Well, 2017 is behind us, finally. The City is at once winding down from the food and booze bacchanal party that has come to be the Holidays in New Orleans. By most accounts, it was a successful and memorable time for locals and visitors alike.
Reflecting on what was by all accounts a momentous year, 2017 laid the groundwork for and gives us the great opportunity and challenge that 2018 will provide. We will meet that challenge, embrace the inevitable change, move forward, grow with it, make it our own, prosper from it, and leave our mark on it, as we do the only thing expected of us – march onward and upward.
The City has charted a course forward as a welcoming, inclusive international destination. Contrary to the mixed messages coming out of the current administration (or mis-administration) in Washington and even some in Baton Rouge. Our success, our place in the world depends on us standing firm, holding on to those values, that image and unfolding that BIG rainbow welcome sign so all can see, party with us, eat and drink with us, live and work with us, be yourself with us. You can do it in New Orleans when you can’t do it anywhere else.
Looking forward to 2018, the party season is just getting started. As soon as Christmas trees come down, Mardi Gras banners go up. An early Mardi Gras this year gives us hardly time to take a breath before Twelfth Night and the start of Carnival Season. Then Easter, French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, Gay Appreciation Awards, and the list goes on and on.
Our heartfelt wishes to each of you for a GREAT 2018, Happy New Year! Live long and prosper!
