“Boo To Do” Parties With A Purpose
Filed Under Updates
from the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation (posted 10/5/2007)
Even in a city known for its uniqueness, New Orleans stands out on Halloween. There’s just no other place to be than the French Quarter when the fun and the fearful mix down here along the mighty Mississippi into a special Big Easy brew. The best Halloween in the world just got better; however, now that the Krewe of Boo has joined the city’s All Saints’ Day celebrations.
The non-profit Krewe of Boo was founded only this year; with plans to hold an annual Halloween parade and ball beginning next year. In 2007 it celebrates with “Krewe of Boo in the French Quarter.” Spirited, spooky, sophisticated fun promises to spread throughout the city’s signature neighborhood from October 25th to the 31st. The good times are for a good cause, as well.
The creative force behind the festivities is, as it should be, Blaine Kern Sr., Mr. Mardi Gras himself. Nothing means New Orleans more than the combination of Halloween, Blaine Kern and the French Quarter. Not even Mardi Gras itself. The lucky revelers and innocent bystanders who cut, strut and generally celebrate Halloween under the spell of that festive magic only New Orleans can conjure are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience of this city. During this five-day fest, participants should be prepared to eat up, drink up, and dress up; in short, cut up and have a ball. Nice “work” if you can get it, and you can at “Krewe of Boo in the French Quarter.”
Most importantly, this party spices the pleasure with purpose. Proceeds from the good times will go to a vital cause—housing the city’s police, firefighters and EMS personnel. Few people outside New Orleans realize how many of our First Responders still live in trailers—a continuing sacrifice for which all New Orleanians are grateful about and which all are unhappy. With its First Responders Fund, Krewe of Boo is determined to begin helping these heroes to happy homecomings sooner rather than later. The First Responders Fund’s initial goal is to award 30 grants of $30,000-$50,000 in 2008 for rebuilding or purchasing a home. Not only will this effort get families into homes, but doing so will help with recruiting and retaining these public servants vital to the city’s future.
The partying and the purpose join together through more than 20 (and counting) generous French Quarter bars, lounges and restaurants pitching in to help Boo achieve its admirable goal. From the 25th to the 31st, the selected restaurants will feature Krewe of Boo menus. Special bars will serve signature Krewe of Boo drinks and offer collector cups. Proceeds from these purchases go into the First Responders Fund. As added help, the Glazer Companies are providing spirits for Boo’s caring celebration of the Spirits and helping create its signature libations.
Yet this first of many Boo To-Dos offers even more. The first annual Krewe of Boo Costume Competition promises to let revelers dig into their closets and pull out their sartorial stops. To be held on the steps of the historic Louisiana Supreme Court on Saturday night (October 27th), the contest’s first prize is $1,000. Winners will collect other prizes, as well. But the real rewards will come two other ways: the crazy fun of participating and the satisfaction of knowing that the $100 entry fee goes to the First Responders Fund.
Businesses and other local groups will be sponsoring costume contestants, so everyone should be sure their getups go overboard. After all, it’s Halloween in New Orleans! Folks should don their fantasy costumes and come as they are. Ghosts, goblins, and Goth Girls; celebrities (dress-up and real), nobles, and tortured poets; Marie Antoinette, Thomas Jefferson, and First Responders in historical uniforms; Stella and Stanley, Dracula, Brittany and so many more—all will graciously accept the tender hospitality and invigorating magic of a fall New Orleans night by basking in the city’s special mix of food, drink, music and imagination.
Voodoo? No, this year Halloween has Boodoo! Ain’t nothing like it, baby!
No one should miss this historic opportunity to kick off the Krewe of Boo, which is dedicated to helping the city’s First Responders for years to come. Local support and sponsors such as the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation and the French Quarter Business Association give Boo an excellent chance of success. A strong turnout for this year’s party with a purpose should guarantee it.
For all the information you need to enjoy the one-of-a-kind “Krewe of Boo in the French Quarter,” go to www.kreweofboo.org or call (504) 394-5632. The site includes a map of participating establishments. Visit www.gnofrf.org for more on the First Responders Fund.
by Lee Horvitz
I am visitng New Orleans 10/27-11/3 & would like to btain a map of the participating resturants, bars, etc but have been unbale to find it on the website. I called the number given last week but haven”t heard back from anyone, please e-mail any information you may have regarding specific events, etc. Thanks for your efforts.
We are finalizing the list of restaurants and bars that will be participating right now. As soon as I have the list ( next week) I will post it on the site.