Phunny Phorty Phellows

So I'm basically a fan of all things carnival. And PPP isn't really a parade. It's a single streetcar that is full of partiers who may throw you something as the speed by (well yknow at the speed of a streetcar).I've wandered out to the Avenue to see them on occasion but not consistently. So last night was the best because after leaving the Krewe Jeanne d'Arc, I drove down St Charles on my way home and there they were. So I pulled over and cheered them on. PerfectI think the best way to participate in this krewe might be to go to the streetcar barn for the kickoff party (or of course get invited to ride along). The appearance of the PPP just means parades will be on the Avenue before you know it.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows have a long history of jest and fun dating back to Mardi Gras in 1878. Through the twists and turns of history this group has evolved into being the heralds of Carnival Season on Twelfth Night (January 6th). Masked revelers gather at the Carrollton Avenue Streetcar Barn for the Twelfth Night ride and get into the spirit of the season by carrying satirical signs and banners. Numerous champagne toasts are made and second line dancing ensues as the music from the Storyville Stompers fills the air. The revelers then board the streetcar for their ruckus ride down the St. Charles Ave Streetcar line throwing the first Carnival beads of the season. The most fun is to be had at the beginning of the revelry at the streetcar barn but you can catch the Phunny Phorty Phellows along the street car route that will take them along St. Charles Ave to the Lee Circle turnaround and then back to the barn. The party starts at the barn at 6:30 and they leave the station at 7pm.

It is the time of year when the Christmas light are turned off and the Christmas Tree is sent to coastal restoration. At the same time we decorate the Mardi Gras Tree and devour our First King Cake hoping not to have the baby. The follow up to the calories is to arrive with drink in hand at the Street Car Barn on Willow St. in West Carrollton.The initial commencement of Carnival is the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar parade on Twelve Night.In performing the ritual tonight my wife and I met up with another Elite, Shannon S, and we started Carnival together and in high style. To all a very Happy Mardi Gras and Let the Good Times Roll.