Vampires walking amongst the crowd, the fresh blood from their most recent victim spilling from the corners of their smirking lips. Members of the walking dead desperately seeking to satisfy their never-ending hunger. No, John Carpenter didn't release a new film—it's simply the Saturday night before Halloween weekend in New Orleans, and Krewe of BOO! is officially underway.
Krewe of Boo! Events this Halloween Season
Founded in 2007, Krewe of BOO! first rolled in 2008, operating as a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The parade was a massive success, but akin to every ghost story you've ever lent an ear to, it disappeared. However, the spirit of the lone Halloween parade would not be forgotten, and, after years of anguish and perhaps a seance, it was brought back from the dead. Vowing to never return to its now empty grave was Blaine Kern Sr., otherwise popularly known amongst locals as "Mr. Mardi Gras." Mr. Kern was no stranger to the mysticism surrounding Mardi Gras and ultimately, the Krewe of BOO!; his family has been spearheading Mardi Gras since 1932 when Kern Studios was founded. Originally constructed as a float building company, Kern Studios has since expanded their magic on a global-scale. They've come a long way from the days when his father, Roy Kern, a native painter, would erect signage for freighters and barges entering the port to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Like Michael Myers, no amount of running will outpace you from their extended reach. Unless your name is Laurie Strode, it is best you accept your fate.
In 2013, the Krewe of BOO! was given a new life. Brian Kern, son of Blaine Kern Sr., took over the reins as Krewe Captain with the lofty expectation of growing his army of the dead beyond levels any mere mortal could comprehend as their Chief Spookster. Brian, himself, was raised in the giant float dens, oftentimes playing hide-and-seek as a youngster with his brothers and scampering around warehouses as if they were the hallways of the Stanley Hotel. He'd find refuge in the pockets of the monstrous well-crafted designs his family had created and wait for the opportune moment to remain hidden or jump out and reveal his whereabouts with a demonstrative, "BOO!" as the sound of his brothers' footsteps drew near. It was only right that Brian would one day be crowned the King of Halloween. Speaking on Krewe of BOO!, Brian states, "It's an expensive parade to put on the streets, and, unlike Mardi Gras, where the city pays for it, Krewe of BOO! pays for everything from sanitation to EMS, police—everything. If they like Mardi Gras, they're going to love Halloween. I'd love to have more people from New Orleans riding in the parade to have fun and help off-set the costs."
Each year, the Vieux Carré metamorphosizes into the "Boo Carré," although the parade in itself is reason enough to pack the route. Brian and Krewe have done a monumental job in surrounding it with hair-raising events that take place both before and after.
On Friday, there is the Royal Luncheon, held at noon at a (now) ghastly Galatoire's. A satisfying meal for those capable of ingesting human food is provided along with entertainment and a premium cash bar to wet your beak with the Krewe Royalty in attendance, including this year's King of Krewe of BOO!, Ron Bienvenu. After this feast, it's critical that one walk off the consumed carbohydrates and adult beverages. Fortunately, a Second Line immediately follows, providing the perfect opportunity to do just that. Ghouls, goblins, and everything in-between flood the streets of the French Quarter, bobbing and swaying to the music of familiar brass instruments from days past. Petrified residents, shopkeepers, and the like peer out from behind curtained windows in morbid curiosity as the Krewe marches its way to their next destination, Pat O' Briens. There, a happy hour with specialty cocktails is held in the courtyard. Laughter and the sound of clinking glasses reverberates off of historic buildings, filling the surrounding air. Not yet a member of the Krewe or related to the army of the dead? Have no fear, this is open to the public. Come at your own risk.
The horrific happy hour is but a precursor for the night, the decorated Captain's Masquerade Ball. A revamped warehouse is imbued with soul, funk, and rock from New Orleans' own Flow Tribe. Attendees can do the Monster Mash to, well, the "Monster Mash." Costumes are greatly encouraged. The night consists of drinking, dancing, and feasibly a blood ritual or two. It's all in the name of good fun—right?
If you've managed to live yet another day, the Krewe cordially invites you to attend their annual New Orleans' Zombie Run. Taking place the following morning on the day of the parade, a two-mile race through the narrow French Quarter ensues. Zombies are put on notice as zombie killers cleverly disguised as the Big Easy Rollergirls seek out and hunt those in attendance in an attempt to clear the city of its current infestation. This method is not CDC compliant, yet highly effective. If you arrive safely at the quarantine zone on Frenchmen Street, you're one of the lucky few.
Whether you're lining the streets, plastic cup in hand, or observing the parade from one of the many VIP viewing parties, it is a sight to behold. Over 40 marching groups now participate in the parade and Brian works hard to ensure the throws are of the highest quality ranging from glow in the dark beads to Halloween-themed Peeps. "The goal is to throw a lot of nice things, so when you catch them, you want them."
Celebrating Halloween in New Orleans with Krewe of Boo!
Succeeding it is a post-parade costumed after-party at Generations Hall. Krewe of BOO! is more than just a themed romp throughout the city. It takes a supremely talented, dedicated bunch to successfully pull off a weekend's worth of activities to kick off Halloween weekend in true New Orleans fashion, Mardi Gras-style. The only thing more frightening than the festivities themselves would be missing out on them.
