Sunday, January 29, 2006

Mardi Gras Lady Mobile Has Moved

I have been asked by the wonderful people over at Alabama Live to write a Mobile Mardi Gras weblog for them. It is featured right under the Masked Observer's column. In order to save time and still be able to bring you all the Mobile Mardi Gras news, events, and pictures I am moving this section of my Mardi Gras Lady site to al.com. The other areas of my site will remain the same.

Mardi Gras has already begun here in the Port City with the Krewe de la Dauphine Parade on Saturday and of course I was there. Please visit me at my new home to read all about it and see all the great pictures.

This is my new address www.al.com/mardigras/lady or you can click on the title link above.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Dauphin Island Mardi Gras parade Saturday

Dauphin Island's Krewe de la Dauphine will present its Mardi Gras parade Saturday with the theme "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up."

The group has designed nine floats celebrating several admirable and not-so-admirable vocations -- beach bum, pirate, firefighter, flight attendant and shrimper, among others.

The krewe put the parade together despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on the island Aug. 29. Three families among the krewe lost their homes, said Jake Simms, one of the krewe's parade organizers.

Click the title link for the rest of the story from The Mobile Register.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Mobile Mardi Gras ads a rarity

A new $85,000 television and radio campaign touts Mobile's "family friendly" Mardi Gras in hopes of enticing visitors from regional cities such as Baton Rouge, La., Montgomery and Destin, Fla., according to the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The campaign is the first of its kind for the bureau, which hopes to use the ads to fill hotel rooms along Beltline Highway, according to bureau President Leon Maisel.

"We rarely market Mardi Gras because we're booked," Maisel said. "It'd be like marketing the sun coming up."

Click on the title link to read the rest of the story from the Mobile Register.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

A Mardi Gras Experience from a Visitor

This is an article written by a visitor to our Mardi Gras here in Mobile. I thought it was really interesting to see it through the eyes of a newcomer. It is long but worth it. Just click the title link to read.

Look Out Mobile

This is an organization for new Mobilians. You can learn about the city and get to know other people who are new to the area. They have a great site. Click on the title link to go there and find out all the happenings.

They are having a Mardi Gras party soon. Here are some of the details. You can get all the information by visiting their site. You have to RSVP to attend so if you are interested go to their site and click on the RSVP link.

Mr. Jim's Cannon Brew Pub Presents Lookout Mobile's Mardi Gras Meet and Greet

You're invited to come celebrate Lookout Mobile's 3rd birthday and kick off the Mardi Gras season in downtown Mobile, AL. Join us on the 3rd floor of Mr. Jim's Cannon Brew Pub for this private party on Saturday, Feb. 4.

What to bring:

$5 per person for food (heavy hors d'oeuvres) and $2.50 per pint of beer.
Mardi Gras beads and costume.
a friend (optional)

Saturday, Feb. 4, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Mr. Jim's Cannon Brew Pub
225 Dauphin Street (LoDa)
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 432-7556

**Door Prizes are back by popular demand!**

All black Mardi Gras krewe makes history in Mobile

For the first time ever, an all black Mardi Gras crew will parade through downtown Mobile on a Saturday night.

(Mobile, Ala.) January 17 - For the first time ever, an all black Mardi Gras Krew will parade through downtown Mobile on a Saturday night.

The Conde Explorers, which currently has more than 150 members, will roll on parade route "A" February 11th at 6:30p.m. WBLX radio personality "Ray-Ray" will serve as the parade's Grand Marshall. The theme will be "70's & 80's Greatest Hits."

In the past, the Conde Explorers nor the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) has held a primetime parade schedule. Marching bands from LeFlore, Williamson, Vigor, and Davidson High Schools have already made commitments to participate in the parade. Many other local and regional groups plan to attend.

The Conde Explorers was established in May 2003. It started with 20 people.

Click the title link to watch the video from WPMI-TV.

Mammoth Parade moves back to The Avenue

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association's Mammoth Parade is returning to The Avenue on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The Mobile Police Department and Mayor Sam Jones approved the parade route expansion request that includes Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, where the parade traveled until about 12 years ago.

Also the parade will have a 2 p.m. start time this year instead of the usual 3 p.m. start, officials said.

