Somewhere between Mardi Gras itself and The Exotic Erotic Ball in San Francisco (without the creepiness) there's MOMs Ball.
Each year the Krewe if Misfits Orphans and Mystics, or something like that, hold THE BEST PRIVATE PARTY IN NEW ORLEANS.

Usually held at Blaine Kerns Mardi Gras World in Algiers a week or so before Mardi Gras each year, it draws thousands of New Orleans' best party-people set out to have a good time.
Last years 'theme' was Position Impossible. I wore a Twister Board.....but I wasn't the only one with the idea. Oh well.

You have to know someone to get invited to this party and costumes are required (costuming is one of the reasons the Krewe was established anyway). So don't just walk up thinking you can get in......this is a private organization and becoming a member is next to impossible...unless you grew up in New Orleans....then someone has to die before you can get into the Krewe. But, at least they invite hundreds of people to their party!

Its interesting that E-TV or MTV haven't crashed in on one of these bashes yet. Then again, anonimity is part of the fun. You can mask and be whoever or whatever you want to be....for a day or so, at least. Now that I think about it, I imagine that the networks have probably been denied access to this exclusive event already. Thank goodness!

Halloween is this week and I have the pleasure of being invited to MOMs Ball Halloween Party tonight. If it's anything like the Mardi Gras party it's going to be wild. Although it's going to be at The Howlin Wolf.....in the Warehouse Dist....and not at Mardi Gras World. Too bad.

So, if you're going to make it to N.O. for Mardi Gras in 2003 and you're going to be here the weekend before Fat Tuesday, you should ask a 'local' about where and when MOMs ball is next year. I assure you that you'll be blown away by how eclectic, fun and interesting this crowd and party is....that is, if you can get in!

Laissez le bon temps rouler!
-Gene