St. Patrick's Day - NOLA Style

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Today was a beautiful sunny day in New Orleans.  Jack and I got moving early this morning so that we could go for a run in Audubon Park before heading back to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  We took the bus up to the Park and the Trolley back home which costs $1.25 each way.  We didn't want to move our car because we were told that traffic and parking would get crazy this afternoon as people poured into the area for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Public transportation was easy and convenient but I've got to learn to relax and WAIT for it to show up.  Things seem to run at a little more casual pace in the South and I find myself getting impatient. I'm not sure why.   

Audubon Park is beautiful and we had really enjoyed our run there.  Jack and I are so grateful that we are healthy enough to get out and run, especially considering that Jack could barely walk last year at this time.  It was a wonderful day to get outside; sunny and breezy and not too humid.  Audubon Park has century old oak trees which offer a lot of shade, lots of open green space, a lagoon, a zoo and stables.  We like the 1.8 mile paved path for running and biking that goes around the park.  It's right in town, surrounded by beautiful homes and near to Loyola and Tulane Universities. 



After our run we headed home to eat lunch and head over to the parade.  You couldn't ask for better weather to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Jack and I staked out a good spot on Louisiana Avenue which is a few blocks from where we are staying. We brought Coco with us but ended up bringing her back home mid-way through the parade.  As usual, she was a hit with everyone sitting around us but the noise got to be too much for her. While we only brought over lawn chairs and a few drinks, many people arrived early with tables, coolers, portable tents and lots of food.  

People really seem to get into the spirit of the parade and lots of people were in costume which was fun and added to the party atmosphere. 



There is a strong Irish presence in New Orleans which was a surprise to me.  Of course, on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish or pretends they are for a little while!  Jack and I were surprised that to find that the parade was primarily made up of walking groups from Irish bars and Irish organizations along with parade floats. 

 In addition to throwing LOTS of beads, marchers in this parade have a tradition of carrying styrofoam sticks with silk flowers stuck in them so that they look like floral parasols.  Women on the parade route are then given a flower in exchange for a kiss on the cheek.  





Along with beads and flowers, groups gave out items like garters, stuffed animals, plastic cups and underwear. 



The most unusual things we saw thrown from the floats were heads of cabbage and little packets of carrots for soup.  The streets were littered with beads, trash and vegetable bits.  

The floats were bright and colorful and played lots of fun, upbeat music. We enjoyed the music but were disappointed that there was very little Irish music played in the parade.  We were hoping for lots of bagpipes!  In fact, there was only one band in the parade.  The kids did a great job but looked like they were worn out by the time they reached our spot on the parade route.  Jack and I enjoyed all of the floats and terrific people watching. 

Neither one of us has been to Mardi Gras but if today is any indication, it must be a LOT of fun.  I think that a person would really have to build up to it.  How do people get the energy?  I'm not sure that I'm up for the challenge.  It was great to go to the parade and celebrate but then it was great to come back to our little place and enjoy the quiet.  Jack and I had a great time sharing in a New Orleans tradition and would recommend the parade for anyone. Despite the huge

huge amounts of alcohol being consumed (you can walk around with open alcohol here) it's very family friendly.  Lots of multi-generational groups were there along with the younger generation of partiers and everyone got along beautifully.  Just remember to keep your head up if you are standing in the front or you might get conked on the head by a cabbage!