Click the title link to read the rest of the story.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Mardi Gras and Cigars in Mobile, AL 2004

Mardi Gras and Cigars in Mobile, AL
March 13, 2004

Cigar Weekly member Todd Crandall (sevenmag) attended the lesser known Mardi Gras festivities in Mobile, AL, where Mardi Gras in America actually started. Here he presents us with a review of the parades and the cigars he enjoyed while attending.


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I always take a cigar to the Mardi Gras Parades, usually not anything of any real dollar value, it's a hectic evening and sometimes you just have to toss the thing because there's just to much going on. But some nights when I know the crowd will be big and I need to get there early, I will grab a favorite.

This is Mobile's Mardi Gras, a family oriented version. The one I grew up with and love dearly. This is easily my favorite time of year.

Friday, February 7: Conde Cavaliers
Founded in 1977, the Conde Cavaliers is a young Crewe, but have quickly grown into one of the largest parading societies. Founded as a way for a workingman to join a Crewe that had no way to inherit a membership in any of the old groups. Now they have 13 themed floats and the three usual Emblem floats. This years theme was "Games People Play" with the Olympics, Casino gaming and Monopoly represented, just to name a few.

As usual the Cavaliers did a great job of starting things off. Sixteen big floats loaded with drunk maskers that were throwing plenty of goodies. The emblem floats never change; the Cavalier Express is a train, the float with the Conde Cavalier Emblem complete with a rearing horse who's testicles are gold leafed. And he's ridden by a Cavalier. Then there's the Joe Cain Coal Wagon. After that the theme floats come by. All were spectacular. Overall a great parade.

On the Mag scale of 5 thumbs up I give it 4

On the way out the door I grabbed a connie #9m out of a bundle I bought in early 2001.

Age had been a friend to this cigar. It was great, rich chocolate and toasty flavors along just a hint of black pepper. I hope most of this bundle are even close to what this smoke was. I'll be working them over pretty heavy over the next two weeks or so and I could be in for a real treat.


Friday, February 13: Order of Inca
Founded in 1956 the Incas have great looking emblem floats with the Inca Sun God and all the riders with large feathered headdresses. Callouts at the Ball are a real treat with Sun God all dressed in Gold and a headdress that rivals the trains on some of the Royal Family's wedding gowns. These are my favorite of them all.

Back to the parade. You would think that with all that dusty Old Mobile money these guys could spring for a few of the new larger floats. Even so the ones they had were done well and they took full advantage of their parade date falling on Friday the 13th. They themed the parade "Superstitions" and had floats with all things scary on them. Nine of them, and of course the three emblem floats bringing the total to 12. The only real knock on these guys is that they don't throw much. So I'm only giving them three thumbs up.

The cigar that night was an Alec Bradley HSG. Toro. I like these cigars. Well made and a good value. A solid medium/full cigar with a light brown Sun Grown wrapper. Good core of sweetness and some pepper to go along with it. It turned out to be a good choice, a nice strong cigar on a cold windy night.


Saturday, February 14: Maids of Mirth and Neptune Daughter's
The Parades that usually run at this point in the yearly schedule (the parades fall in the same order every year) were rained out and moved to Sunday. They are reviewed in the order that they ran.

Sunday, February 15: Order of the Pharoahs
The Pharaohs ran their 19th parade on Sunday afternoon. Another very young society, and they are still parading like it. Small floats with little coming off them. They need to take some lessons from some other Crewes that have been at it even less time. They get a whopping single thumb for this years efforts.

On Sunday night the rescheduled Maids of Mirth celebrated their 55th year with a theme I liked: "Celebrations South of the Salt line". The theme floats were built around all of our local festivals. A great idea being that Mardi Gras is Mobile's oldest festival. They have two emblem floats followed by 7 theme floats. This is one of three, of what I'd call the older all female societies, and they act like they know what they're doing. Even being re-scheduled they still did a good job of making sure we all went home with plenty of worthless junk. That's saying a lot, as usually they have all day to get wound up and whiskied up and then there's a ball to go to. But not on a rain out day. Just for that they get four big thumbs.

Immediately following them was another one of the all female groups" Neptune's Daughters". They've been around less than 10 years, they lease floats from the Conde Cavaliers but it's still fun to catch some more beads and other goodies. It helps make the parade longer. With only 9 floats in the first parade they add a few extra at the end. I'll give them four thumbs up, because it's been a while since I've seen that much stuff coming off floats.

I didn't take a cigar with me that night. It was wet and threatening rain. I probably could have gotten one in but it would have been a job just to keep it lit.


