Dear Ambush Nation,
Carnival season is here and we are now in the midst of Gay Mardi Gras!
There are several balls still on the calendar so please think about supporting the community by attending one (or more) of them. Each Krewe spends countless hours deciding on a theme, creating the costumes, and putting up the decorations for their ball–it is without a doubt a sight to behold. The skill and time it takes to make some of these costumes is impressive. They are truly works of art. Inside this copy of Ambush is a listing of all the Gay Krewes’ balls and other events.
Speaking of Gay Mardi Gras, the State Museum still has open its exhibit on Gay Carnival, Grand Illusions: The History and Artistry of Gay Carnival in New Orleans, which will be on display through December 2020. I would highly encourage everyone to take the time to check it out and bring a friend. This exhibit is a great way to educate your friends from out of town on the culture, history and tradition of Gay Carnival in New Orleans.
THE OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS GUIDE
As always, this year Ambush will produce its Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide. The guide will feature places to eat, balls to see, and special events that highlight Gay Carnival along the Gulf South. We will also have information about all the special parties and events that many of the bars have planned for Mardi Gras weekend. We hope everyone has a safe Mardi Gras and from all of us at Ambush, Happy Carnival!
If you or your business is interested in advertising in The Official Gay Mardi Gras Guilde, please reach out to our sales team at sales@ambushpublishing.com. Our Gay Mardi Gras issue is easily one of the larger issues of the year. Ambush is the only place to find all things Gay Mardi Gras in one place.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS MATTER
As some of you know, my mom Betty suffered a massive heart attack on January 16th. It is by the grace of God and her doctors at Kenner Regional that she is still alive. Her widowmaker had a 100% blockage. They were able to put in a stent to clear the blockage; with some medicine and cardiac rehab we expect her to make a full recovery. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reached out with thoughts, prayers and well wishes for my family and my Mom. It truly means more than you’ll know.
Having gone through this experience, I just want to remind everyone that we should never take our loved ones and close friends for granted. While none of us will live forever, some of us are taken way too soon or completely unexpectedly. It makes me think of my friend Jon Robicheaux who died both unexpectedly and way too soon. I think of him often and wish we had more time on this Earth together.
I’m sure you all know someone you were close to who is no longer with us but who should be. While I know my Mom won’t live forever, I’m not ready for her to be gone just yet. I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my Mom and Dad; now more than ever I’ll try to cherish each and every moment I spend with them and with all my friends. With that being said, we should cherish each other every day of our lives.
Let this be a reminder of how precious life is. Let us try to take the time to reach out to friends and family, and let them know how much they mean to us. Also, let us take the time to reach out to members of our community who may not have family to support them. Unfortunately, there are still way too many people in our community who don’t have the support of their family. You never know what someone may be going through. I’ve always believed that if we aren’t here to help each other, then why are we here? Let this be a reminder to love and help each other!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
If you love a parade and you love dogs, you will love the Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade. This year’s parade is on Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 pm and rolls through the French Quarter. This is a family and dog friendly event so be sure to bring your kids and your 4 legged friends.
Join King Cake Queen XXVI Felicia Phillips for the 33rd Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss at 2 pm on Mardi Gras Day. The location will be announced soon! The event is the highlight of the Krewe of Queenateenans Mardi Gras events. Congratulations to Felicia Phillips, the Ruby Queen–may you have a wonderful reign over Gay Carnival!
This year’s New Orleans Pride Festival will be the weekend of June 12th. It will be a weekend full of activities with the highlight being the Pride Parade on Saturday night. There will be a kick-off event on Friday night and a block party on Sunday. For more information check out NewOrleansPrideFestival.com
