Knights of Ecor Rouge
The sunny afternoon temperatures in the high 60’s led to a slightly chilly, but crystal clear night, perfect for The Knights of Ecor Rouge to claim the streets for their popular 2016 Mardi Gras parade.
“The Force Unleashed” was this year’s theme, pleasing all the Star Wars fans.
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The birthplace of American Mardi Gras, Mobile, Alabama, first celebrated the holiday in 1703, fifteen years before New Orleans was even founded!
Since we’re so close to Mobile, the parades have spilled over into Baldwin County as well.
As best I can count, there are 48 parades between Mobile and Baldwin Counties, with three of those in Fairhope, one in Point Clear and several in Daphne and Orange Beach.
More parades will follow this next weekend, and schools will be dismissed next Monday and Tuesday on Lundi Gras and Fat Tuesday.
My college guy came home and brought two friends who had never experienced Mardi Gras. The mother of one of the friends was concerned it would be” too wild,” but my son explained that Fairhope’s Mardi Gras is usually “G” rated. Well, “PG” at the most. People get very, very thirsty riding on the floats.
But if you cut your mask off just right, you can refresh yourself with ease.
The parades are followed by a formal ball which is always white tail, or “costume de rigueur.” Which means if you aren’t in a Mardi Gras Costume, the men must wear white tie and tails, and the ladies must wear floor length dresses. Most specify the dresses may not show any midriffs. We have our standards around here, you know.
Several local marching bands always add to the fun.
The giant R2-D2 was my son’s favorite toy as a child. I’m sure he thought this made his trip home worthwhile.
Beads, stuffed animals, frisbees, balls, and candy rained down from each float into the eager hands of the happy crowd.
And we’ll do it all again next weekend!
Here’s the link to the local parade schedule from the Mobile Mask.
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I’ll share this story over at Coastal Charm!
My son and his family went to one I’m guessing in Daphne….he texted me a picture of a float their friends did. I’d love to be down there for Mardi Gras with them next year….they look like so much fun!
Happy February 1st!
Thanks Judy! You’ll definitely have to come down next year. Daphne has some really pretty parades too.
Can you believe it’s already February?
Those floats were crazzzzzy! Loved the comment about how everyone gets thirsty riding on the floats 🙂 Can’t wait to go to the OB one next weekend! I know the college guys had fun-
I should have mentioned the college “guy” whose mother was concerned was actually a college “girl.” But I guess guy’s moms can be worried too. If I thought my son was in New Orleans . . . well, never mind.
I’ve seen the Orange Beach parade on TV a few times and it looks like a fabulous party for the entire community! Have fun!
Hi Leslie Anne… Your link on my blogroll is not working. Have tried is several times and it still comes up as your current post being a year ago.
Crud!!!! I’ll see what I can do. Just plain weird, this technology stuff!
Thanks for trying.
Your new blog look is so cute. I loved your old one, but have to admit…this one is even cuter.
BTW…how sweet to include me on your Blog Friends list. I am so honored:)
Totally selfish reasons for adding you – it makes it easier for me to click over to your blog now! So happy you like the new blog look!
The beautiful Mardi Gras parades is one of the things I really miss about Fairhope. Well, and maybe the Tarabella’s. 🙂
Oh, we miss you too Dana! Mardi Gras isn’t nearly as fun without you!
And how nice that the McGuires Pipe Band participated too!
Yes, not sure if we got a photo of them this year, but they are always a hit, and since I grew up in Pensacola, it’s a nice touch for me!
My son Ben throws to the balconies. His specialization is for footballs and beads. Good picture of him looking up. I throw Jumbo Peanuts directly behind him. I enjoy watching Ben having fun! Great father and son activity. Our float has five father and son members.
How fun! I rarely recognize any of you masked men!
The photos are gorgeous and the parade must have been so much fun. How wonderful to live in a town that can have a family friendly event for Mardi Gras. Wish I could have been there.
There are always two more parades, come on over and see them!
I can’t believe it’s already Mardi Gras time! It seems like we just turned the calendar on the new year! I’ve updated my blogroll to include your new name but will leave Fairhope Supply Co. on for awhile since it links to the right place anyway. May all your tech challenges be quickly resolved!
Thanks Miss Mo. Mardi Gras is earlier than usual this year, so that does make it seem rushed, but the year is truly flying by! Thanks for linking to my blog.