One bucket list item for many Louisianans is DC Mardi Gras. This year I had the opportunity to fulfill that dream. It was such a wonderful experience. While I have no complaints, there are a few things I might do differently next time.
Direct Flights? Yes Please!
After spending most of the day traveling, I saw Representative Valarie Hodges shared news of direct flights from BTR Metro Airport to Washington Reagan National Airport. The flight only seats 76 people, but its worth a try. Layovers in Atlanta are nothing to be desired. It is also a good idea to fly in a day early, which I was not informed of until after I booked my flight.
The Other Hilton
Be sure to book the right hotel. I was surprised and excited when I was able to book a room. When The LYFT pulled up to the hotel, everyone in the car got the giggles. We were told “Capitol Hilton” but the event was at the “Washington Hilton.” The good news it, it was not a far drive and we saved money. It was also a great conversation starter.
Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler
Much of my time was spent checking out the hospitality suites. These were great for networking and snagging a picture with some of my favorite elected officials. They all had a touch of Louisiana through things like king cake or music. I enjoyed all of them but a few went the extra mile.
If there are awards, Garret Graves deserves one for his Speak Easy entrance. At first I was puzzled by the Port O’ Potty in the hall way. When Kim Powers and I decided to take a peek inside we realized just what it was. We had a good laugh and it made the perfect phot booth.
This Krewe outdid themselves with Louisiana Alive. There were acrobats and people walking around on stilts. Beads were thrown as I walked around the room passing different booths. It was a lot to take in and so much fun!
Of course, when you talk about Mardi Gras people think of the ball. The decorations, the costumes, the ball gowns, the music… it was something words or pictures could never do justice.
I joked about wearing sneakers but wore heels instead. Many of the ladies there were wiser than me and managed to make sneakers and ball gowns look cute together. Next time, I will pack the dress sneakers.
Play Tourist
Somewhere between hospitality suites and people watching there was time to hit a couple of museums. If you have never been to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian Museum of American history, I highly recommend. I got to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the Hope Diamond. Old voting booths, campaign merch, as well as the women’s suffrage section were fascinating. I was tickled when I saw they put a mask with the first lady’s dress display. There was so much more I wanted to see, but we had a Speak Easy to get to.
There were events, such as dinner that I did not attend. Not to fret, the lobby was the place to be. I got to enjoy live music, marching bands, dancing, and second lines. I also got to see some of my favorites! It truly felt like Louisiana in Washington DC.
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Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.
Churchill’s rallying cry echoes today: “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.” Here's how you can help hold the line for Louisiana’s conservative values.
One historical figure I frequently look to for inspiration is Winston Churchill. With little more than grit and determination, he rallied his countrymen to overcome overwhelming odds and save the world. He had a plan and a team, but on February 9th, 1941, he needed resources to further stimey the evil forces bearing down on England.
He closed his radio broadcast on that fateful day, saying, "Put your confidence in us. Give us your faith and your blessing, and, under Providence, all will be well. We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire... Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
Here we are some eighty years later, and evil again bears down upon us. To be sure, Donald Trump will do his part in Washington, DC. However, Louisiana and her local communities are our jobs - yours and mine. It's up to us to hold the line against the Left's encroachment in Louisiana. That's the work Citizens for a New Louisiana has already been doing for nearly eight years. We've shored up our gains in Lafayette, Livingston, and St. Tammany parishes. However, many more parishes are currently undefended! Will you help us to expand more Conservative bulwarks into other parishes?
Churchill knew that success was only possible with additional resources. That remains true today. We can only continue this critical work with support from friends like you. We don't just think Louisiana is worth saving; we're doing our part to accomplish it, one little bit at a time. Are you on board? Here's your chance to prove it. Partner with our movement or chip in monthly so this critical work continues.
If everyone who read this article contributed just $10 a year, we could double our reach. Your support now ensures Louisiana’s conservative future—don’t wait—contribute today!
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