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Posts Tagged ‘parade’
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
Mardi Gras and Carnival are famously celebrated in New Orleans but many communities throughout Louisiana commemorate this festive season with live zydeco music, dancing, traditional Cajun cuisine, King Cakes, and float-filled parades with beads, beads, and more beads! Located in the Northwestern corner of the state (closer to Texas than New Orleans), Shreveport-Bossier touts itself as “The Other Side of Louisiana” and offers a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration.
A Mardi Gras parade float at a float loading party in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana
Why Choose Shreveport-Bossier for Mardi Gras?
During the current economic downturn, the Shreveport-Bossier area has actually seen an increase in Mardi Gras tourism with revelers seeking more affordable accommodations, libations, and dining options than what can be found in New Orleans. While there is no shortage of grown-up beverages at the larger parades and other Carnival activities, Shreveport-Bossier provides a more family-friendly Mardi Gras, with an absence of shirts being lifted in exchange for beads plus special parade route areas designated as alcohol-free. Many families with children of all ages attend the parades together.
My friend, Linda Perry of Peachhead.net, and me (right) loaded down with beads at the Krewe of Centaur Parade
History of Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier
Carnival season takes place each year a dozen days post Christmas through midnight on Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), the day before the commencement of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is serious business for Shreveport-Bossier residents, bringing in over $2.7 million in tourist revenue each year. The first Mardi Gras parade of this friendly metropolitan duo took place in 1927 but went on hiatus during the Great Depression. Mardi Gras festivities returned with a parade thrown by the Krewe of Gemini in 1990 and has been growing each year since.
The community’s Mardi Gras traditions are organized by 15 krewes of various sizes and specialties. The two biggest, Krewe of Gemini and Krewe of Centaur each throws its own traditional parade featuring 30 to 40 floats from which over $100 thousand worth of beads, plastic drink cups, stuffed animals, and other trinkets are tossed to hooting crowds. Krewes are run and supported on a volunteer basis, with local companies sponsoring many of the floats.
Before the parade, I chowed down on traditional Cajun cuisine (including the best gumbo I’ve ever had!) prepared by local, Lila Davison
Pay to Be IN the Parade
Even if you’re not a local you can experience the thrill of hurling colorful goodies into a crowd of leaping partiers, but it will cost you. Out-of-towners can join the Krewe of Gemini for a $140 membership fee plus the cost of the beads, for a total of $465. Along with bead-tossing privileges, you receive a pair of tickets to the Twelfth Night Party and the Krewe of Gemini Ball. Float riders are also expected to purchase and don any costumes needed to wear in the parade.
Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras King and Queen posing for photos before the parade while a zydeco band plays behind them
Mardi Gras Balls & Beyond
Smaller krewes are more specialized in nature and may pay to run a float in one of the larger parades. The Krewe of Justinian’s members hail from the legal profession. The Krewe of La Femme Mystique is made up women. The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux throws a mellow, family-friendly Mardi Paws Parade each year at RiverView Park along the Red River to raise money for non-profit pet adoptions. Costumed dogs, cats, bunnies, and ponies are the stars of this parade, many of which are led by children and adult owners in matching gear.
One of the furry stars of the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Paws Parade
Most krewes kick off the season with a Twelfth Night Party at the start of the season. All throw a formal ball complete with appointed royalty, in feather and faux jewel-adorned regalia costing participants up to $20 thousand dollars apiece. Krewe members attend meetings (at which a little fun and alcohol is typically involved), pay dues, design and build floats (which change annually), and ride in parades.
The Krewe of Gemini Royalty Chair Mary Louise Stansell bragged that while New Orleans celebrates specifically during Mardi Gras season, the krewes of Shreveport-Bossier party year-round. A highlight of the year for her and many other krewe members is when they dress up in their Mardi Gras costumes to visit all children patients in the three local hospitals.
Get a sneak peek of the current year’s floats at the loading parties, held the night before the parades when krewes load beads and other goodies for the festivities.
