Look! I’m the Mardi Gras Queen! (Most fun I’ve had since they installed the round-about in Fairhope!).
My report about the Mobile Carnival Museum for AL.com/Press Register was featured in Sunday’s paper as a FULL PAGE story! (Yippee!) When the paper said they’d find a photographer, I asked if Joseph-the-sweet-son-of-mine-and-amateur-photographer could have the job. They took a chance, and his pictures turned out great! We also got to count our visit to the museum as a homeschool field trip! Hey . . . why not? You can read the story HERE.
Today is Lundi Gras, which is the day before Mardi Gras. Schools here are dismissed and Mobile is having almost continuous parades and balls for the next two days. There’s one in Fairhope tonight, and we’re crossing our fingers for good weather.
The museum, located inside a gorgeous historic home, rotates through the many, many delicate, hand-stitched costumes worn by past Mardi Gras royalty. Since Mobile is the birthplace of American Carnival, there is an endless selection of items to display.
I popped into the children’s dress-up area to check out the fun costumes.
This is part of the gift shop adjacent to the museum and operated by Toomey’s Mardi Gras store. There is no charge to enter the gift shop, but the museum charges $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
The details of the costumes are amazing — and let me just warn you now, the museum staff has a serious problem with people trying on the dresses in the ladies room. Geez! I wasn’t going to keep it! Hahaha!
I love reading about the royal trains every year. They are designed with bits and pieces of the Queen’s favorite things and family history. One train was so heavy with Swarovski crystals, ball bearings had to be sewn underneath so it would properly glide across the floor!
The Kings also have their uniquely designed train to wear during the parade and coronation ceremony.
This is the lovely Judi Gulledge who serves as the Executive Director of the museum. She’s absolutely fascinating with her knowledge of the history of Carnival in Mobile.
Children also serve as pages to the Junior court and some of their costumes were on display.
The museum is housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush house, which was constructed in 1883 and was home to one of Mobile’s Mayors.
There’s much more than just costumes in the museum. A full sized replica of a float, framed photos and other memorabilia — like a wooden goat that is over 100 years old, and declared by Sotheby’s to be, “priceless.”
If you are ever in Mobile and spot the beautiful house on Government Street with the larger-than-life jesters dancing on the veranda, be sure to stop and take a look. And happy Lundi Gras to you!