Mardi Gras floats with bead-tossing revelers cruised by New Orleans on Saturday as town celebrated its record-tying eleventh Tremendous Bowl internet hosting gig with a stout safety presence after a New 12 months’s Day assault.
Reminders of the assault had been omnipresent across the “Big Easy” this week, the place vacationers paused to soak up a Bourbon Avenue memorial to the 14 killed and a legislation enforcement presence of astonishing proportions stood watch.
However the metropolis identified for its good cheer stored the celebration rolling at a first-of-its type Tremendous Bowl parade forward of Sunday’s showdown between the reigning Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I like to see people smile and have a good time and let ’em know that hey, New Orleans is still in business. We still in business, baby,” stated Buddy Laster, 64, decked out in gear from his New Orleans Saints.
Dozens of legislation enforcement officers lined the route from the French Quarter to the Central Enterprise District, and revelers threw beads at Homeland Safety brokers that stood atop an armored truck whereas police bikes wove previous the group.
Melissa Fuller, attending the parade along with her husband and two younger youngsters, stated seeing throngs of excited guests reminded her why she loves dwelling within the metropolis.
“We know that’s kind of what makes our city unique,” stated Fuller, 39, as her five-year-old daughter Charlotte held her arms aloft to catch bead necklaces from passing floats.
“It makes you really appreciate it when you see other people seeing your city for the first time.”
‘WE’RE RESILIENT’
Alwyn Payadue, 35, who lives a number of blocks from the parade route, stated the occasion that featured marching bands and even an look from the famed Budweiser Clydesdale horses was an vital alternative for the group.
“That was such a tragedy what happened and it just shows how strong our city is,” stated Payadue, who introduced his nephew to the parade. “We’re resilient through it all.”
Vacationers stated they shelled out high greenback for a seat at Sunday’s recreation at the Superdome, the place town lately accomplished a $560 million renovation, and thrilled on the likelihood to soak up town’s distinctive tradition.
Lifelong Eagles fan Lori Miele spent $22,000 on 4 tickets for the sport and ducked flying plastic beads alongside her husband alongside the bustling parade route.
“I was going to catch a couple beads and – whack! – I get smacked right in the face,” stated Miele. “But it’s a lot of fun, it’s worth it.”