Willy Wonka Costume on display at the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum
Mardi Gras Museum of the Krewe of Gemini
If you want to learn more about the history of Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier and get an up-close look at the royalty’s costumes (which change theme each year) in all their sequined and feathered glory, head to the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum. It’s open on weekends during Carnival season and by appointment throughout the rest of the year.
King Cakes
If you will be in Louisiana during Mardi Gras season be sure to stop by a local bakery, like Julie Anne’s Bakery & Cafe, to sample a King Cake. The tradition of King Cakes started in Europe to celebrate the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child twelve days after Christmas (on Twelfth Night or Epiphany). Europeans hide a small ceramic king, a bean, or a coin in the cake. It is said that a year of good fortune awaits the lucky diner who gets the figure.
What kid wouldn’t want a cookie decorated in Mardi Gras colors or a King Cake filled with a toy surprise?
In Louisiana, a tiny plastic baby Jesus is buried in the cake and the “winner” must continue the festivities by throwing the next party and purchasing the next King Cake. While traditionally the cake is a simple ring with little decoration, Louisianans liven it up with frosting topped with Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Julie Anne’s offers 22 King Cake flavors. The most popular is Pralines & Cream filled with cinnamon, pecans, and sweet cream cheese.
King Cakes can be found in any local bakery during Mardi Gras season or ordered ahead during the rest of the year. Even if you will be visiting Louisiana off-season, order one up and laisser les bons temps roulez!
Where is your preferred Carnival destination or what is your favorite Mardi Gras tradition? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget
• 5 Texas Hill Country Family Activities
• Paris with Kids – C’est Magnifique!
• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas
Tags: Carnival, family-friendly, Fat Tuesday, history of mardi gras, king cake, louisiana, Mardi Gras, parade, Shreveport-Bossier
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Restaurant Reviews | 6 Comments »
Sunday, December 12th, 2010
Knott’s Berry Farm hosts a holiday celebration complete with A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade, Christmas Crafts Village, visits with Santa Claus, and even a Christmas ice skating show! Located in Buena Park, California, Knott’s Berry Farm is America’s original theme park. It is better known for its scary Halloween Haunt, but a visit during the holiday season is sure to delight all ages with its fun and festive shows, decorations, and activities.
Snoopy & The Nutcracker waving to the crowd in the Peanuts’ Holiday Parade
A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade
This traditional parade features dancers, holiday music, and floats topped with Peanuts Gang members – Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, and the crowd-favorite, Snoopy. The parade is just long enough to keep kids rapt with attention throughout. The parade ends with Santa ho-ho-ing and wishing a Merry Christmas to all.
My daughter, Karissa, was smitten with this adorable Knott’s Christmas Craft Village shop
Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village
What I remembered most from my last visit to Knott’s Berry Farm as a teenager was its plethora of roller coasters. As a grown-up, my favorite part of the park is no longer thrill rides, rather it is the Old West decor and feel of Ghost Town. I am a sucker for make-believe, especially when it is done well. This area of the park transports you back in time to an 1880s California gold rush town.
You can purchase a lucky horseshoe emblazoned with your name from the blacksmith, watch a knick-knack being whittled from wood before your eyes, pan for gold, or stop into the school house for a taste of old-school education. The school was made in 1879 and was purchased and recreated by Mr. Knotts in 1952.
Through Christmas Eve, Ghost Town is home to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village. Artists peddle their one-of-a-kind crafts, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and more from these temporary storefronts.
It’s Christmas, Snoopy! ice show at Knott’s Berry Farm
Holiday Shows
If visiting during the holiday season, you absolutely must head to the Charles M. Schulz Theatre to see the It’s Christmas, Snoopy! ice show. I was fascinated by how these talented skaters glided, spun, and flipped on the small ice stage. The colorful lighting, elaborate sets, playful costumes, and snippets from the famous It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown television special are sure to keep even the wriggliest of kids entertained. White doves even fly onto the stage and snow drops from the sky! Arrive a half hour before the show starts to nab the best seats.
