CITY OF KENNER OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

EDMOND J. “ED” MUNIZ EMILE LAFOURCADE MAYOR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 9, 2007

KENNER TO HOST LUNDI GRAS ROYALTY, FAMILY FUN

Mardi Gras monarchs from and Jefferson Parish will meet, mingle and have some midday fun at Kenner’s Lundi Gras Celebration, February 19, as the Carnival season cascades into the madness of Fat Tuesday.

The observance of Lundi Gras has steadily grown in Kenner’s historic Rivertown in recent years, and, if there’s good weather, city officials expect thousands of residents and visitors to be on hand for the arrival and toasting by the monarchs from the of Argus in Metairie and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in New Orleans; enjoy the free entertainment and patronize the many food and craft booths that will be on hand.

“There will be street entertainers and a live concert featuring Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, the Art Ryder Jazz Band and Mardi Gras Indian Band,” said Mayor Ed Muniz. “Hopefully, the Lord will bless us with beautiful weather for that day and the entire 2007 Carnival Season. As many of you probably know, I love the Carnival Season. And I also enjoy a good party.”

The celebrating will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with popular Art Ryder and his Jazz Band kicking things off at 10 a.m. at the music stage with rockin’ sounds for parades and dancing. Then at 11 a.m., Al “Carnival Time” Johnson will take the stage for a set of New Orleans rhythm and blues music and, of course, “Carnival Time,” his song that has become the very popular perennial street anthem for Mardi Gras.

About the same time, the Mardi Gras royalty arrives – King Zulu, Larry A. Hammond; his lovely wife, Lillian P. Hammond, the Queen of Zulu; Frank Larre, the King of Argus, and Miss Treva Elizabeth Lincoln, the Queen of Argus. At noon Mayor Muniz will officially welcome them to Kenner’s Lundi Gras Celebration, offer an official toast and wish them safe and happy processions through the streets of Metairie for Argus and New Orleans for Zulu. King Zulu will also be accompanied by his entourage of Zulu Soulful Warriors who will favor some members of the crowd with highly sought-after Zulu Coconuts.

The live music will continue on the outdoor stage with the Wild Magnolias until 2:30 p.m., with dancing and merriment encouraged among the crowd.

1801 WILLIAMS BOULEVARD – BUILDING B, SUITE 200 – KENNER, 70062 – OFFICE 504-468-7240 – FAX 504-468-6663 WWW.KENNER.LA.US – [email protected]

Kenner is happy to be a part of the community-wide celebration of Carnival, Muniz said, and the city hopes visitors and residents will come to Rivertown for Kenner’s Lundi Gras Celebration – just another source of Kenner Pride.

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1801 WILLIAMS BOULEVARD – BUILDING B, SUITE 200 – KENNER, LOUISIANA 70062 – OFFICE 504-468-7240 – FAX 504-468-6663 WWW.KENNER.LA.US – [email protected]