[MarignyBywater] ST. JOAN OF ARC PARADE ROLLS TWELFTH NIGHT 6 P.M.

[Amy Kirk]

The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc invites you to join us Wednesday evening for our second annual parade in the French Quarter in honor of Joan of Arc's 598th birthday and the beginning of Mardi Gras. 


The parade begins at the Bienville statue at Conti and Decatur Streets, as a nod to the city's founding father. An actor from the Living History Project will portray Bienville, who will toast our Joan of Arc before the parade, and give her her battle sword at 5:30 p.m. before the parade rolls at 6:00 p.m.

Joan of Arc will be portrayed by 16 year old New Orleanian Blair Davis who was selected as the krewe's Maid of Honor from a pool of applicants of young women age 16-19. Blair's exemplary community service (she has been a volunteer for the ARC of New Orleans for three years and is the student leader for Isidore Newman's Community Service Learning program), leadership abilities, French language skills, and interest and understanding of Joan of Arc's importance to New Orleans made her a natural pick from the three finalists, all interviewed by a member of The French Consulate of New Orleans' staff. Blair's confidence, eloquence, courage, grace and good nature are all qualities she shares with Joan of Arc.  She will lead the parade on horseback, clad in a faux armor breastplate and gorgeous creme gown, making her look both saintly and heroic. 

The small (approximately 50) all-walking krewe includes krewe members costumed as medieval maidens, peasants, monks, an executioner, angels, knights, and more. While last year the krewe welcomed anyone in thematic costume to walk, the krewe has paid membership this year with a minimum of $50 required. The krewe welcomes participants of all ages who share a love of Joan, medieval culture, and an appreciation of handmade, unique throws, artistry of costume, and theatricality in general. Musicians, men, and families are especially encouraged to apply for membership for 2011. Membership is now closed for this year. 

Throws include 16 wooden swords which will be handed out by young Joan (with the help of her page), 100 handpainted St. Joan medallions and coins donated by saintsforsinners.com, 50 handcrafted magnets of Joan's Voices made by local Poor Clare Sister Rita, prayer cards, and 598 white processional candles, numbered, in honor of Joan's 598th birthday, donated by Objets Trouves on Magazine Street.  

Highlights include a 14 foot sparkling fairy tree (representing part of Joan's trial accusation that she danced beneath a fairy tree in Domremy); an authentically designed and built medieval wooden cart, thanks to students in the Carpentry Apprentice program at Delgado Community college; and a troupe of a dozen church workers from Madison, Wisconsin, who are dressing as Benedictine monks and giving out holy water. 

The parade ends at the golden Joan of Arc statue at New Place de France in the French Market, at the corner of St. Phillip and Decatur Streets.  At 7 p.m. young Joan will crown her king, Charles VII, portrayed by David Villarubia, owner of The Degas House, and then the two will cut a King cake to ring in the Mardi Gras season. 

King cakes donated by Gambino's Bakery will be shared by all, and live music will be provided by Pierre Pichon and his Gypsy Trio (6:45-7:45 p.m.) and Marc Gunn (8-9 p.m.).  Parade goers are encouraged to bring birthday presents for Joan to leave at the statue and/or share with others: flowers, birthday cakes, king cakes. 

The Market Cafe will host the post-parade party indoors and out. They have a full bar and full dinner menu with excellent local food...plus a place to stay warm! 

If you have questions email stjoankrewe at yahoo.com or call Amy at (504) 251-5046. 

For more information please visit www.joanofarcproject.org, visit the blogspot at stjoankrewe at blogspot.com, follow us on Twitter and become our fan on Facebook! 


      
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