Traditional holiday shows like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O’Henry’s A Gift of the Magi can be viewed at the Birdcage Theatre. Join the Peanuts Gang in Calico Square for a song-and-dance show, Snoopy’s Calico Christmas Tree Lighting, followed by the lighting of a huge, decorated Christmas tree. A Winter Wonderland show in Camp Snoopy featuring all the Peanuts characters can be skipped in favor of the ice show or tree-lighting.
A white Buche de Noel cake at Knott’s Farm Bakery
Rides, Lights, Treats & More Holiday Fun
It was chilly the day we visited Knott’s Berry Farm so we did not brave the wetness of the Timber Mountain Log Ride. This ride is tranformed every year into Elf Mountain Christmas, where you can see Santa’s elves readying for Christmas complete with lights and music. I was impressed with a giant drying station outside the ride where soggy riders warmed themselves with heat lamps.
Take little ones to the Ghost Town Bakery, where they can decorate their own Christmas cookie with frosting and candies from noon to 5 pm daily during the holiday season. You can also find delectable holiday treats at the Farm Bakery in the Marketplace. This area of shops and famous Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is located just outside the park’s entrance and was the birthplace of Knott’s Berry Farm in 1934.
In the evening, head to Camp Snoopy, the area of Knott’s geared toward the preschooler-set with child-friendly rides and a giant Snoopy bounce house, for Snoopy’s Christmas Light Spectacular. Hundreds of thousands of holiday-shaped light displays twinkle in the dark from dusk to park closing.
Kids can even pay a visit to jolly old St. Nick during their visit to Knott’s Berry Farm during the holidays. Head to Santa’s Toy Barn to get some one-on-one time with Santa Claus and purchase a darling photo of your kiddo making their Christmas toy wish.
Here I am with my daughter in front of one of the Christmas trees at the Knott’s Resort Hotel
Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel Dressed Up for the Holidays
After a busy day at the park it’s nice to take a short stroll through Knott’s Marketplace to turn in for the night at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel. The lobby is all dressed up in green and red, adding to the holiday spirit. We stayed in one of the 16 special Snoopy rooms, decked out with Snoopy and Woodstock headboards plus paw-print carpeting. The highlight of our stay was when Snoopy stopped by our table during breakfast at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Amber Waves.
When you think of holiday activities, Knott’s Berry Farm may not be the first place that pops to mind…but maybe it should be!
What part of a Knott’s Merry Christmas would be the most fun for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Holidays at Disneyland
• Holidays in Phoenix at Zoolights
• LEGOLAND for All Ages
• New York City Holiday Travel Tips for Families
A note from The Travel Mama: My family and I received complimentary park entrance from Knott’s Berry Farm and we were hosted by the Buena Park Convention and Visitors Bureau for our stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel.
Tags: Buena Park, California, Christmas, holidays, ice skating, Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Merry Farm, parade, Snoopy
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 13 Comments »
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
A friend emailed me this week inquiring about Halloween at Disneyland. She said, “I always see advertisements for it but don’t really get it. What’s the difference in seeing Disneyland after closing for Halloween? Is it pretty much the same just that you get to wear scary costumes? Is there something special to it?”
My daughter posing with Goofy in his Halloween garb in 2008
There are two ways to experience Disneyland during Halloween, which may have led to my fellow Travel Mama’s confusion. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place on special evenings after the amusement park closes to the public. However, you don’t necessarily need to attend the party to enjoy this holiday at Disneyland because Halloween decorations, special treats, rides, and special touches are available to all park goers.
Mickey’s Halloween Party
Yes, dressing up in costumes is part of the fun of attending Mickey’s Halloween Party. If you plan to go, plan to don a costume! This is a great excuse to act like a kid again. Many attendees choose Disney-themed gear and some go above and beyond to purchase or create elaborate outfits. Families often come in group ensembles, such as the whole clan coming dressed as The Incredibles.