Monday, February 16: Crewe of Marry Mates and Mystical Ladies
The next night was another pair of short parades, hosted by young societies. Two groups of leased floats, some Inca and some Conde Cavalier. The Crewe of Marry Mates (a society of Married Couples) and The Mobile Mystical ladies. Each society has only been around for about 10 years, but they try hard to make sure we all have a good time. Putting the two parades together is a good idea for them. I'll give this pair a three.

It was just too friggin cold to smoke one and enjoy it that night. The season fell early this year so the cold has been a problem.


Tuesday, February 17: Order of La She and Order of Venus
Next up is another pair of babies in the Mardi Gras world: The "La She's" along with the "Order of Venus". More leased floats from the gals of Venus, but the La She's own their own. Two emblem floats and 13 theme floats, and the theme was "Somewhere In Time". Having 15 total floats have put them in the same size range as some of the old guard. They've also earned a reputation as good throwers. They get a good score of four.

The cigar of the night was a Torano Exodus gold perfecto. These guys know how handle the H2k wrapper. A great looking, oily leaf to be sure. Another solid performer from Torano. Loads of smoke, and a solid ash along with a perfect burn. Wonderful flavors in this cigar included cocoa, vanilla, a slight herbal flair and a nice amount of spice. I finally had to toss it when I couldn't hold it without burning myself. Remember, I'm at a Mardi Gras parade and I can't really watch what I'm doing with a really short nub. So they get tossed at about the 1 to 1.5 inch mark. This one was the best of the group up to that point.


Thursday, February 19: Mystic Stripers Society
Thursday night officially kicks off the parades that are generally referred to as the big ones. This one is the "Mystic Stripers Society", founded 65 years ago and trademarked with the striped emblem floats. The Tiger, the Zebra and The King Striper float which is followed by the Anniversary float that's full of convict attired maskers, and let's not forget the Title float with the theme "MSS Declares War". Eleven theme floats came by depicting scenes from battles like Waterloo and Midway. Another wonderful parade from the Mystic Striper's who also know how to fill the bags of children of all ages. The first perfect score.

The cigar for the this parade was an Oliva "O" Ole. The robusto of the line. I've had the box for about two years, and they've aged wonderfully. This cigar was wrapped in a beautiful dark brown Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper from Oliva Farms. One of the best wrappers around IMO. It produced loads of rich flavorful smoke. Strong, sweet and with a hint of citrus and herbs. A delight to my Lower Alabama redneck palette. Perfect burn even on a cool windy night. When it hit the street along with the other stuff nobody wanted to pick up it was completely spent. Not even a BigO toothpick could have salvaged anymore of it. It's no wonder these are some of my favorite cigars.


Friday, February 20: Crewe of Columbus
Friday night saw Mardi Gras get into full swing big time when the "Crewe of Columbus" took their 83rd trip through the streets of downtown Mobile. Founded in 1922 the COC has 6 trademark floats. Three depict the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, then the Crew's emblem float with a big globe rotating in the center, and that's followed by the title float. The most spectacular of the 6 is Isabella the three headed 50 foot long sea monster. Right behind her are the theme floats. This year they represented "Friday Night at the Drive Inn." with movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Godzilla, Ben Hur and my favorite of the night "Creature from the Black Lagoon". Of course there were others, 13 total. Add the emblems and that made for ample chances to fill a big bag with trinkets and Moon Pies. And believe me, they threw plenty of them. The best parade of the year so far. This Crew gets an easy five.

My smoking experience didn't live up to the parade. I started out with a La Escepcion IV Tapa Negra 48. This cigar had little to no discernable flavors. I hung with it until I got past the little Maduro strip on the foot. I really didn't have much hope for it to start with, it just seemed gimicky to put those strips on what was a really good cigar in the first three series. I thought it might pick up once I got past the maduro foot but it didn't come around. So I pitched it. I think I'll just stick to the old ones.

Fortunately I took a backup with me. A Floridita from Costa Rica given to me by my buddy Stogie5150. A toro sized boxpressed cigar with a medium brown tissue thin wrapper. There's a story behind these but I can't remember it. I'm pretty sure it's a Don Douglas product that was originally blended to be a Bahia. I do know they were selling them in bundles for a bit, and now they're gone. That's a shame too, I really enjoyed this one. A straight forward medium bodied smoke with a good profile. It falls into that old catagory "One dimensional, but a good dimension". Sweet and rich and a good long finish. It took some touch ups and a couple of re-lights but overall an enjoyable cigar. I'd like to have more.


