Captain Peggy Scott Laborde, Queen Julie Holman and Fred Kasten with the Krewe of Oak toast the Carnival season Thursday before the Phunny Phorty Phellows make their Twelfth Night streetcar ride. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
A small but enthusiastic crowd cheered the Phunny Phorty Phellows as a streetcar packed with revelers left the Willow Streetcar Barn on Thursday (Jan. 6) for the krewe’s ride through Uptown signaling the start of the Carnival season. The route was shortened to the loop between Willow Street and Erato, due to construction in the downtown area. But krewe members were happy to be back after last year’s cancellation.
“We are so pleased to be riding through uptown New Orleans.” said Krewe Captain Peggy Scott Laborde in a press release. “We will travel a route that is the path of many Mardi Gras parades, so it’s only fitting that we honor them with our ride. We are doing what we can to kick off the season in a responsible way. We are grateful to the Regional Transit Authority for their cooperation.”
The riders’ masks covered their mouths and noses as well as their eyes, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Phellows are a historic Mardi Gras organization that first took to the streets in 1878 and ceased parading in 1898. The group was revived in 1981. This year marks the 41st anniversary of the krewe’s revival.
Phyllis Lesage pours “vaccines” to give to revelers before the Phunny Phorty Phellows make their historic streetcar ride. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
Paulo Steven Diniz takes his one-shot “vaccine” before the ride. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
A few Baby Dolls follow as the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
The Phunny Phorty Phellows pass out beads along the route. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
The Phunny Phorty Phellows start their historic Twelfth Night streetcar ride. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
Revelers board their streetcar. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
A Phunny Phellow sports a satirical costume. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
