Grand Finale

The closing party of IPW 2016, "Taste & Tunes of Louisiana" took place at the River City Complex, on the Mississippi River, a big event venue located next door to Mardi Gras World and not far away from the Convention Center. Mardi Gras World is a huge warehouse, where most of the parade floats for Mardi Gras are being built, a unique museum on its own and well worth a visit! The new events complex is part of the so-called "Riverfront Development", which will take place in the next years and will include new parks and buildings along the river.

The space, where the party took place consisted of a big inside ballroom (two floors) and outdoor event space. Two large stages were set up and different bands performed one after the other. Many food stands inside and outside served authentic New Orleans food (for the first time!): Boudin and Jambalaya, Andouille and Oysters, Muffalettas and Boiled Shrimps, King Cake, Pecan Brittle, Banana Fosters and Beignets from famous Café du Monde - it's been fantastic! The two historic paddle wheelers "Natchez" and "Creole Queen" were anchored on the river, in front of the building, and food and drinks was also served on board.


The music spectrum was broad, from Dixieland and Brassbands to Cajun and Zydeco, Jazz and Soul. To our great joy, our favorite Zydeco musician, Dwayne Dopsie, performed again, even laying down on the floor playing his accordeon (pic). We enjoyed music and good food in good company. There were psychics (a popular profession in N.O.!) reading the future of guests in tarot cards, glass balls or hands, alligators to pet and stilt walkers in fancy costumes.

The grand finale were fantastic fireworks over the Mississippi River and afterwards the two paddlewheelers departed with guests on board for a short float downriver. We walked home from the landing pier to the hotel, light-footed and good-humored after a great evening.