Saturday, February 21: Mystics of Time
Saturday was the big night for the "Mystics of Time". In just 56 years they've become easily the favorite parade of the year. Due in large part to Vernadean, Verna and Dean. Three long serpentine dragons that weave their way through the streets, coming right up to the crowd and blowing smoke on everyone. They also throw beads with dragons on them and those are probably the most popular throw of the year. This year's theme was "Lost Civilizations in Time". Easter Island, Nirvana, Atlantis and Knossos were just a few that were represented, with 13 in all. Combined with the three dragons and two emblem floats with Father Time in his usual position on top of the clock gave us 18 to enjoy and catch throws from. As usual though, either Vernadean, Verna or Dean broke down and stopped the parade for a while but this happens every year. Overall another great effort from boys of the MOT. Four thumbs.

The cigar for the parade was a CAO MX2. It was the first one I've had, my buddy spiridon brought it to me from the RTDA. I liked this one and it was a good choice for the night. The wrapper was closer to oscuro than maduro and not the prettiest leaf I've ever seen. But that wasn't a problem, it tasted and smoked great. A good medium bodied cigar with loads of flavor. Maybe not the most complex in the world but enough going on to keep my interest. My only complaint would be that it was just to sweet. But I'd smoke more of them. If you like sweeter cigars these are the ticket.


Sunday, February 22: Joe Cain Precession
This is the best story about a parade yet. Sunday was the "Joe Cain Precession" named after Joe Cain, the man that revived Mardi Gras in the Port City. It originated here in 1703 and went through many changes over the years leading up to the Civil War, which brought it to an end (at least temporarily). In 1866, Joe, who was unhappy with the Reconstruction occupation of Federal troops, dressed up as a Chickasaw war chief named Slacabamorinico. He rolled about town on a charcoal wagon, raising all sorts of Cain. (Yes, that's how the phrase originated) Him and his buddies tossed small trinkets at the feet of the Federal soldiers and Mardi Gras was reborn here in Mobile. The following year in 1867 a formal parade was organized for Shrove Tuesday and it's been going on ever since. The review of this year's edition of that parade is coming up.

Now the Joe Cain Parade is basically about 30 busses, semi's and large flatbeds loaded down with maskers. Each one is it's own so called mystic society with names like Order of Pie and Knights of Daze, all throwing all the usual goodies. It's a big day with a family fair, the parade, a race and several other events going on downtown. It's a fun parade but it's far removed from the usual ones. Given that I'm not going to rate it, but we had a great time as usual.

The crowd is so big and since we had to get there early, I knew I'd have time to enjoy a good cigar before the parade started. So I grabbed a San Cristobal La Fuerza. A good choice, everything you want out of a good Cuban cigar. Tons of flavor, complexity, and just the right amount of strength. At about the half way point the flavors seemed to explode. I didn't think it was possible but the flavors just suddenly became more intense. What a great cigar, it was a shame when that set of beads knocked the nub out of my mouth. Good thing it was all but done anyway.


Monday, February 23: Infant Mystics
Every once in a great while I get lucky. Tonight was one of those nights. We decided to take a chance and brave the rain for the Infant Mystics parade. They were founded in 1868 and are one of the oldest Mystic Societies. Well the rain held out just long enough to get them past us and there were so few people it was like our own private parade. It's a rare treat but if you want to take advantage of an opportunity like that you've got to take your chances with the weather. Tonight it paid off big time. The only problem is the bands pull out, so there's no break between floats, and that's when I check them out. So my review of this parade will be lacking. The theme was good: "The Wonders of Our Waterways", but them I'm always partial to any theme with a local flavor. Every float showed us something about our local bays and Gulf Coast. I'll have to hold off on any rating but it's not because they don't deserve one. I was so busy with Little Mag catching stuff that I just didn't give everything the attention it was due.

I started not to take a cigar at all tonight because of the weather and we waited until the last minute to leave so I didn't think I'd be able to get a smoke in. I changed my mind on the way out the door and grabbed a Romeo y Julieta TPC of unknown year. Not the prettiest wrapper I've ever seen, and it wasn't the best TPC I've ever smoke either. It wasn't bad but usually these are much better than this one. This example was just flat and didn't have the usual depth of flavors and strength that you can expect from this vitola. Could be from the 00 crop that just didn't produce many good cigars.


