Along
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, a massive space opens its doors to a one-of-a-kind
Carnival celebration. Dozens of floats with a multi-million-dollar budget are
shown in all of their glory before one of the season's biggest parades. And in
the middle of it all, lunch is served.
The Krewe of Orpheus hosted its
annual Open House this past Saturday, February 19, which served as a chance for
members and locals alike to appreciate the massive scope and artistry of the
over three dozen parade floats housed at the krewe's indoor den. Open to the
public, the pre-parade showcase offered a first-rate look at the production
behind one of Mardi Gras' biggest super-krewes. And in front of each float,
members of the krewe served prepared dishes and cocktails reflecting the spirit
of the season.
Beginning
around 1 p.m., attendees and krewe members got acquainted before an opening
ceremony featuring the St. Augustine Marching 100. A crowd gathered beside the krewe's
signature floats and animatronics as the band walked in. As a brass rendition
of a Pharrell Williams' song echoed through the building, the signature
animatronic dragon on the main float turned its head towards the band in
interest.
After
the opening ceremonies, the floor was opened for a free-wheeling, a-la-carte
serving of the different krewe members' dishes and drinks. The parade's theme
was "Glacial Tomes and Conflagrations," and many of the culinary offerings
reflected a "fire and ice" motif. Crawfish and mushroom pasta was the highlight
of one float. Not far off from there, one could sample wedding-cake daiquiris
or shots of a multi-ingredient cocktail dubbed the "Leap of Faith" (for what
it's worth, the Leap of Faith was among my favorites). The event was casual and
family-friendly, and the presenting members accommodated with a wide variety of
non-alcoholic options as well.
Beyond
the wide canvas of flavors, the event proved to be a fascinating look into the
crafting and artistry of the floats themselves. Normally seen bulwarked by
reveling carnival-goers, detailed Mardi Gras floats make for an interesting
sight up-close and in-detail. Although the floats have taken a sabbatical from
their previous housing location inside Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, the
Blaine Kern production company continues to handle a key role in many floats'
development. Detailed instructions outline if a float needs more gold or silver
leafing or if it's better to more visibly highlight the murals painted on their
sides.
Special distinctions were
placed towards Orpheus' recurring signature floats. A signature float included
a massive model of the mythological Trojan Horse—the chance to look into its
interior was just enough to make out cupholders and equipage for the riders.
Another was a multi-car "superfloat" based on the Smokey Mary, a historical
train that ran trips to Milneburg Park before the site was developed into the
Pontchartrain Beach amusement park. The most impressive, though, was the
previously mentioned "Leviathan" dragon float. Equipped with full animatronics
and an impressive lighting display, the million-dollar yearly tentpole was a
sight to behold.
Everything considered, the
Krewe of Oprheus' open house was an interesting look into the production of one
of Mardi Gras' largest spectacles, and the event showed that the krewe's
members certainly bring their own creative touches to the event. Orpheus is the
highlight of Lundi Gras, and its festivities are set to include a parade route
through the city, its Orpheuscapade celebration in the Convention Center, and
an all-star slate of celebrity guests. Needless to say, Orpheus certainly has
more songs on the docket.
The Krewe of Orpheus held
its annual Open House on Saturday, February 19th at its krewe den on Martin
Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Krewe of Orpheus is set to roll through Uptown
New Orleans at 6 p.m. on Lundi Gras (February 28). More information can be
found on Orpheus' website.
