Fourteen years after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the events of that day in 2005 remain freshly etched in the memory of nearly every New Orleanian. In the days that followed, it all seemed lost. However, over the years the people of the Crescent City banded together, propped up their fellow neighbors and rebuilt the town into a beautiful and booming beacon of a success story. While there are still lingering reminders that bubble up and shades of the storm that crawl into view, New Orleans is still seen the world over as vibrant, beautiful — and changed. In the positive spectrum of looking at change this week, we’ve seen local basketball stars create their own league, the Running of the Bulls became one of the craziest street festivals that gored its place into annual tradition, and the city is cleaning out the canals and freeing them of abandoned car parts, bikes and other odd debris.
Elite NOLA League
Most people would agree that New Orleans isn’t much of a basketball city. The Saints are first, second, and third in the hearts of locals, while the Pelicans are often relegated to a distant afterthought. That all may be changing soon. With the addition of some star power, including Zion Williamson, the most anticipated rookie since Lebron James was drafted in 2003, New Orleans basketball will hopefully soon feel less like “Maybe I’ll catch a game or two” and more like “Maybe I should buy season tickets.” If you’ve been one of the fans following Elite Nola League, featuring some of the biggest names in basketball to come out of this city, you know the buzz around phenomenal basketball has already been building in New Orleans. Click here to find out where some of the biggest homegrown basketball names in the city are making their mark.
ÂżPor que no?
The NOLA Bulls took part in San FermĂn in Nueva Orleans at The Sugar Mill on Saturday. The event parodies the same event in Pamplona, Spain and is usually held the same weekend but the New Orleans event was postponed due to Hurricane Barry. It’s easily one of the biggest street events to happen post-Katrina in the city. The Big Easy Roller Girls and other roller derby groups from around the country whack the behinds of runners with whiffle bats and the ladies bring the horns. Click here to see the wild photos.
#CatchBasinCar
We can’t talk about Hurricane Katrina without talking about flooding, and last week, the Sewerage and Water Board cleared a huge blockage from the drainage system. It was a Mazda 626… that’s right, an entire car was pulled from the Lafitte Canal. The brake tag was reportedly dated 2007, just two years after Hurricane Katrina. Since, the city has removed 370 tons of debris from the canal, but these images of a deteriorating car with Mardi Gras beads hanging from the trunk is one residents won’t be soon to forget.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Aug. 30, 2019
Freelance Friday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m | The Shop at the CAC | Free
Working remote? Come check out the gorgeous offices at The Shop in the Contemporary Arts Center for free, and get some work done on us! Freelance Friday is a great place to network and connect with new people in an innovative space.
Backstreet Boys: DNA World Tour | Smoothie King Center | $26-$185
That’s right, Backstreet’s back! Live out all your teen dreams this Friday when the Backstreet Boys hit the Smoothie King Center stage.
Sat. Aug. 31, 2019
Eastbank Little League World Series Parade | 11 a.m. | Starts on Veterans Blvd. near Bonnabel West | Free
Okay, so we know this is “all the way out” in Metry, but come on, they won a World Series! Why wouldn’t we throw them a parade?! Click here to see the route.
Louisiana Children’s Museum Opening Day at City Park | Noon-7:30 p.m. | 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans LA 70124 | Free (tickets must be reserved)
After closing it’s big blue doors on Julia Street, the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s City Park location will be opening to the public on Labor Day weekend. Everyone’s been waiting to visit, so check the website for timed ticketing options and (heads up), walk-up ticketing will not happen during opening weekend, according to the website. Click here for hours and tickets.
Sun. Sept. 1, 2019
Curve The Runway | 6 p.m. | The Cannery $30
This fashion show aims to bring plus-size women of all heights and backgrounds together to embrace their curves and puts designers, consumers and vendors in one place. Its founders are pushing to create a safe space for women of all sizes to be appreciated, and their annual fashion show will feature multiple vendors, including Magnolia Makeup, handmade precious gemstone beaded bracelet company Ugly Betty Boy Crush and plus size boutique Beaux Curvian Gurlz Collection. Click here to read their interview with us, and here for tickets to the show.
Southern Decadence Walking Parade | 2 p.m. | Start at Barracks and Royal Streets | Free
This year, Decadence won’t feature a Friday night parade due to continuing street construction along some of the route. Instead, there will be a walking parade Sunday to celebrate the weekend. Click here for the route and more information.
