Royal Gala in Lake Charles Louisiana

Since Jan. 6th on what is called Twelfth Night, Lake Charles Louisiana has been gearing up for Mardi Gras. Lake Charles has the second largest Mardi gras celebration in the state and is paced with events and parties. My favorite event was the Royal Gala where the Krewes unveil their themes and costumes that they have worked on all year. The Krewes are organizations or social groups with their own charities and activities. There are 42 Krewes in Lake Charles and all have a sense of exclusivity, you must be asked to join. The picture is from behind the stage and as you can see the costumes are serious stuff.

(cityoflakecharles.com/festivals/mardi_gras.asp)

Fat Tuesday and the Elton LA Chicken Run

A few years ago I went to southwestern LA. for Mardi gras, one far removed from the huge Big Easy celebration. I was looking for authentic and real and found more than I could have hoped for. As I pulled into a field in Elton LA the swirling mist soon melted and a huge crowd of men dressed in some mighty colorful costumes was unveiled. It was the annual chicken run getting started and what a day it was. Via horseback these revelers pounded beers and chased chickens to put in the huge gumbo pot planned for the evening. A wagon filled with refreshments and a local band tagged along. On this Fat Tuesday I will think of one of my best American travel experiences, my chicken for the gumbo pot will be bought from a supermarket today. I would love to run with the guys one more time. Here is the story on http://www.gonomad.com/features/0508/swlouisiana.html