Tuesday, February 24: Order of Athena, Knights of Revelry, Comic Cowboys and Order of Myths
It finally came to an end today. The festivities started out with the "Order of Athena" just as they have for the last 50 years. We always get a little bonus from the Athenas, when they finish their brunch they do a procession on foot to the float loading. It's a nice touch and a good way to get things started. Luckily where I've been setting up camp for nearly 20 years is on the 5-block stretch they take. Once the parade got started, it was a perfect example of Mobile Mardi Gras at its finest. I love their emblem float with Athena in her chariot being pulled by two huge smoke breathing cobras. The theme was "I love a Parade" with all sorts of parades being represented. I gotta say, this is my favorite of the women's Crewes. I'm giving them a four.

Next up were the "Knights of Revelry". They ran today for the 130th time. Their emblem float is my all time favorite. A jester rides high atop the float in a champagne glass, and chases death by beating the float with inflated pig bladders. The jester's name is "Folly" and he chases death and all other evil spirits away with all the noise he makes with the bladders. One day I'm gonna catch a set of them. Their theme was a Salute to Dr. Seuss. All the kids favorites came by today and these guys were doing all they could to make sure we all had plenty of Moon Pies, beads and candy to bring home. One of their best efforts in years. An easy four thumbs up.

Right on their heels were the "Comic Cowboys". Founded in 1868 this group is completely different than any other Mystic Society. They don't build the big elaborate floats, they use old flatbeds with wooden signs and roast all the local and national celebrities. Stabs at all the usual suspects were there, Alabama, Auburn, Local politicians and a few at Michael and Janet Jackson. A few I caught myself laughing out loud at. They even took a couple of shots at the new California Governor. The members of the Comic Cowboys don't ride in their own parade. They hire others to do it. Anonymity is a big tradition with those guys.

Tonight, if the rain holds out, will the "Order of Myths". Founded in 1867 it's our oldest parading Crewe. I won't be able to give you a review since I'll be at home for that one. They run an old traditional route different from all the others. Their emblem float has a Jester and a Skeleton, Folly chasing Death. The Jester chases the Skeleton around a broken pillar. The Broken pillar of life. It's the Grand Finale of Carnival here. Overall another great season, but I'm glad it's over. I need some rest.

I got in two cigars today, both were stellar. I started off with a RyJ Ex. #4 from 00. A great start for the day. Full bodied and rich. Exactly what I expect from the Romeo y Julieta brand. After that was a PAM. Maybe the best cigar I smoked during the whole season. Perfect burn, great flavors and complexity. Could be as much to do with the fact that the weather had started to improve and I was really enjoying the day downtown with my family and friends.


I hope everyone enjoyed the reviews as much as I've enjoyed sharing the season. I smoked cigars that would fit anyone's tastes and enjoyed almost all of them. Just goes to show you there's a cigar for every mood, occasion and situation. I think I'll try doing this again next year.

Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Frugal Recipes

Michelle's Meals on a Budget

Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling
Copyright 2004 © by Michelle Jones, editor of BetterBudgeting.com

Having lived in Mobile, Alabama for two years, our family had a chance to experience many Mardi Gras parades with moon pies and purple green and gold colored beads (called throws), and the delicious King Cakes offered in all the local bakeries. It was a season of annual family fun we'll never forget.

Although I would not consider this recipe particularly frugal, it is certainly more frugal to make it at home than to order one online! ;o)

(For those of us living outside of Mardi Gras towns, that is. If purchasing a King Cake locally they usually only cost about $5-$6.)

* * *

Please note: King Cake is not like a birthday cake, it's more like a sweet breakfast bread.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. warm water
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 c. plus 1 tsp. sugar
About 4 cups of flour, more or less as needed
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 c. warm milk
5 large egg yolks
1 stick plus 2 T. butter, cut in slices and softened
1 egg slightly beaten with 1 T. of milk
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tiny plastic doll (about 1 inch in size)


Optional Cream Cheese Filling:

1 8-ounce pkg. cream cheese
1 c. confectioner's sugar
2 T. flour
1 tsp. vanilla extract
a few drops of milk

(If filling the cake, cream all the above ingredients together with a mixer and spread onto the rolled-out dough before rolling it into a ring... yum!!)


