Mardi Gras is in exactly one week, which means that — unless you’re fabulously attractive — it’s probably too late to join a krewe this year. That said, I understand the the Krewe of Barkus only requires prospective krewers to register their dog and pay $50 on the day of the parade. Krewe of Barkus? What’s a krewe? A krewe is a group of people who help to ensure that merry-makers actually make merry during Mardi Gras. Yeah, krewes are the sexy ones riding on the floats, tossing out the beads. Though most krewes are open to the public, “open to the public” and “free” are not the same thing.
If you’re interested in kreweing, Blogging New Orleans has a run-down of some of the coolest krewes — and tips on how to join them. While it may be too late to join just any old krewe this year, if you begin planning now, you can join almost any krewe for 2008. From the Krewe of Mid-City (prepare to drop $1000 just to join), to Endymion (which requires that you be nominated by a member and spend $300 on the application), to the Krewe of Zulu (which requires a $1500 membership fee and a commitment to stay up drinking all night), check out BNO if you’re trying to choose the krewe that’s right for you.
[Photo: Maitri]