Today marks the first day of my duties as an announcer at Gallier Hall describing to the crowd there the theme of the Krewe of Carrollton parade. Ever since Carnival began in New Orleans, every single float has passed Gallier Hall, the former New Orleans City Hall designed by the noted architect James Gallier, Sr. Typically, city officials will greet each parade's monarch(s) and present each with a proclamation from the city and will offer a toast as the parade proceeds along its route. At one time there was a separate town of Carrollton, but it became absorbed by the much larger New Orleans in the 19th century. Yet, the neighborhood kept its name. The Krewe of Carrollton began as a neighborhood parade in 1924, but has over the course of 84 years become a crowd pleaser, always running two Sundays prior to Fat Tuesday. It has a family-oriented theme for its ball (held on Friday) and parade. This year's theme is "Name That Tune" and the floats will all reflect musical genres. This year's king is Ralph Romaguera, Sr., who is the father of two past queens of Carrollton and whose family has been very active in the organization in recent years. I will be working with city officials to have a City Council person or the Mayor (who rarely shows up before next weekend) to toast His Majesty. The Carrollton queen will be toasted separately at the nearby Intercontinental Hotel. Okay, time to put on the tux. I should be pelted with lots of throws today and may send some up to my friends in Cleveland for them to enjoy.
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