Yes, there IS something special to this party beyond the attire! Trick-or-treating stations are strategically placed throughout Disneyland. (The party moves this year from Disney’s California Adventure to Disneyland.) Treat-seekers are given a map and a treat bag. Finding the booths becomes a scavenger hunt of sorts. Half a million pounds of candy are doled out to party attendees each year! For those seeking healthier treats, alternative snacks like carrots, apple slices, and raisins are also available.
The fun doesn’t end there! Halloween music adds to the party atmosphere. Living Scarecrows that speak directly to guests are a favorite among attendees year after year. The Halloween Screams Fireworks Show is only shown during Mickey’s Halloween Party and features spooky effects and images of Jack Skellington. New this year, Mickey’s Costume Party Calvacade Parade includes surprise interactions with guests and takes place twice per night.
Halloween Screams Fireworks Show
Two dance parties offer family-friendly fun, Club Skellington at the French Market Café and Buzz Lightyear’s Intergalactic Family Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The title characters (and friends) make appearances throughout the evening to show off their dance moves and pose for photo opps.
Since Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event, this is a more intimate affair. Ahem! That means shorter lines for the rides and other attractions! All areas of Disneyland Park remain open during the event besides Toontown, which is closed due to the fireworks displays.
The cost to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party is $49 if purchased in advance, $54 at the door, and $59 on October 31. The cost includes entrance to the park up to three hours before the party starts. Parties take place Tuesdays and Fridays throughout October, plus on Halloween. Find out more or purchase tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party.
Halloween Beyond Mickey’s Party
If the party doesn’t pique your interest, you can enjoy the parks during regular hours for a taste of something spooky instead. Both parks are decked-out with holiday decorations of the jack-o-lantern and semi-scary variety. The bulk of the festive décor can be found along Main Street as part of the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, which features over 300 hundred pumpkins in store windows. Go here for special treats like caramel apples, pumpkin-flavored fudge, and pumpkin spice cupcakes. Themed souvenirs like jack-o-lantern mouse ears can be found in the stores too.
Halloween goodies at Disneyland
The Haunted Mansion becomes the Haunted Holiday thanks to Jack Skellington and friends from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This ride maintains its mixed up Halloween/Christmas makeover through the winter holidays and may actually feel more less frightening to young visitors during this time-frame. (Still, I had to leave the line with my terrified, screaming two-and-a-half-year-old before we were even able to board.)
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion all dressed up for the holidays
My favorite ride takes a sinister spin, with a haunting soundtrack and a creepy goblin chasing the coaster through the dark in Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Of course, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, while not transformed for the holiday, is a must-ride during Halloween.
Here I am with the hubs having a screaming good time (with eyes closed, apparently) on Space Mountain’s Ghost Galaxy
Friendly characters like Mickey and Minnie are dolled up in their own Halloween costumes and there is an influx of villain characters available for meet-and-greets. This year, the Evil Queen, Ursula, Captain Hook, Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar are campaigning for your vote as your favorite baddy. You can vote online for who you love to hate the most. (I voted for the Queen. Poor thing! No one likes to age! And who needs a talking mirror reminding you that there’s a hotter number in town all the time?!)
The Queen (Snow White’s nemesis) was not impressed with my daughter’s princess pen
I hope that clears up what makes Halloween at Disneyland special! Since having kids, Halloween has become my favorite time of the year. It’s got all of the fun of the winter holidays, without all the stress! A trip to Disneyland is a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween in a family-friendly, spirited way.
What’s your favorite Disney Halloween activity? Please leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids
• Holidays at Disneyland
A note from the Travel Mama: This year my family was hosted by Disneyland for our Halloween visit.
Want to read about more Halloween fun? Check out the Halloween blog carnival over at Best Family Travel Advice or on Trekaroo’s Spotlight Thursday.
