Hello! I’m thrilled to be featured as the February Member Spotlight; mainly because February just so happens to be my favorite month of the year. Not only is it my birthday month, but about 8 times out of 10, Mardi Gras falls in February, too. Coincidence? I think not.
And since we’re talking favorites, Mardi Gras is hands-down my favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas and always get a little emotional when it’s time to pack away the decorations. But every once in a while, Mardi Gras weekend (you know… Deep Gras) lands right on or around my birthday, which means the entire city is essentially celebrating with me. And trust – it’s truly magical.
My love for Mardi Gras runs deep, and I have my hometown of New Roads to thank for that. New Roads has two major claims to fame. First: False River, which everyone knows about and probably knows someone who has a camp there. And second: New Roads hosts the second-oldest Mardi Gras Day parade in Louisiana, the Community Center Carnival Parade, that first rolled in 1922.
Growing up, Mardi Gras meant attending both the “morning parade” (the Community Center parade) and the “afternoon parade” hosted by the New Roads Lions Club. I even rode on floats in the afternoon parade a few times myself; once as a spectator at a U.S. vs. USSR boxing match, and the next year as a very patriotic Betsy Ross sewing an early version of the American flag.
But my most cherished Mardi Gras memory came in 1994, when my father reigned as King of the New Roads Lions Club Parade. As the daughter of a Lions Club member, I served as a Maid riding alongside him and celebrating a tradition that meant so much to our family. It was one of those moments that permanently sealed my love for Carnival.
New Roads Lion’s Club King Jodie Cotten pictured with his daughter, Corinne Cotten, 1994
I’ve called Lafayette home since 1994, and when I arrived to attend UL Lafayette (at the time known as USL), you better believe that once February rolled around, I was on the hunt for parade schedules and festivities. Over the years, I’ve attended many parades and more than a few balls, but when I started working at AcA in 2021, I discovered what might be the ultimate Mardi Gras perk.
AcA is the perfect home base for parade day.
Krewe des Chiens? Children’s Parade? We’ve got you covered. The Café is open, the galleries are filled with fresh exhibitions, and let’s be honest – nothing beats access to a clean bathroom on parade day.
This Mardi Gras season, I invite you to come Downtown and experience the revelry with us. Take advantage of your membership and enjoy free admission to AcA, grab a warm cup of coffee or a festive cocktail, and explore the galleries between parades. Downtown offers so many ways to keep the fun going between the Children’s Parade and Krewe of Bonaparte, and in Lagniappe below, you’ll find insider tips on how to make the most of your afternoon while supporting our wonderful Downtown restaurants and businesses.
If you find yourself near AcA on Saturday, February 14, when the building will be buzzing with activities inside and parades rolling right outside, keep an eye out for me and say hello. We can raise a toast to AcA, and, hopefully, our shared love of Mardi Gras.
