economic Development Director Pam Keller said this year it was easy for her and assistant Dominique Elzy to narrow down a theme for the costume contest, considering the success of this year’s New Orleans Saints. “The costume contest will have a “Who Dat” theme and is a great opportunity for everyone to come out, have a good time and show their Saints spirit”. Awards will be given in various categories for the contest; second lines will be parading through the park and your favorite Saints songs will definitely be in with the Mardi Gras mix. Everyone is welcomed to this free event and encouraged to wear their black & gold and bring whatever picnic lunch they like. The Kiwanis will also be on hand selling hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks. For more information check out www.cityofcovingtonla.com.
There is one more Carnival event to enjoy with your family - kids and canines included. On Sunday, February 21, the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws will hold its 14th annual parade in Mandeville. This year’s puppy parade theme is “Mardi Paws Travels Around The World”. For years, Mardi Paws paraded along the Lakefront. However, due to its huge success and growth, it now parades down Lakeshore Drive itself. There is no need for pre-registration; you may register the day of the parade at 12:30 at the Mandeville Harbor. The parade begins promptly at 2:00 and travels down Lakeshore, then back onto the lakefront ending at the gazebo at Lafitte. It is there they will crown the King, Queen and Royal Court (they haven’t been announced yet!) and have a ceremonial toast. This is followed by a celebration for everyone. Various non-profits will be on-hand this year selling a variety of foods and drinks. It’s sure to be a kick for the whole family! Mardi Paws benefits two worthy, local non-profits, Have a Heart Thru Art and the St. Tammany Spay/Neuter program. Just in case, they’ve set a rain date of February 28. They have a great website, find more info at www.mardipaws.com.
We have so much to celebrate and so many opportunities to do so this month! Many of us will relish partying with the die-hards and witnessing the debauchery of the French Quarter, many of us will again enjoy the slower pace of the celebrations here on the northshore with our families, a special few may find themselves celebrating in Miami! Whatever it may be, with the right amount of moderation, I think we can make it a memorable season for all of us. Be a Louisianian wherever you are! It’s an unforgettable time here in our state. Celebrate and soak it all in.