Cake Directions:

Pour the warm water into a small shallow bowl and sprinkle yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar into it. Allow the yeast and sugar to rest for several minutes, then mix thoroughly. Set yeast mixture in a warm place for 10 minutes. Combine 3 and 1/2 cups of flour, remaining sugar, nutmeg and salt, and sift into a large mixing bowl.

Stir in lemon zest. Separate center of mixture to form a hole and pour in yeast mixture and milk. Add egg yolks and using a wooden spoon, combine dry ingredients into the yeast and milk mixture. When mixture is smooth, beat in 8 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time and continue to beat 2 minutes or until dough can be formed into a medium soft ball.

Place ball of dough on floured surface and knead, gradually adding 1/2 to 1 cup more of flour. When dough is no longer sticky, knead 10 minutes more until shiny and elastic.

Using a pastry brush, coat the inside of a large bowl evenly with one tablespoon softened butter. Place dough ball in the bowl and rotate until the entire surface is buttered. Cover bowl with a heavier kitchen towel and allow dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 and 1/2 hours or until it doubles in volume.

Coat a large baking sheet with one tablespoon of butter and set aside. After the first rising, place the dough on a floured surface and punch it down with a heavy blow. Sprinkle cinnamon, then pat and shape the dough into a long 'snake' or 'cylinder'. Form a twist by folding the long cylinder in half, end to end, and pinching the ends together. Then twist the dough. Form a ring with the completed twist and pinch the ends together.

Place the completed ring on the buttered baking sheet, cover it with a towel and allow it to rise for 45 minutes or until it doubles in volume. After the second rising, brush the top and sides of the cake with the egg and milk wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and hide the plastic baby inside the cake (or just place on the top of cake to avoid someone biting into it).

Icing: (2 parts - you can use one or both if desired)

Colored sugar
Green, purple and yellow coloring paste (sold with cake decorating supplies)
12 T. sugar
Divide sugar into three portions (for green, yellow and purple)
Add a tiny amount of the coloring paste to each sugar portion. Try mixing the sugar and colored pasted between your palms for best results. Set aside.

Poured icing:

3/4 c. confectioners sugar
1/4 c. lemon juice
3 - 6 T. of water

Combine ingredients until smooth, adding more water if it's too thick. Spoon icing over top of cake. Immediately sprinkle on colored sugars, alternating between the three colors. Serve in 2"3" pieces.


I found this on another website. You can click the title link to check it out. The website is betterbudgeting.com and they have lots of interesting money saving ideas.

www.betterbudgeting.com They have a free monthly newsletter that is terrific!!

Mobile expects larger Mardi Gras crowds because of Katrina

A scaled-down New Orleans Mardi Gras because of Hurricane Katrina's destruction could boost turnout for the rollicking festivities in Mobile, where local historians say carnival was first celebrated in the United States in the 1700s.
"It's going to be nuts. We're preparing for the insane, just in case," says bartender Danielle Hamilton at Hayley's on Dauphin Street, the city's downtown entertainment strip.
She says the bar will hire extra bouncers and bartenders to deal with the crowds.
Millions of tourist dollars are up for grabs in carnival cities along the Gulf of Mexico from Galveston, Texas, to Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Leon Maisel, president and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, said there are no historical benchmarks for this year's Mardi Gras because of Katrina.
"But in communicating with industry members," he said, "all indications show Mobile Mardi Gras attendance increasing due to this unique situation."
Mobile has advertised its "family-oriented" carnival in markets within a 150-to-200-mile radius, including Jackson, Miss., Hattiesburg, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., Birmingham and Montgomery, Maisel said.

Click the title link to read the rest of the story.

Little shop of Mardi Gras

A few years ago, Jeff Jordan looked around Mobile's lower Dauphin Street district and noticed something missing.

In the birthplace of America's Mardi Gras, there were no stores solely devoted to selling Carnival-inspired merchandise downtown. No bead outlets. No T-shirt shops. No markets hawking feathered masks.

So the local artist and entrepreneur transformed his father's antiques store into a gift shop and printing business speckled with all things purple, green and gold -- arguably anything anyone would ever want to properly celebrate the pre-Lenten season.

Click the title link to read the rest of the story.

Friday, January 20, 2006

Expecting BIG Crowds

Mardi Gras in Mobile could be huge. "Soon as you try to figure out what its gonna be it turns out not to be that." Life and business have taught Jeff Jordan not to let his hopes soar.

