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.