My first real visit to Storyland was on a Valentine’s Day date with my now-husband. We were both running fevers but he had created this amazing day full of surprises for me and I was determined that our being sick wouldn’t ruin it. One of my favorite memories of that day was kissing inside the whale’s mouth. My son is almost old enough now to enjoy Storyland, and while I can’t wait to introduce him to all of its charm, some of its patina is really beginning to show.
That is one of the many reasons why we’re so excited to feature the 40th anniversary of “Lark in the Park,” because this year all proceeds will benefit the revitalization of Storyland! Created by Harry Batt in 1956, our own Bev Church (this year’s Honorary Chair) was Chair of “Lark in the Park” along with Peggy Read in 1985 for Storyland’s first restoration. This refurbishment will encourage participants to enjoy deeper interaction with the stories through fun, play, education and entertainment; the latest educational methods, such as STEM and inclusive play and, of course, ADA accessibility, will be incorporated.
I am quite proud to announce here that this year’s St. Charles Avenue’s Courts of Carnival – our seventh annual! – will be published as a stand-alone special issue! If you’re a subscriber, you’ll receive it automatically. If you would like to become a subscriber, or would like to purchase additional copies (available for sale as of April 1), please call Renaissance Publishing 828-1380.
Supporters of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation – a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government – have gathered at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub to shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer research. In fact, this group alone has raised $863,618! If you do the math (which my friend Drew Morock, who has shaved (most of) his head every year, did for me) it shows that they’re only $136,382 away from the $1,000,000 mark! Whether you want to shave your head, volunteer to help or to donate to this very deserved cause, let’s help them cross this line! Visit StBaldricks.org/events/FinnMcCools2019 to learn more and join them on March 23 for all the fun. And if you can’t make it to the Finn’s event, there are other St. Baldrick’s events taking place around the city!
As with most Carnival seasons, Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the extravagance, and sometimes in the deluge of King Cake sugar, finding time to celebrate seems too much. Look to our feature “Setting the Table” for great dinner ideas – for Valentine’s Day and throughout the season – and make your reservation today.
If you’re planning a wedding, dreaming about doing so or just love reading about them, look to our annual Couture Wedding Guide to learn about 12 local ways to show off your personal style.
Happy Carnival!
Morgan Packard Griffith
February
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“Junior Gala,” benefiting the Southern Sailing Foundation, 296-4608
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“New Orleans Take Steps,” benefiting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 917-903-1038, CCTakeSteps.org/NewOrleans2019
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“Ochsner Red Tie Affair,” benefiting Ochsner Health System, 842-7113
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10th annual “Recycled Fashion Show,” benefiting Bridge House / Grace House, 821-7134
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“Get Yah Praise On,” benefiting Audubon Nature Institute, 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org
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“Dominican Legacy Gala: Diamonds Are Forever,” benefiting St. Mary’s Dominican High School, 865-9401
