I paraded during NOLA's Carnival Season!

I had the absolute best time. First up was Krewe of Cork, a walking krewe through the French Quarter. My friend Michael Rigg is a veteran of parading and served as a wonderful mentor. The costumes were fabulous!

Friday, I paraded on my own with Krewe of Freret...

I was supposed to parade with Krewe of King Arthur on Sunday but it got rain-delayed to the day we were leaving. Bummer! But I got to go to the pre-party, which was wonderful. The krewe queen graciously agreed to pose for a photo with me.

Each krewe has a signature throw. For King Arthur, it's grails. People decorate them and they were outstanding.

King Arthur's first float was a memorial to those lost in the January 1st terrorist attack. Deeply moving.

We finished the trip with a stop at the legendary King Cake Hub, a pop-up shop only open during Carnival Season - technically, the only time you're supposed to eat King Cake. They were all out of big cakes by 4 p.m.! But I did snag some delicious Big Boy Gooey Butter slabs.

I'm home now, and living off the memories of a fantastic experience - which I hope to channel into a future mystery!