Parade Day 2009

Join the Krewe for the Ninth Annual Parade thru the streets of the French Quarter Friday February 13th.  The day will begin with a check-in party before lunch where you will receive the legendary Krewe of Cork official wine glass. You can then visit with the King and Queen before enjoying a delicious meal with outstanding wines selected for the occasion. Details will be posted when the plans are finalized.

We listened to your comments and took to heart what you liked and what you wanted us to plan differently. Again this year, we will mail the baseball cap, Krewe pin, King’s gift and one dozen beads to your address if you sign up by November 30th. You may purchase additional beads to throw on parade day, which you will pick up at the check in party. Memberships paid for by November 30th will be $275 and after December 1st the price will be $300. Additionally, many people like to frame and collect the Proclamation each year but others are not such dedicated Corkians. This year, the Proclamation is optional and you may order the Proclamation when you join and we will mail it to you. These changes will make your day more enjoyable and keep the operations of the Krewe running smoothly and efficiently.

Once again, all Sparkling members parading must wear a costume. We like to see costumes complementing the wine and food theme, but many members have created their own special look. Judges will select winners in three categories: Best Use of Corks, Best Group, and Most Original. Get your glue guns ready, the competition is usually tough. If you need inspiration, just browse the photo gallery in this website and look at parade day pictures from the past four years.

The Grand Marshall is chosen from the wine industry each year. The Queen is selected from the membership; check back in October to see who will be Queen 2009. Patrick Van Hoorebeek rules as the King of the Krewe every year. No one else can fill those boots.

With the Grand Marshall in the lead, the King and Queen waving and toasting, the Captain and his Lieutenants keeping order and the Royal Coordinator stirring up some fun, we have the makings of a parade. Just add the music provided each year by Freddie Lonzo and the Red Hot Poppers from da Region and we are ready to march thru the French Quarter. Don’t forget the Wine Police who drive the winemobiles and Serve and Pour the outstanding line up of red and white wines throughout the parade. Sign up today to be in that number. Sparkling memberships are limited to 406 members. Learn how we chose 406 for the limit.

The Parade Day ends with the King and Queens Party at the Musee Conti. This is always a fun party with music to keep you dancing and good food to rejuvenate the body for more dancing and toasting. Sha’On and the Girls with Success return for the 4th year to keep you dancing until 7:30pm. Take advantage of a special room offer, and spend the weekend in the quarter at the Omni Royal Orleans. We promise to give you a day full of good fun, food, and wine. If you can’t join us for the full day, Still members may purchase tickets for just the King and Queen’s Party. (Log on to your profile to purchase tickets) 

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