Bacchus, the Greek mythological god of wine and cheer, is also known as one of New Orleanians’ favorite Mardi Gras parades. The Krewe of Bacchus was officially formed in 1968 and was a creation of the Brennan family, a name well-known for their local fine dining establishments. Over the years the group has grown into one of the largest and most popular Carnival parades, noted for its sheer size, impressive animated floats, and celebrity riders such as Bob Hope, Nicolas Cage, Elijah and James Gandolfini.
Some of Bacchus’s signature floats include the Bacchasaurus, King, Queen, and Baby Kong, and Bacchagator. The Bacchagator was the first 2 tandem super float ever built and extends 105 feet. Over the years a net was added to reflect all the beads that would end up back in the mouth of the gator. This is my favorite parade that passes down the traditional parade route down St. Charles Ave. such a treat to be only two blocks away.
New Orleans has two major art nights a year; White Linen Night, aptly named, is held in the summer and Art for Art’s Sake occurs in the fall. Many of the major local art galleries have opening receptions on the first Saturday evening of each month, but these two nights (occurring on the 1st Saturday of August & the first Saturday of October, respectively) are extra special. These events bring out the whole city to view the galleries’ new exhibitions, antique shops’ latest offerings, have a few drinks & schmooze. Unlike the regular monthly opening receptions, this is when the galleries display their crème de la crème. It is quite a grand affair; besides the art on display, in many areas, there are terrific live music performances for the crowds, wine and other cocktails are available at most of the venues…and all of this is FREE and open to the public! As the Crescent City begins to take its first few baby steps into fall, our annual art night out, is just around the corner on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 6-9pm.
