No Permits, No Worries: The People Make Their Own Mardi Gras Parade
by Kerri Ana Provost
3 Comments
Instead of waiting on permits or asking for City Hall’s blessing, the people decided to go parade. The Hartford Hot Several put out a call on Facebook for participants, whether they play instruments, throw beads, wear costumes, carry puppets, or just walk (or roll) along. The idea was to bring Mardi Gras fun to those at bus stops during evening rush hour.
Being New England, these festivities included features that would not be found in New Orleans, like multiple giant snow banks from which the horn section could play.
The end of the parade was not exactly the end of the parade.
After refueling, thawing out, and talking with police officers who said they were sorry to have missed the parade, the Hartford Hot Several and others walked down to Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street, playing intermittently en route. The band was to play a surprise (to the audience) mini-gig while River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs were taking a break between sets. This meant a long wait outside.
Wonderful photos! Sorry I missed the fun as I had to be at work. Looked out from the 24th floor at the parade coming down Central Row and you all looked good. Birds eye view for this old bird. I even heard the music wafting up some of the time from the street below. Want to say that the Hartford Hot Several’s sounded really good in the short video I saw. Keep up the fun please.
Donna Swarr
What a wonderful treat for downtowners.
Richard
Wonderful photos! Sorry I missed the fun as I had to be at work. Looked out from the 24th floor at the parade coming down Central Row and you all looked good. Birds eye view for this old bird. I even heard the music wafting up some of the time from the street below. Want to say that the Hartford Hot Several’s sounded really good in the short video I saw. Keep up the fun please.
Anne Paluck
Great that people are creative and energetic enough to do this! Hartford as Treme! Wish I had seen this.