Yesterday we drove to a farm in Church Point for a very traditional mardi gras parade. Betty has been taking her campers here for the last 4 years. The property owner invites a lot of his friends and they have a big bbq going cooking two pigs. Along with dj music and lots of people. Our group was a ways away from his family and friend and he put us in a protected area away from the strong winds…it was also cold, with a high of 66. But at 7am….yes folks we managed to get on the road at 7:30am…..it was about 45 degrees. That does not slow us down though. About a gallon of bloody mary’s and a grill going, along with lots of food and drinks got everyone in the mood for the parade and festivities. We had to wait until about noon for the first of the parade to reach us. The parade stops at some of the farms to beg for food.
As best as I understand it here is how it works:
The grand leader of the parade asks the owner of the property for permission to come on his property and beg for money and/or ingredients to make a gumbo. In this case one of the ingredients is chicken and the farmer turns loose 3 chickens, one at a time and the beggars have to catch them. It was a very wonderful experience with everyone mingling together and the beggars asking the women to dance with them. Some of them are on the ground begging for money to help with making the gumbo.
remember, you can click any picture to enlarge it.
here is Terri trying to teach the rest of them how to whistle….they were all slobbering over themselves!!!!!!
some even came in a bus.
here is the “captain of the parade” with his assistants asking for permission 
the owner is on the left in the camo jacket and hat
catching the chickens
the rest of the parade, lots of beads being thrown
Remember this is a small farming community, and these folks make their costumes and floats so there are none of the big time floats like you would see in New Orleans, or Mobile.
It was a wonderful experience with all of the traditional costumes and pageantry.
Have a wonderful week where ever you are, and remember we love ya.
Jim and Linda
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