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OUR GENERAL MANAGER'S BLOG

Our Early Spring Tradition - Posted 01/24/2013

In most of the world, folks are just now recovering from the holidays. PHEW, you think, done with all of the hubbub and parties and gifts and commitments and places to be…

In South Louisiana, we make our holidays last a LOT longer. Tuesday, February 12 is Mardi Gras. Now, the whole season from Epiphany (January 6) until Ash Wednesday is the Mardi Gras Season. I think that folks from areas other than South Louisiana have a perception about Mardi Gras that it is rowdy, wild, and not-safe-for-children.

There are certainly instances where things get rowdy, wild, and not-safe-for-children, but there is a whole other side to Mardi Gras, a gorgeous, decadent side, steeped in tradition and elegance, edged with family-friendly fun, that I want to tell you about.

First, there are balls. Mardi Gras balls are unique and wonderful. If you haven’t been to one, you really should, and there happen to be several coming up here at the Harbor Center, including one that is open to the public (call us for ticket information!). You will experience the grandeur and glory of being in the company of royalty, with a formal tableau presenting the court followed by a glamorous evening of fine dining, dancing, and mingling with the community’s elite. Mardi Gras Balls are sumptuous affairs, the most beautiful spectacles of the year, and everybody should experience such a thing at least once. This is the only time in the USA where you can dine in the company of a King and Queen!

In addition, we have the parades. Now, you may have seen Mardi Gras parades on television that show out-of-control antics and, perhaps, more skin than you are used to seeing, but… the truth is? Try one for yourself. Especially here on the Northshore, the parades are targeted at kids and families, and you do NOT have to “earn” your beads. We spend our weekends in this season setting up at our “spot” – we all have our own place that we flock to, parade after parade, year after year – greeting our friends that we haven’t seen in a bit. Our kids vie for the best “throws,” usually coming home with bags full of beads, feathered bamboo tomahawks, toys and stuffed animals. The adults replenish their cup collections and laugh and visit with the folks nearby. Somehow, it always seems to be beautiful outside on parade days, warm and sunny.

And last, but not least, we have King Cake. Our staff has a weakness for King Cake! For you non-Louisianans, King Cake is an almost bread-like dough, braided, filled (we like the pecan filling the best, but there are tons of other options), and baked, then topped with icing and purple, green, and gold sugar. Think of the best coffee cake you ever had, then imagine it being thirty times more delicious. That’s King Cake!

Ah, Mardi Gras. At the Harbor Center, we are delighted to host the balls of five different Krewes, spending our early spring weekends in the company of royalty. Come and see for yourself! And laissez les bons temps rouler!

Our Children's Special Moments - Posted 05/23/2012

I was recently thinking about the many different types of events that are held here at the Northshore Harbor Center. In doing so, it occurred to me that we have the opportunity to host many of the special moments in our children's lives. Maybe I zeroed in on this because we are in the midst of dance recital season, or perhaps it was because as a mother of three daughters, I keenly remember all of those special moments. I remember proudly watching them as they danced their hearts out each year at their dance recitals. I remember the bittersweet feeling as I helped my "little girl" prepare for her first school dance and then proms and sweet sixteen. I also remember the lump in my throat as I heard their name called and watched them walk up to receive the diploma that they had worked so hard to receive, as they were preparing to go on to the next chapter in their lives. I am so thankful to be a part of this beautiful facility where so many of your children's special moments are held. Thank you for allowing the staff and I to share those special moments and to play a part in making them happen!

You are invited to our Cinco de Mayo gala - Posted 04/13/2012

I'd like to personally thank you for visiting our Northshore Harbor Center Blog and hope that you'll visit often. I will be writing about the many things that go on at the facility, from future and past events to exciting promotions, great accomplishments, our staff and so much more. One of the most exciting events to put on your calendar is the Cinco de Mayo gala coming up on May 5th, presented by the Friends of the Harbor Center. Many are referring to it as the "Northshore's largest Cinco party ever!"

Everyone who attends will be swept away to the streets of Old Mexico by the sites, smells, music and of course, delicious margaritas. Guests will experience an explosion of color, serapes, maracas, and authentic paper
flowers. Patton's Catering will offer traditional Mexican fare, including a wide variety of passed hors d' oeuvres, chili chowder, red chili seafood, a taco station featuring classic chipotle shrimp and fish, a fajita bar with beef and shrimp and a carne asada station with grilled sirloin, black beans, and rice. And what Mexican fare would be complete without dessert? Both flan and sopapilla cheesecake will be served. A premium open bar will include all of your favorites, as well as margaritas, beer and wine.

Music will be provided by the Wise Guys, a group made up of some of the finest local New Orleans musicians including a legendary horn section. With their variety and style, the dance floor is sure to stay packed all night.

The Friends, a 501(c)3 organization, was established in 2004 and is a group of volunteers that work to raise funds to purchase needed equipment for the Center. I would like to thank everyone on the Friends Board for all of their hard work and dedication to this event and our facility. Members are Irma Cry, Richie Artigue, Pete Hanson, Dawn Sharpe Brackett, Ann Barks, Mayor Freddy Drennan, Donna Faucheux, Parish President Pat Brister, Secretary of State Tom Schedler and LA Head of Homeland Security Kevin Davis.

For more information or tickets to the Cinco de Mayo gala, call 985-781-3650. See you there!