Who would be interested in riding in a New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade?
Jul 10, 2002, 10:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
Who would be interested in riding in a New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade?
A friend of mine belongs to the "Krewe of Tucks" which parades on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, so for 2003 they would parade on March 1.
I don't know what the cost is yet but it is fairly reasonable, but don't forget you will need to purchase "throws" for the parade. I will post more when I know more, but the deadline for cheap registration is approaching.
I just thought I would post to see if anyone interested in joining me.
A bit of History on the Krewe of Tucks
Known for its irreverence, the Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 as a rag-tag group of Loyola University students. The club takes its name from Friar Tuck, a defunct uptown pub where the college students decided to create their own Carnival krewe after unsuccessfully trying to become white flambeaux carriers, which even in this day and age is a hard, if not impossible thing to do.. The parade has grown from a small ragtag nighttime parade of main pick up trucks and high school type bands, into a procession of major proportions. In 1983 the parade became a daytime event and in 1986 the parade route finally stretched to downtown. Even though the club has grown in size and stature, Tucks always keeps its weird and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor.
Tucks paraded in 1999 with 700 members. The 29 float procession includes jazz bands and a band contest featuring local and out-of-state bands. Tucks introduced a super-double-decker title float in 1997, along with its new toilet seat float. The krewe throws a large variety of krewe-emblemed items, including medallion beads, cups, frisbees, wooden doubloons, plain aluminum doubloons, panties, toilet paper, Tucks stuffed dolls and a new throw, the Tucks football. The parade ends near the Marriott Hotel, site of the Tucks Extravaganza (open to public by paid admission).
If the club stays on it's present course it will one day be set in the annals of the "Super krewes" that will live on as legendary parades.
[This message has been edited by prncess674 (edited 07-10-2002).]
I don't know what the cost is yet but it is fairly reasonable, but don't forget you will need to purchase "throws" for the parade. I will post more when I know more, but the deadline for cheap registration is approaching.
I just thought I would post to see if anyone interested in joining me.
A bit of History on the Krewe of Tucks
Known for its irreverence, the Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 as a rag-tag group of Loyola University students. The club takes its name from Friar Tuck, a defunct uptown pub where the college students decided to create their own Carnival krewe after unsuccessfully trying to become white flambeaux carriers, which even in this day and age is a hard, if not impossible thing to do.. The parade has grown from a small ragtag nighttime parade of main pick up trucks and high school type bands, into a procession of major proportions. In 1983 the parade became a daytime event and in 1986 the parade route finally stretched to downtown. Even though the club has grown in size and stature, Tucks always keeps its weird and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor.
Tucks paraded in 1999 with 700 members. The 29 float procession includes jazz bands and a band contest featuring local and out-of-state bands. Tucks introduced a super-double-decker title float in 1997, along with its new toilet seat float. The krewe throws a large variety of krewe-emblemed items, including medallion beads, cups, frisbees, wooden doubloons, plain aluminum doubloons, panties, toilet paper, Tucks stuffed dolls and a new throw, the Tucks football. The parade ends near the Marriott Hotel, site of the Tucks Extravaganza (open to public by paid admission).
If the club stays on it's present course it will one day be set in the annals of the "Super krewes" that will live on as legendary parades.
[This message has been edited by prncess674 (edited 07-10-2002).]
Jul 10, 2002, 3:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2000
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rudi:
my 60ieth birthday is on march 2nd 2003 ...</font>
my 60ieth birthday is on march 2nd 2003 ...</font>
my 40th birthday is on march 2nd 2003 ...
Jul 10, 2002, 4:10 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
I have more specifics on prices.
Dues:
$375 if paid before 7/15 or
$450 if paid after 7/15
Throws:
$275 required to buy from krewe (you will definitly want to buy more but you don't need to buy the additional from the krewe there are plenty of wholesalers in the city with good prices)
Included in the dues are:
1 ticket to carnation ball and
1 ticket to party after parade
and the right to ride in the parade
Not included:
costume you must provide your own this year's theme Fish (this should not be expensive)
Additional tickets to ball or party I believe are $95
The coronation ball and the after parade party are at a downtown hotel that includes a buffet dinner, entertainment and Open Bar
Any takers?????
Dues:
$375 if paid before 7/15 or
$450 if paid after 7/15
Throws:
$275 required to buy from krewe (you will definitly want to buy more but you don't need to buy the additional from the krewe there are plenty of wholesalers in the city with good prices)
Included in the dues are:
1 ticket to carnation ball and
1 ticket to party after parade
and the right to ride in the parade
Not included:
costume you must provide your own this year's theme Fish (this should not be expensive)
Additional tickets to ball or party I believe are $95
The coronation ball and the after parade party are at a downtown hotel that includes a buffet dinner, entertainment and Open Bar
Any takers?????
Jul 10, 2002, 4:24 pm
#7
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
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Sounds like fun!!!
I've seen what you get for tossing beads
Wonder what an FT Luggage tag will get you??
