Experience LUNDI GRAS at Riverwalk – March 7
Free Music, Fireworks and Official Arrival of Rex at 25th Annual Riverwalk Lundi Gras
In honor of 25 years of Lundi Gras at Riverwalk, Riverwalk Marketplace and the Rex Organization bring even more excitement to an event already deep with tradition. On Monday, March 7, all are invited to Lundi Gras at Riverwalk for free music and fireworks as well as the live revelation of Rex, King of Carnival's identity at the 25th anniversary event on Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza.
Also in honor of the event's 25th anniversary, the Rex Organization will announce the arrival of the King of Carnival, Rex, with the Rex Heralders. The Heralders will be dressed in their traditional ceremonial garb and announce His Majesty's arrival at both Spanish Plaza and the event stage.
“For 25 years now at 6 p.m. on Lundi Gras, His Majesty Rex has arrived at Spanish Plaza on a United States Coast Guard vessel and proclaimed the official start of Mardi Gras,” said Frank P. Quinn, Riverwalk Marketplace General Manager. “The Lundi Gras celebration has and will always be a grand, New Orleans tradition embedded into the fabric of both locals' and tourists' carnival season. Riverwalk is truly proud and honored to host this event for the 25th year and continue our partnership with the Rex Organization.”
The free Lundi Gras at Riverwalk celebration from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 7 will not only include the announcement of Rex's identity and a military fly-over, but also fireworks on the Mississippi River and musical entertainment by John “Papa” Gros & the Krewe du Karnival, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers and The Topcats.
The 2011 Lundi Gras entertainment schedule is as follows:
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. John “Papa” Gros & the Krewe du Karnival
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Arrival of Rex, King of Carnival & Fireworks
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Topcats
Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza is a free music event for attendees of all ages. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the vendors on the Spanish Plaza. Absolutely no ice chests and pets are allowed on the Spanish Plaza during Lundi Gras festivities.
2011 Lundi Gras at Riverwalk event sponsors include: Riverwalk Marketplace, Bud Light, WDSU Newschannel 6, New Orleans Magazine, New Orleans Original Daiquiris, Pyrotecnico and the New Orleans Downtown Development District. For more information about Riverwalk's Lundi Gras celebration visit www.riverwalkmarketplace.com.