NEW ORLEANS – On Monday, Feb. 27, The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk®, a development of The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE: HHC), will once again celebrate Carnival with Lundi Gras on the Mississippi. The public event will feature live music, fireworks, local food vendors and the official arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, to the Mardi Gras festivities. Continuing last year’s tradition, Rex and his entourage will arrive at Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza aboard elegantly decorated vintage railroad cars.
This year’s event features three legendary New Orleans bands – King James & the Special Men, Big Sam’s Funky Nation featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Cowboy Mouth. After the concert, Rex will arrive at the Poydras Street entrance of Riverwalk.
Upon arrival, Rex will greet the thousands of visitors who have traditionally gathered at Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza to watch Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other local dignitaries celebrate Lundi Gras.
For many years, revelers witnessed the King of Carnival’s arrival aboard the Royal Yacht (a Coast Guard cutter). However, since 2015, the event has added a dash of historical perspective by recreating scenes previously witnessed in the late 1880s, when Rex chose to arrive by train rather than by boat.
Lundi Gras on the Mississippi at Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza is a free event for attendees of all ages. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No ice chests, skateboards, bicycles, pets or glass are allowed on Spanish Plaza during events.
The 2017 Lundi Gras on the Mississippi event sponsors include: Fox 8 Live, New Orleans Baby Cakes, Bud Light, Pryotecnico, New Orleans Magazine, Coca-Cola and Messina’s.