[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 07-10-2002).]
I've seen what you get for tossing beads
Wonder what an FT Luggage tag will get you??
[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 07-10-2002).]
Jul 10, 2002, 11:51 pm
#8
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
Wonder what an FT Luggage tag will get you??
Probably beer belly guys flashing their bums to show off their ... calluses!
I think I'd stick with the baubles, bangles, and bright shiny beads.
Probably beer belly guys flashing their bums to show off their ... calluses!
I think I'd stick with the baubles, bangles, and bright shiny beads.
Jul 11, 2002, 7:49 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bethesda, MD USA
Posts: 2,802
Princess, I might be interested, but I'd have to know how close you guys will be parading to the big day itself.
I'm sure I could find SOME excuse why I had to be down there around that time. I mean, New Orleans is in my territory.
I'm sure I could find SOME excuse why I had to be down there around that time. I mean, New Orleans is in my territory.
Jul 11, 2002, 7:53 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 893
Hmmm ... perhaps stock up now on Marriott conditioner, Sheraton shoe mittens, DL's mini-water bottles and Biscoff wafers, so you'd have some genuine FT throws to toss.
Did the Phunny Phorty Phellows kick-off-Mardi-Gras streetcar ride in January & it was lots of fun. I imagine the big parades are a blast.
Jul 11, 2002, 8:07 am
#11
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mdtony:
Princess, I might be interested, but I'd have to know how close you guys will be parading to the big day itself.
I'm sure I could find SOME excuse why I had to be down there around that time. I mean, New Orleans is in my territory.</font>
Princess, I might be interested, but I'd have to know how close you guys will be parading to the big day itself.
I'm sure I could find SOME excuse why I had to be down there around that time. I mean, New Orleans is in my territory.</font>
To learn more about Mardi Gras New Orleans style, check out this website.
http://www.nola.com/mardigras/
This is the prime weekend just before Fat Tuesday. Hotels will fill quickly and Priceline is probably not an option since the hotels sell out. If there are only one or two flyertalkers I will offer up the spare bedroom, but a whole FT float of people I just don't think could stay at my house. I am happy to play chaffeur for airport pickups, parade starting point drop offs, bead shopping, etc. If a large group does come my parents have been wanting to meet all my "travel buddies" as they say and will probably have a little New Orleans welcome party on Friday night. They love introducing Mardi Gras virgins to the city. My parents met at a MG parade 30 years ago, I think Mardi Gras is in my blood.
If you book plane tickets early you can get good deals.
My advice is to arrive on Friday evening and leave mid morning on Monday if you can't get both Monday and Tuesday off. If you don't plan on seeing the parades on Sunday you could leave Sunday but Sunday is alot of fun and is a shame to miss.
[This message has been edited by prncess674 (edited 07-11-2002).]
Jul 11, 2002, 8:30 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Posts: 3,282
I've been actually toying with the idea of joining either Endymion, who parades the Saturday evening before, or Orpheus, who parades on Lundi Gras, the night before.
Tucks is another cool krewe. I'll definitely have to look into this.
------------------
The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.
[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-11-2002).]
Tucks is another cool krewe. I'll definitely have to look into this.
------------------
The perfect ladies' man is a perfect gentleman.
[This message has been edited by studley (edited 07-11-2002).]
Jul 11, 2002, 8:44 am
#13
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Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by studley:
prncess, you forgot to mention the big toilet bowl float the krewe have!
</font>
prncess, you forgot to mention the big toilet bowl float the krewe have!
</font>
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> Quote from mardigrasunmasked.com
Signature float: The Royal Outhouse (new superfloat resembling a castle with gigantic potty prop and third-floor lounge complete with sofas, disco ball and full bar) and The King's Throne (formerly The Toilet Float)</font>
Signature float: The Royal Outhouse (new superfloat resembling a castle with gigantic potty prop and third-floor lounge complete with sofas, disco ball and full bar) and The King's Throne (formerly The Toilet Float)</font>
To read a "trip report" from another rider in Tucks check out this page.
http://itsadave.com/tucks.html
[This message has been edited by prncess674 (edited 07-11-2002).]
Jul 11, 2002, 12:01 pm
#14
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
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Currently all Hilton properties in the NOLA area are either sold out or are pricing out in the stratosphere...
Jul 11, 2002, 2:28 pm
#15
Original Poster
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Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Currently all Hilton properties in the NOLA area are either sold out or are pricing out in the stratosphere...</font>
Currently all Hilton properties in the NOLA area are either sold out or are pricing out in the stratosphere...</font>
If you are a Starwood person you could also cash in 3,000 points for the 4points on weekends and 4,000 points for weeknights. It is not luxurious but atleast you wouldn't be paying. The 4 points is pricing out at $159 which is totally not worth it but it is worth the points.
The other thing is you will not be in your room at all other than to sleep. It will be a very full weekend. Staying in Metairie may be a better option since you would need to go to the bead warehouse to buy throws the night before. Making it downtown is a BIG hassle during MG.