NEW ORLEANS – Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Philips, Jeffrey Palmquist and Derek-Penton Robicheaux announced the countdown to the 45th annual Southern Decadence Celebration of LGBTQ Life, Music and Culture over the Labor Day weekend.
The celebration culminates with a festive parade on Sunday, September 4, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the home of Southern Decadence, The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. Visitors and locals alike are invited to plan their costumes for the annual end of summer celebration. The parade route will depart from the Golden Lantern and wind its way through the French Quarter.
For updates and to view the parade route
With “Decadence Takes The World” serving as the 2016 theme, the Grand Marshals XLII reign over a season of parties, costuming and fundraisers that culminate with the official Sunday parade. Their official “Jewels of Decadence” colors are: amethyst (purple), ruby (red), sapphire (blue), and pearl (white). The official song is a creative mix by DJ of the Year JRB of Ariana Grande's "Break Free" and the 2016 poster was shot by photographer Barrett DeLong-Church. In keeping with the spirit of revelry, the "official" drink shot is Skyy 42. All funds raised minus expenses will benefit the official 2016 Southern Decadence Charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO).
Since its origins in 1972, Southern Decadence has grown to become one of the largest social gatherings of the LGBTQ community in the country. According to www.SouthernDecadence.com, Southern Decadence broke attendance records with 188,000 attendees that had an economic impact of $216 million dollars in 2015. Southern Decadence is now the 5th largest event in New Orleans following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest.
The official sponsors of Southern Decadence include: Ambush Magazine, www.SouthernDecadence.com, Skyy Vodka, Bud Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA), Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts featuring Marche, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, The Golden Lantern, Four Seasons Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, , Elizabeth Bouvier, Gary Vandeventer, Coca Mesa, Jeffrey Palmquist, Bourbon Pride, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., Dawn Leggio, SDGM XXVII Errol Rizzuto, June Pennick and Alexis Grace.
