If you have been disappointed since you learned that Mardi Gras parades across the city have been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, this may be news to celebrate! City Park has announced it will host "Floats in the Oaks" next month, a fundraiser that allows the public to drive along the park and see iconic floats from some of New Orleans' favorite krewes.
"Families can safely participate in a parade-type event, by viewing [stationary] floats from their cars, while also supporting City Park," event organizers said in a press release on Friday (January 22). "We hope participants will wear Mardi Gras costumes and decorate their cars. Additional elements of this experience are still developing."
Attendees will get to see floats from many of the well-known Mardi Gras Krewes, such as Rex, Zulu, Bacchus, Hermes, Thoth, King Arthur, Argus, Alla, Morpheus, Iris, Pygmalion, Mid City, Tucks, Femme Fatale, Babylon, Druids, and Carrollton.
"We are thrilled to hear so many people are interested in such a fundraiser to support City Park. It made us even more excited to eventually announces this event knowing the public supported it," said Rob DeViney, chief operating office of City Park. The group began discussing the possibility of a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser after Mayor LaToya Cantrell encouraged alternate ways to celebrate Carnival. "City Park is looking forward to bringing a little bit of Mardi Gras to the people of the area, all while doing so safely."
Floats in the Oaks will run February 4-14 and be open 5-10 p.m. on weekdays and 1-10 p.m. on weekends. Tickets start at $10 per car and must be purchased in advance.
City Park plans to use the funds raised from the event to help maintain and operate the 1,300 acres of the park so everyone in the community can continue to enjoy the space.
Photo: Getty Images