Let Them Eat Lunch

Before the 46th celebration of Southern Decadence got kicked off, the current and former grand marshals gathered to gather for their annual Grand Marshals Luncheon in a private second floor balcony room of the Bourbon Cowboy.  The food was provided by former grand marshal Misael Rubio from the Quartermaster Deli and libations from Skyy Vodka.  The theme of this year’s SD celebration is Let Them Eat Cake: Southern Decadence Electrified.  So keeping with the theme we had a lovely lunch that included cake and every attendee received a gift bags of goodies and a beautifully ornate brooch from another past Grand Marshal the Dark Lady herself Errol Rizzuto.

Current Grand Marshals 43 Coca Mesa, Princesse Stephaney and Persana Shoulders hosted the afternoon soiree that ended with a bar crawl through the French Quarter and Marigny.

This time honored tradition is a special occasion when the past meets with the current to reminisce about their years and talk about the future.  Most celebrants who come to the city to experience festivity of Southern Decadence do not realize that their are grand marshals each year that reign over the parade and all the events that take place that year.

Each year the past grand marshal chooses his successor.  To be chosen as grand marshal is a privilege that is hard to describe.  I was lucky to be Grand Marshal 42 with Felicia Phillips, Derek Penton Robicheaux and Jeffrey Palmquist.  It was a roller coaster of chaotic fun rolled into a year. Suffice to say, it was probably one of the best memories of my life.

So I raise a glass to the grand marshals this year, let the festivities begin.

• About
• Latest Posts

Tony Leggio

Tony Leggio is a born and raised New Orleanian. He has over 20 years of event management experience having produced over 5,000 events locally and nationally. Tony has received numerous awards for his outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry. Besides his professional career, Anthony has played an active role in the community.He has served Event Chair of Art Against AIDS for the No/Aids Task Force for the past ten years and was honored as Humanitarian of the Year in 2010 by the organization. He is also a freelance writer who has written for USA Today, as well as several local publications.He also writes a column regularly In Ambush Magazine, plus is part of Gambit’s Big Easy Theatre Committee.Tony is a social butterfly of New Orleans that not only knows how to put on a great event but also knows how to enjoy one.

Latest posts by Tony Leggio (see all)

• Festively Gay Things to Do April 9 – 15, 2018 - April 8, 2018