By Daniel Dunne
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina may have encouraged Earl and Claudia Davis to move from New Orleans eastward, but the memories of their hometown Mardi Gras never faded.

Within months of moving to Riderwood in October 2006, the Davis family started planning their own Mardi Gras party for family and newfound friends and neighbors. What started as a small celebration with a handful of guests has evolved into a rich tradition involving nearly 100 people.

Feast for Fat Tuesday
This year’s Fat Tuesday celebration found partygoers in a variety of elaborate costumes, feathers, sequins, and decorative masks. The Davis’ apartment home, as well as Josephine Fannon’s home across the hall, served as the main “French Quarter” location and a place for fun-seekers to load up on traditional Cajun and Creole foods, including jambalaya with shrimp and sausage, crawfish étouffée, and chicken and andouille gumbo.

Party of parties
Highlighting this year’s party was the crowning of a new King and Queen of Carnival. According to Earl Davis, “The process for selecting this year’s royalty was the responsibility of the Court of the Crew of Cantoria.” The court includes Earl and Claudia Davis, Josephine Fannon, Mary Robinson, and Jeannemarie Holterman. “The names of all the invited guests were placed in the drawing, and the winner names were kept secret until the official drawing,” Earl Davis adds.

According to one of the Davis’ new neighbors, Milton Feldman, the party was a hit. “This event ranks as one of the best parties of the year,” he says, “so far.”