Special Event Welcome Party and Mardi Gras World
The Special Event Welcome Event “Festivals de la Louisane” was presented by NACE. (Ntl Assoc of Catering Execs). I twas held a Mardi Gras World, the company that makes all the floats for the Mardi Gras Parades. After getting off the bus, we walked thru the warehouse that houses many of the floats. Great music, boas, hats and The “Hurricane” were enjoyed by all. We then were guided to their event center, throught a courtyard and botanical garden complete with Cajun Revelers. We then entered a “Mansion” guided by beautiful southern belles in hoop skirts. A room was devoted to Degas, who lived in New Orleans in the 1800’s. Many pieces from his home were on display, as well many of his paintings coming to life, with live actors “striking a pose”. From here, we went to the porch of the mansion. My first thought was “Crap, it’s outside and I don’t have a coat”. WRONG. We were in a space that was a “Swamp” with bridges, trees w/ hanging moss, and little shacks. Clouds and stars in the sky, but we were INDOORS. They recreated an outdoor expereince indoors. I was blown away. Throughout the event. over 30 NACE caterers and restaurant members had a “taste of New Orleans”. We had everything from Alligator Sliders to Jambalaya to great southern desserts. The evening endes with fireworks over the Mississippi RIver. Great way to open the conference. 
