Louisiana movers and shakers have temporarily migrated north for this weekend’s Washington D.C. Mardi Gras. The celebration started Thursday and ends Sunday, and features the governor, congressmen, and a host of lobbyists and industry leaders. DC Mardi Gras King Ray Brandt says it’s a packed schedule.
“We have the captain’s supper dance and we have another great party Friday night. Saturday is the end of the big ball and we have some special throws to make.”
The event is hosted by the Louisiana Congressional Delegation.
Brandt says after several days of wining and dining in DC, thousands of party-goers will descend on the Hilton Saturday night for the indoor parade, led by Captain Steve Scalise.
“We make three rounds in the facility and throw to the crowds. It will be massive, it will be every ticket sold.”
The event has been in action most years since the 40s.
The get-together comes just before a heated gubernatorial race is set to take shape in Louisiana that sees the only Democratic governor in the South fighting to keep his seat in a ruby red state. Brandt hopes leaders will use the gathering to find bipartisan solutions.
“That is certainly our biggest challenge, that every day we are trying to reach out to both sides and put our difference together and work them out.”