The Celebration of the Alligator

When I saw the commerical for the Alligator Festival and they mentioned there would be live gators, I knew we had to go.  I have a fasicnation with alligators, but not so much that I am looking to take over Steve Irwin’s(Yeah, I know he worked with crocs. Same difference, right?) job.  It should be know that when we celebrate anything it means we eat, drink and then go on rides.  I would like to, also, point out that I am disappointed that there were no live gators like adverstised on TV.  I guess I can’t complain too much there was gator on a stick, can’t get any better than that. 

First, let’s start with the food:

We have crawfish sausage on the left, alligator on a stick (taste like chicken, but a little tougher) and a tiny pecan pie.

Boudin balls.  Don’t worry our Boudin is still intact.

Can’t help but sink your teeth into a juicy gator burger. 

And here is the entire list of food available to celebrate the gator. 

Now on to a few odd sightings:

The St. Charles Sheriff  really knows how to get around the fair.

No rest when you are working the fair.  I am not sure why he was in hot pursuit, but he would pass us a few times.  He had a siren and the top speed of about 15 mph.  The last time he passed us there would be a stretcher following him.  I guess someone swooned over all the festival excitement.

I guess he had a little too much to drink.  This should be a warning to all you kids.  You never know where you will end up and how after a few too many beers.

Even the inmates get to have some fun.  We were reassured that they were not violent and only had a few months left to serve.  Well, that takes a load off my mind. 

He was just holding Amber’s crown.  Where would you put it?

Next up, some fun for the kids and hot, sweaty times for the adult:

First stop, the flying cars with flat tires.  See that bridge behind my children, it is rated worst than the bridge that fell in MN.  I am amazed it is still standing and will be taking the long way home from now on.  NOLA had second thoughts about going to the festival, since it was under the bridge, but once she smelled the food we couldn’t tear her away.

Then we would win a new member of the family.   He was the center of attention for about 30 seconds and then it was off to the next ride.  Is that a Sprite in your pocket or you just happy to see me.

Next stop was the scary train.  I am not sure where they got these rides, but I would guess the same place they get the freaky clowns for the horror movies.  Is that you, Mr. Sprinkles?

Last ride was the flying puppy.  All the adults were hot, tired and sweaty by this time and I had no patience for the very cranky Carny.  If you don’t like the screaming of young children, then maybe you should not work the ride that is designed for small children.  Sam didn’t quite understand why he had to get off when the ride stopped and everyone else got off.  It blew his little 20 month old mind to think that that kind of fun could just stop. 

So that’s it, folks, that is  how we in Southeast Louisiana celebrate our dear friend, the alligator.  We eat the guest of honor on a stick, drink a little adult refreshments, ride funny and sometimes scary amusements and then we drag the screaming kids and sweaty adults back to the car to drive home and collaspe on the sofa to watch Shrek.  Another lovely Sunday for the books.