Tags: Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, Halloween, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Mickey's Halloween Party, parade, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 16 Comments »
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Here are some festive child-friendly activities for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve in New York. I interviewed Fodor’s author and New York aficianado, Meryl Pearlstein, to gather these tips for families traveling to the Big Apple during the holidays.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Photo Courtesy of Macy’s)
Meryl has attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade a whopping eight times. Although it is often a chilly affair, the unique experience is worth the low temperatures. She said, “There’s something about watching all those fabulous balloons float overhead that is mesmerizing. Older kids will also appreciate the music and dance talent on the floats.”
Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink and Christmas Tree
(Photo Courtesy of Tishman Speyer-Photographer Bart Barlow)
No matter your children’s ages, Meryl advises visiting Rockefeller Center after its famous Christmas tree is already up rather than attending the crushingly popular tree-lighting ceremony. You can take in the beauty of the huge twinkling evergreen tree and watch the skaters, or lace up some rental skates and take a spin on the world-renowned ice rink. Afterward, do some holiday shopping at the center’s 49 shops.
A favorite Christmastime activity is perusing the city’s decorated store windows, which are elaborately dressed up for the holidays. Head to the world’s largest department store, Macy’s on 34th Street, for some of the city’s best window-shopping.
Dyker Heights Home Decorated for the Holidays
(Photo Courtesy of Meryl Pearlstein)
For a memorable experience, Meryl suggests taking the Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tour: Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour. The tour takes visitors to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights to view homes lit up for the holidays with an array of lights and over-the-top animated displays. The tour concludes with a sweet trip to the Mona Lisa Pastry Shop, a family-owned bakery that specializes in Italian goodies like cannoli, biscotti, and pignoli cookies.
Hanukkah Festival at 92nd Street Y (Photo Courtesty of 92nd Street Y)
Looking for Hanukkah celebrations? Meryl suggests the Annual Family Hanukkah Party hosted by The Jewish Museum. This fundraiser entertains families with children aged ten and younger with live music, arts and crafts, face-painting, balloon art and more. The 92nd Street Y hosts a Hanukkah Festival each year at which children can build their own menorahs, make candles, and decorate dreidels.
Although tweens and teens may get a kick out of ringing in the New Year in Times Square, Meryl warns the scene is overly crowded and not very family-friendly. Instead she advises traveling families celebrate New Year’s Eve by viewing the craziness of Times Square on television together from the safety of a hotel room. Order some pizzas or rooms service, get some noise makers and party hats, play a few rounds of charades, and toast the New Year with some sparkling cider!
For more tips on what to see, what to do, and where to eat in New York with children, buy a Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids or enter to win one below. Meryl has been writing Fodor’s New York City guides since 2005. She writes restaurant reviews for Gayot.com and has written for New York Magazine and Boston Herald. She is the mother of two boys, ages 15 and 19. Read her blog Meryl Pearlstein’s Travel and Food Notes for travel and food observations from around the world and everything New York City.
Enter to win one of four copies of Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids in this week’s giveaway. Fodor’s provided the giveaway copies as well as one copy for me to review. Travel Mamas is picking up the costs of shipping. The winner will be selected at random using RANDOM.org. You may enter up to three times, using each method of entry once, by November 28, 2009. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
1) Add a comment below about which New York holiday event listed above you would most like to attend and why.
2) Sign up to Become a Travel Mama to receive the Travel Mamas bimonthly e-newsletter. If you are already on our mailing list, instead post a comment mentioning the e-newsletter and stating what you like about TravelMamas.com.
3) Tweet about this contest on Twitter by copying and pasting the entire phrase below. Be sure to post a comment with a link to your tweet!
I love the holidays in NY! Visit @TravelMamas to win a ”Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids” this week http://bit.ly/6jcyTC
For more information on this topic see:
• New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants for Kids
• Top 6 Reasons to Take a Thanksgiving Vacation
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Tags: Christmas, Hanukkah, holiday travel, ice skating, New York, parade, Rockefeller Center, Thanksgiving
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways | 26 Comments »
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