Gorgeous Day, Glorious Spectacle
Thanks to everyone for another great Fringe Parade! Pictures coming soon!
Made possible by our sponsors St. Claude Main Street, Bywater Neighborhood Association, Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Deveny Communication, and the HiHo Lounge, and of course the Fringe Festival.
Grand Marshall Ms Pearl and her Silver attendants were just perfect, exemplifying the spirit that inspires the Fringe and keeps our neighborhood so cool. Her beautifuly decorated Fringe rickshaw, piloted by the talented Swamp DeVille, is the official vehicle of the Fringe Parade.
The new banner by Mardi Claw was a smash hit. If you didn't see it, it should be on display at the HiHo! Ms Claw and LouLou the Muse and their Shopping Cart of Booty made spectators happy all day with the quantity of throws they distributed -- especially the amazing dolls from the two Doll Parties at the Fringe Tent.
The Goodchildren Band sounds better than ever, keeping the parade movin' and groovin'. Dennis Monn made an unforgettable Majorette. At our salute stop at St. Margaret's, the band entertained our elders while the Silver People performed and Mardi Claw and LouLou went in and handed out throws.
Representin' were the Bywater Neighborhood Association, Krewe do Craft, Bunarchy, and performers from several Fringe shows. The fabulous stilt walkers were once again by Baltimore's Nana Project. Katie's Inferneaux Fire and Belly Dance troupe from Baton Rouge provided glamor. The Guardian Angels helped us keep everything flowing.
The Bull, late of Baton Rouge and current Bywater resident, kept up the groove at the end of the parade, accompanied by the truly astonishing Winged Unicorn Bike.
And last but not least, Daniel the Duke of Debris helped us clean up our act.
Special thanks to John and Lori at the HiHo for opening early for our official after-party. We are lucky to have such gracious hosts after our parades.
And of course, the Fringe Parade wouldn't exist without the Fringe Festival --thanks to the awe-inspiring Kristen Evans (who also played trombone in the Band!) who organizes the Fringe, along with Ben, Dennis, Damon, and a host of others. Thanks, too, to Stacey for her Tent management and facilitating the Doll Parties.
I know there are people I'm neglecting to mention -- especially since I didn't get to see many of them until the end of the parade, so let me know who I've missed and I will gladly thank you, too!
I love the organic nature of the Fringe Parade -- you never really know who's going to show up until they get there, and even then you might not recognize them because the costumes and finery are so wild and unique. Thanks again to all who came out to parade or to watch. It was a gorgeous day and a glorious spectacle. Well done, everyone!
--Kathy Connolly
GoodchildrenCarnivalClub.org
