Please click on the image for a larger, more-detailed version.
We try to be seasonal, we really do.
Each year, City Park decorates its ancient Oak trees with Winter / Christmas paraphernalia. The event is called Celebration in the Oaks and it's yet one more excuse for tho whole city to get together and get sloshed. Then some young punks show up, shoot the shit out of us and we go home. But Heck, Carnival starts on Epiphany, we have to heal up before the King Cake parties start (more on that later).
The character you see here is Mr. Bingle. Mr. Bingle is exclusive to New Orleans. New Orleans loves it's exclusives. You know that song, "Little Bunny Foo Foo"? New Orleans' book stores carry "Little Crawfish Boudreaux...scooping up the 'skeeters, bopping them on the head"- I shit you not (remember a couple days ago when I said sometimes they try too hard?).
Anyway~
There was once a grand department store on Canal Street called Maison Blanche (White House). Mr. Bingle is their Christmas mascot, like Cleveland's Mr. Jingeling "Keeper of the Keys" at Halle's department store or Uncle Mistletoe at Marshall Field's stores in Chicago. I know, I know- he has a sugar cone for a hat. Creativity has always been at a premium, you know? We drink a LOT in New Orleans. In fact, the Maison Blanche is now a Ritz-Carlton (I don't know about you but the only thing I do in a Ritz-Carlton is drink).
The (warbly, barely audible) Story of Mr. Bingle:
Each year, City Park decorates its ancient Oak trees with Winter / Christmas paraphernalia. The event is called Celebration in the Oaks and it's yet one more excuse for tho whole city to get together and get sloshed. Then some young punks show up, shoot the shit out of us and we go home. But Heck, Carnival starts on Epiphany, we have to heal up before the King Cake parties start (more on that later).
The character you see here is Mr. Bingle. Mr. Bingle is exclusive to New Orleans. New Orleans loves it's exclusives. You know that song, "Little Bunny Foo Foo"? New Orleans' book stores carry "Little Crawfish Boudreaux...scooping up the 'skeeters, bopping them on the head"- I shit you not (remember a couple days ago when I said sometimes they try too hard?).
Anyway~
There was once a grand department store on Canal Street called Maison Blanche (White House). Mr. Bingle is their Christmas mascot, like Cleveland's Mr. Jingeling "Keeper of the Keys" at Halle's department store or Uncle Mistletoe at Marshall Field's stores in Chicago. I know, I know- he has a sugar cone for a hat. Creativity has always been at a premium, you know? We drink a LOT in New Orleans. In fact, the Maison Blanche is now a Ritz-Carlton (I don't know about you but the only thing I do in a Ritz-Carlton is drink).
The (warbly, barely audible) Story of Mr. Bingle:
In the "New Orleans as photographed by professional photographers" posts, every photo is owned by a professional. These low-res reproductions will hopefully entice you to seek out the originals. I will include all contact information whenever possible. None is available for this photo.
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