Happy Fat Tuesday, y’all! I’m fattening up as we speak, eating a hubcap-size pumpernickel bagel with enough cream cheese to choke John Goodman. So, a quick post here to announce the winner of the “New Orleans Memories” contest.

In a way, you’re all winners. In another, more accurate way, I’ve picked Maureen Rice for her lovely description of a scene at Satchmo Fest:

“I have had so many great experiences in NOLA, it is hard to pick one- but, here goes- I was at Satchmofest 2006,which is held the first weekend in August at the Old U.S.Mint- but that year had to relocate at the French Market due to damage from the Federal Flood- at the brass band stage, there was a young boy, no more than 6 yrs old- he was standing in front of the stage, watching intently- moving just a bit…then a bit more..then all of a sudden, just full tilt 2nd line dance steps– there was a group of little ones about the same age that would walk back and forth, each would do a step or two, then giggle and step off…this went on, but each time they made a pass, they lingered a little longer dancing- then a young woman started dancing with the first boy. an elderly woman with a beanie hat came up front and started dancing..then, a man in his 30′s came up, marshalled the shy boys and had them all in a 2nd line- joined by people of all ages, shapes, colors- and THAT is what I love most about New Orleans- you tend to see that more at FQF or Satchmo- 3 or sometimes 4 generations of a family all out enjoying the same thing- aaahhh, NOLA- you either get her or you don’t- there is no in-between.”

Well said, Maureen. Makes me want to go to Satchmo Fest next August, 90+ heat and humidity be damned. Maureen, you get to pick any of the images from these NOLA blog posts I’ve done, and I’ll make you a signed print.

Best to everyone today, and enjoy a big feast, some good music, and a stiff Sazerac (if you can). Now excuse me while I hose the cream cheese off my laptop.