Hundreds Attend Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party

We are a little more than a week away from Mardi Gras officially kicking off in New Orleans. But, the Capital City held it’s own celebration.

The Downtown Business Association put on the third annual Mardi Gras Block Party. It was a free event, but a ten dollar wristband got you the chance to taste test and vote in the cajun cook off. You could taste ten different cajun recipes. Vendors, beads, decorations transformed the Downtown Entertainment District. That’s an area that’s changed a lot over the years.

James Garris, stationed at Maxwell said, “When I got here I was so surprised in all the changes that have gone on, taken place since 2009 so I’m just excited to see the city go forward.”

Clay McInnis, President Downtown Business Association said, “Downtown is our heartbeat it’s our heart, it’s where our history is it’s where our momentum is right now and in the last ten years it’s been a really cool change.”

Proceeds from the Cajun Cook off benefit Valiant Cross Academy.