Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunts
Two Mardi Gras organizations have announced they will be having scavenger hunts instead of parades in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Funky Uptown Krewe, which traditionally follows the Phunny Phorty Phellows on Twelfth Night along the St. Charles Streetcar line, announced it will create a socially distanced scavenger hunt along the route. Revelers can follow the krewe’s Instagram account (instagram.com/FunkyUptownKrewe) for clues as to where they can pick up the krewe’s signature throw, a hand-decorated bedazzled vinyl record. The group said their goal with the hunt was encourage people to still enjoy the night and support local businesses on the route while remaining socially distanced.
As of press time, the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus hasn’t released as many specifics on their scavenger hunt, but they did announce that their carnival celebration will take the form of a scavenger hunt. Fans will be able to collect one of Chewbacchus’ various marching groups’ handmade works of art paying homage to different sci-fi/fantasy icons and cult favorites. The 2021 event will be titled “Chewbacchus 11: Don’t Panic! The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the ‘New Reality’.” Go to the krewe’s Instagram page (instagram.com/KreweOfChew) for more information.
Throw Me Something, Bacchus App
Since parades won’t roll for Carnival 2021, you can get your fix by downloading Bacchus’ new app to listen to marching bands, catch digital throws, listen to past celebrity monarchs, see images of passing floats, and create your own avatar.
“Gospel According to PJ: From the Songbook of PJ Morton”
New Orleans musician PJ Morton, known for both his solo work and his work as the keyboardist for Maroon 5, recently released a new gospel album. The recording sessions were done virtually with other musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversations with Morton’s father, Bishop Paul Morton, are interspersed throughout the album.
“This Is Your Time”
Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges recently made the news with the passing of her mother, Lucille Bridges. The renewed interest in Bridges’ story as the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans means it’s a great time to read Bridges’ book, “This Is Your Time.”
The book is written as a letter from Bridges to the reader. The story recounts Bridges’ experience of being escorted to class by federal marshals into William Frantz Elementary School. Bridges also talks about her life as an adult activist and speaker. She addresses present-day racial strife, including the 2020 murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. “This Is Your Time” also features photographs from the 1960s and the present day.
“This Is Your Time” is suitable for readers grade 5 and above. Booklist’s review called it “a profoundly moving book.”
Stumpy’s Hatchet House
You may not immediately think of throwing hatchets as a social activity, but Stumpy’s Hatchet House on Poydras Street in the CBD has made it just that. There is generous space in the facility between each throwing pit and each of the ten throwing pits is well over six feet wide, so it makes for easy social distancing. All staff members will wear masks, as will guests in shared spaces.
Anyone over 18 can enter and receive instruction and safety training before throwing a hatchet. There are also puzzle games, leather sofas, candles, large screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Customers can inquire about group rates for private parties or team building events. For more information, visit StumpySHH.com/NewOrleansLA.