But now as his Mardi Gras shop heads into it's 3rd year, it's hard to keep the glimmer out of the entrepreneur's eyes. "If there's room here, I think they'll come. I'm just not sure if there's enough room to put them in hotel space."

"The central business district, downtown is pretty much booked." Leon Maisel with the Mobile Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau says hotel rooms downtown are almost all booked and the beltway is filling up.

If you want a room, act fast. You can do so at this website. www.mobile.org .

Click the title link to read the rest of the story.

Navy destroyer to visit Mobile during Mardi Gras

The U.S.S. Nitze, a new guided-missile destroyer with a crew of 320 sailors, is slated to sail into Mobile on February 24th for a five-day Mardi Gras visit.

Commander Michael Hegarty, the ship's commanding officer, said he and crewmembers are looking forward to the festivities.

The naval vessel is based in Norfolk, Virginia.

Hegarty said this will be the ship's first official port liberty visit since its commissioning last March.

Click the title link to read the rest of the story from NBC 15 news.

Staying Safe During Mardi Gras

The Mobile Police Department wants to share some safety precautions and other good to know facts for those heading down to Mardi Gras this year.

Streets in and around the parade route will begin closing approximately one hour prior to the start of each parade. Drivers must adhere to all designated “No Parking” areas as well as other specially marked Mardi Gras “No Parking” zones marked with green and gold signs. All vehicles parked in these areas will be towed to Smith’s Towing, located at 2400 Michigan Avenue; (251)-662-8304. The fee for this towing will be $75.00 and must be paid to the wrecker company before any vehicle can be released to the owner.

R.V. parking on the medians along Claiborne and Canal Streets will still be prohibited this Mardi Gras. However, R.V. parking will be allowed beneath I-10 at Canal and Water Streets for a fee (approximately 150 spaces available). “No R.V. Parking” signs have already been posted in the downtown area and will be strictly enforced. Anyone with questions or concerns regarding R.V. parking can contact Ike Jimenez at (251) 476-7038 or 583-2350.

Following is a list of precautions that should be kept in mind while attending the parades downtown during Mardi Gras:

• Attend parades with family or friends
• A City Ordinance strictly forbids glass containers in public
• Do not follow floats. Violators may be arrested
• Do not throw any object in the direction of floats, band members, or parade participants. Violators may be arrested
• Materials known as “Silly String” and “Snap & Pops”, along with similar products are illegal. Possession of any these products may result in arrest
• If you need police assistance during a parade, go to the nearest intersection and advise a uniformed police officer
• Lost children will be taken to the Mobile Police Department Central Events Mini Precinct located at 320 Dauphin Street (208-6306). Place an index card in your childs pocket indicating their name, address, telephone number and a relatives name
• Please cooperate with all requests from police officers
• Choose a well-lit area for night parade viewing
• Establish a pre-designated meeting place for after the parade in case you get separated from friends or family
• Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Utilize the trunk to store valuables
• The Mobile Police Department will enforce a “no weapons” policy. Persons found in possession of weapons will be arrested. Pistol permits do not allow possession of firearms at parades
• Uniformed and plainclothes officers will be patrolling behind the crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity
• Do not cross the barricades. Each officer will be carrying a ticket book and will be issuing citations to those people who disobey the law by crossing the barricades. The fine for crossing the barricades is $152.00
• Pets on leashes are prohibited during the parades downtown
• Skateboards and motorized scooters are prohibited.

African American Mardi Gras

There is not an abundance of photographs of black Mardi Gras past in Mobile, but enough exist to accurately tell the story. The story is told around the activities of the organization that would eventually become the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association.

A 1946 photograph captures the spirit and excitement of a marching band as it charges toward the viewing stand. Awaiting them is the royal court of the association, but if you take a close look at these photographs, you'll discover the identity of the studio that captured these moments -- a photography studio that is, itself, a thing of the past.

Blue Light Studio number one opened on Royal Street in 1942. By 1944 a second blue light studio opened but later burned in 1958. But the photos survive.

Click the title link to read the rest of the story from NBC 15.

Makin Mardi Gras

Click on the title link to read all the articles from Darwin Singleton of NBC 15 news.

MAMGA seeks to bring Mammoth Parade back to "The Avenue"
When the MAMGA parade rolls on Fat Tuesday, Tammy Morgan of Prichard says keep your eye out for the ladies on float 13.


