New Toulouse

It is commanded that the residents of New Toulouse and all who visit her adhere to the following decree:

… that the residents and observers of the capital city shall embrace this evening’s riverine pageantry and put forth their great determination in attending the magnificent spectacle of maritime craft that shall sail upon the great Missedabracket River;

… that a local priest shall preside over the ceremony at its commencement for the blessing of the fleet and to ensure our entrusted fishers, trawlers, piscators, and those with rod and reel a safe and bountiful season;

… that those in gracious attendance shall show no tolerance and put forth their licentious efforts in the bountiful spirits, grandeur, and pleasures that await following the evening ceremony.

—King Blake

It is commanded that the royal constabulary adhere to the following decree:

… that the Parish Constable shall concoct a temporary confinement for incarceration of would-be charlatans, misfits, and emboldened zombies that attempt to seek opportunity in the capital city;

… that the Constable furthermore shall consult with the Mayor of this good city and summon the Parish Council for the consideration of establishing a more suitable and sustainable house of precinct;

… that the Constable shall investigate, locate, and incarcerate the egregious perpetrators that have littered, mucked, and desecrated the capital city with their trash and other oddments of filth.

—King Blake

When I woke up this morning I could hear the party music playing, and I knew it was the day of the Samedi Gras parade in New Toulouse and I had a date with my friends in the Krewe of Bast. Oh my, was it a blast! And I didn’t have any of those blackout moments for the first time I can remember!

Photo credit: Jane Moreaux

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It is commanded and ordained by royal decree:

… that the Royal Constabulary shall marshal the Grand Celebration with the customary skillfulness and with utmost forbearance;

… that the keepers of Speakeasies, Juke-Joints, Gin-Mills, Hooch Parlors, Inns & Taverns, Guest Houses, Coffee Houses, Cat Houses, Out Houses, and other establishments of ill repute shall throw open their doors to receive the good-natured celebrants and their trails of splendor;

… that the theme for this Celebration shall be “burning the ice” as we move toward our transition from the desolate winter to the brilliance of spring. Thus, the song “Burnin’ the Iceberg” performed by Jelly Roll Morton shall be played during the parade.

—King Blake

Krewe Bayou will present the first parade of the joyous Carnival season this Saturday, January 31, starting at 1:00 PM SLT. The procession will begin at the French Market and proceed through the streets of New Toulouse, accompanied by the uncanny music of the Oh Lord What Is That marching band.

All are invited to gather, from far and near, to join in—dancing umbrellas and “squid sticks” are available at the French Market freebie stall—or just make merry, cheer on the krewe, and call for beads and other parade throws.

This reporter was unable to discover a theme for this year’s parade, but the image on the poster may offer some clue:

Information on local krewes and parades, general Carnival info, and seasonal freebies are available at “Mardi Gras Central” in the mayor’s multipurpose room at the New Toulouse Land Office. Not every current krewe is represented as yet, but the staff assured me that more will be added as information comes in.

Gigi Lapin lives in New Toulouse Bayou with her pet crawfish, Jimbo.

This old bird has seen many a Carnival season begin in this town. Barely have people recovered from Christmas when Twelfth Night, the beginning of Carnival, arrives. For some, it is when krewes of the city formally announce their plans for parties and dances. For some, it is when people meet to start said Mardi Gras krewes. And for others, it is simply an excuse to break out the Mardi Gras costumes and begin a long, hard season of feasting and festing, which of course culminates in that fat old Tuesday before Lent, also known as Mardi Gras.

This Twelfth Night, there is a special twist, and the culprit seems to be Dr. Avalon, along with a new partner in crime, Blake Palmer. Apparently that esteemed businessman has decided that his new castle, Gloryville Manor, will be the home for a Twelfth Night party, hosted by Dr. Avalon, she of the sea of liquor. Now, this old bird has survived many a party, but frankly, putting together two of the more “talented” people will either be like a chariot to Seventh Heaven or a highway to Perdition! DJ K3W, of air race fame and infamy, will be playing music ranging from electro-swing to zydeco. This old bird has survived a few Twelfth Nights, but she will be poking her big beak into this one, especially as dignitaries from throughout the Steamlands will attend. Let’s hope that Mondragon admiral Waydelich does not do too much damage, though the fact he requested the zydeco makes this bird molt a bit.

Twelfth Night Party
Monday, January 5
6:00 PM “till Blake is exhausted”
Gloryville Manor
Costumes encouraged

Avis Picayune is a tough old bird that has survived many a Carnival.