Krewe of Boo! New Orleans Halloween Parade

If you've ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you know what a spectacle a large parade can be. Starting on Halloween of 2008, we will have a new reason to go crazy in public; the Krewe of Boo parade! Until then, we will have some fun things sponsered by the parade group to enjoy.

Mister Mardi Gras himself, Blaine Kern, Sr., is the mastermind behind this fun fundraiser. He's been producing Mardi Gras for over 60 years, and has branched out now to include Halloween. If we can use his past spectacular productions as a yardstick for success, this new Halloween parade is set to become an instant New Orleans tradition. This won't just be mindless fun, although there will be lots of entertainment to go around. The purpose of this parade is to raise much needed funds for the first responders in the area. These include local firefighters, EMS, and police departments.

Many parading groups, better known locally as krewes, have been virtually closed to new members or are extremely selective. If you're not extremely famous, you must have exceptionally good social, family, or business connections to ride on most established krewe's floats. This is not the case with this brand new parade krewe! Anyone over 18 who wishes to join the Krewe of Boo has an opportunity to do so, for a membership fee. As of the printing of this article, there are still membership spots open. To join, donate, volunteer, or to get more information, go to www.kreweofboo.org.

While this parading group isn't set to roll until next year, there are functions planned for this season, starting later this week. For those unfamiliar with parading on New Orleans Mardi Gras scale, riding the float is just part of the fun. There are private, members-only parties and meetings, lunches, brunches, and dinners. The first major members' function is to be held on September 29, 2007. More information is available on the official site listed above.

There are events planned for this year's Halloween season in which the public is encouraged to take part. Throughout the French Quarter, there will be a special Krewe of Boo signature drink offered and special Krewe of Boo themed menus available in local restaurants. In addition, there is a scheduled costume competition to be held in front of the Supreme Court building on Royal Street on the Saturday before Halloween. It will cost $100 to enter, but all proceeds will go to support our first responders. Admission fees for the first annual The Krewe of BOO Halloween Expose' Bash will also fund this worthy cause.

New Orleans is eagerly awaiting this new chance to party in the streets. Boo!