By Jere Hough Meteorologist / Feature Reporter
Published: Tue, February 06, 2007 - 6:02 am
Last Updated: Wed, August 29, 2007 - 3:47 pm
Last Updated: Wed, August 29, 2007 - 3:47 pm
Jere Hough
Want to get on a Mardi Gras Float- Get close to a firebreathing dragon. Study some of the artistry of Mardi Gras- It's easy at the Mobile Carnival Museum.
And there are the star attractions...the jaw-dropping Royal Regalia...months to prepare...worn for just a few hours.
Curator Edward Ladd comments on the displays. "When you're doing Mardi Gras you really can't take these things in. You can see them if you go to the coronation or if you see them coming down the street on Mardi Gras Day on the King's Float, but they just go straight by you. Now you can really stop and look at it and really see the intricate work that goes into these things. They're works of art."
Many Kings' and Queens' trains are featured individually, but the most spectacular display might be here with dramatic lighting featuring several robes and a Royal Banquet table setting.
Ladd says proudly, "It's very interesting to hear the reaction of people who come here from all over the country...it's a Wow!, a great big Wow!"
There's a lot of history here. Photos from past generations. There's even video playing in some rooms from parties past.
One video shows a nighttime parade before the era of portable generators. You can see the open flames on the floats with plenty of smoke. Back in the day...light was produced by kerosene-burning flambeaus...or even flares. Long time Mardi Gras celebrants will recognize names of popular bands and orchestras.
There's even a room for the Comic Cowboys...though they're a little hard to explain.
Ladd, himself part of Mardi Gras Royalty...most recently a son was King, believes Mardi Gras gives Mobile a chance to shine.
"It's a free show for the public. It's a wonderful show. And to see what we have to be proud of here in Mobile. All this is produced here in Mobile. All the trains, every bit of it, the crowns, sceptres...all made right here in Mobile."
Mardi Gras is a huge, expensive effort..that shows no sign of losing momentum.
Ladd thinks of one reason it remains so popular. "It's all make believe...Everybody loves make believe."
It's a chance to be elegant, to be king, or to parade around as your favorite fantasy.
Jere Hough stands by a display of costumes from float riders. "A Gypsy Queen, a Greek Goddess, a Cavalier...what fantastic characters. All that's needed is a meteorologist. On County Road 5 at the Mobile Carnival Museum, I'm Jere Hough, News 5."
(TAG) THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE ON GOVERNMENT STREET. IT'S OPEN MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, AND SATURDAYS. TICKETS ARE $5 FOR ADULTS AND $2 FOR CHILDREN. THE MUSEUM IS OPEN FROM 9AM TO 5PM AND IS AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES. THE PHONE NUMBER IS (251) 432-3324.
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