Parade Day 2010

Merriment and sounds of joyful Corkians filled the streets of the French Quarter for the Tenth Annual Parade held Friday, February 5^th.  The day began with a check-in party before lunch at the Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street where members received the legendary Krewe of Cork official wine glass and Krewe of Cork beads.  Everyone had a chance to meet King Patrick before enjoying a delicious meal with outstanding Taittinger champagne selected for the occasion. 

All Sparkling members paraded with many varied costumes. Awards were presented for those most creative costumes complementing the wine and food theme. The creativity was great but we may have some guidance for future parades to assist members with their creations. Winners were selected in three categories: Best Use of Corks, Best Group, and Most Original.  You can see many of the costumes by browsing the photo gallery in this website and looking at parade day pictures for this year.

Leading the 2010 parade was Grand Marshal Clovis Taittinger from Champagne Taittinger Cellars, wife Clotine, King Patrick Van Hoorebeek and eight past Queens: Mary Reynolds, 2001; Margarita Bergen, 2002; Debbie Gagne, 2003; Mary Ann McDougal, 2004; Kate Bishop, 2005; Gillian Pierce, 2007; Sam Poché, 2008; and Melanie Talia, 2009

With the Grand Marshal in the lead, the King and our past Queens waving and toasting, the Captain and his Lieutenants keeping order and the Royal Coordinator stirring up some fun, we had a fabulous parade.  Adding the music of Freddie Lonzo's Cork Poppas from the Region and we really rolled through Quarter. 

Kudos were in order for the Wine Police who drove the winemobiles to Serve and Pour the outstanding line up of red and white wines throughout the parade. This was one of our busiest years with the crowds on the street ready to party in anticipation of our parade and the Superbowl to follow (Who Dat?!!).

The Parade Day ended with the King and Queens Party at the Royal Sonesta. That was a great party with music keeping everyone dancing to Sha’On and the Girls with Success.

We owe many thanks to the numerous sponsors and volunteers who made Parade Day possible with their donations and support.  Remember their wines when making your purchases.