"Big Easy" float builders make Mardi Gras easier in Orange Beach
Joe Barth and Tim Kennedy are in a large metal garage, busy working on Mardi Gras floats. No surprise. It's what they do this time every year in New Orleans. But this isn't New Orleans. It isn't even in Louisiana. This is a secret float barn in Orange Beach. Alabama. So why are Joe and Tim here instead of there?


Dynasty Collection: Makin' Mardi Gras with carnival royalty!
Mary Margaret Monahan is a beautiful lady. But something special happens when you add a crown! A crown, a scepter and jewels!


Makin' Mardi Gras at Toomey's
You've seen the crazy hats, the one-of-a-kind beads, the wacky glasses (for your face or your table) and maybe even a Mardi Gras vest! That stuff is commonplace at Toomey's Mardi Gras! Watch this video
Watch this video



Moon Pie Recipe
It's that time of year again. NBC 15's own "Mr. Mardi Gras" starts dipping into the familiar purple, green and gold, and he's getting a new spin on the old Mardi Gras favorite -- the moon pie!



Mobile hosting Gulf Coast's oldest Mardi Gras
From decorated trees and outrageous costumes to colorful parades and quaint traditions, it's Mardi Gras time on the Gulf Coast. And while New Orleans' celebration may be better known, Mobile's is, in fact, known to be older — as well as more family-oriented.



Mardi Gras safety tips and need-to-know info
The Mobile Police Department wants to share some safety precautions and other good to know facts for those heading down to Mardi Gras this year.



Joe Cain
Mention his name anywhere else and it won't ring a bell, but say Joe Cain in Mobile, and, well, it's almost like saying George Washington.


African American Mardi Gras in Mobile
The Blue Light photographers did not limit their cameras to the streets of Mobile's black neighborhoods. They took them into the halls and homes here the shutter captured a carnival association party.


Royalty
Everyone knows that Cinderella is a fairy tale, but come to Mobile during Mardi Gras, and you might have to reconsider.


Royalty must have a crown
How can you recognize a Mardi Gras king or queen? By the crown, of course! Something happens to a person when that sparkling headpiece is placed on their brow. So who is responsible for crowning our Mardi Gras royalty? Darwin knows!

Return to History?

Parade petitions for return to roots

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association has requested a route expansion of its Fat Tuesday Mammoth Parade to include Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, a move that would take the parade back to its historic roots.

MAMGA officials also want a 2 p.m. start, Ralph Altice, association president, said Wednesday. MAMGA officials held a news conference Wednesday evening at the association's float barn to discuss the reason for requesting the route change.

"We consider this more of an expansion and not so much as a change," Altice said earlier Wednesday.


Please click the title link to read the rest of the story from the Mobile Register.

Friday, January 06, 2006

Blast from the Past

Well Mobile Mardi Gras 2006 is upon us and as we wait and prepare for the season I wanted to share some old pictures from Mardi Gras gone by. If there was any doubt that I love and have always been a part of Mobile Mardi Gras here are some pictures to prove it.

I will be covering all things Mardi Gras in the weeks and months to come so check back often. Please leave comments or drop me a line and tell me what you think, ask questions and give me suggestions to improve the site.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS MOBILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Cain was My Main Man when I was 1 in the Joe Cain Parade. I am holding onto my crown so I don’t lose it. This was my second Joe Cain Parade.
Here I am on the Mystic Stripers Queen's Float. I am ready at 2 to lead the parade. It would take many more years for me to get there.
I was 6 in this picture. In those days after a terrific Joe Cain Parade there was a ceremony and picnic at the Church Street Grave Yard where Joe Cain is buried.
This is my little sister, Timpy, and me. I guess I was about 8 in this picture on Mardi Gras Day downtown. My dad always tied a step stool to this pole so he could get up high to take pictures of the passing parades.
I guess this was when I was about 16. Funny story. My best friend Debbie called into work so she could parade in the Joe Cain Parade with me. Well, this picture appeared as almost half page on the front of the newspaper the next day. Needless to say my friend had to look for a new job but she said it was all worth it.
Finally made it!! I was 20 here when I lead the Mystic Striper’s Ball as their Queen.
This was the stage. My jester train and the stage that evening were a perfect accidental match. The stage builder and us were unaware what the other was doing. It worked out perfectly.
This was Joe Cain Day 2002. My hubby, Luke, decided to dress in traditional MOWA attire.