French Quarter Festival is officially under way, beginning Thursday morning with a parade through the Vieux Carré and into Jackson Square. This year's festival, the 40th annual event, is attracting visitors to the quarter from near and far.
Alicia says she and her family traveled from North Carolina to New Orleans just for the festival.
"We did, but we lived here for a few years, so we know all about it," Alicia said.
Alicia was joined by her two children, ages six and 10, for the parade. She says she hopes some of New Orleans's culture rubs off on them.
"They're all music lovers, so I'm hoping their inspired to continue their music learning," Alicia said.
Others just stumbled upon the festival.
"When we found out it's festival time, we made the schedule to be at this one," said Athana, who's visiting from Princeton, New Jersey.
Athana said she came to town for vacation not knowing about the French Quarter Festival. She says she'll make a point to came back for another one.
"Next time we have a chance to come here, I will definitely make the schedule to make sure I can enjoy this festival again," Athana said.
Meanwhile, students and teachers at one New Orleans school are relishing the chance to be part of the festivities.
"We're the French Quarter's only school, so the French Quarter Festival is our party," said Berlyn York, an administrator at the Homer Plessy School who was marching with the school's band during the parade.
According to York, the band is grateful for the chance to march in one more parade before the school year ends.
"We thought we were through after Mardi Gras, so it was really exciting to get invited," York said, adding that the band will march in another parade in the Seventh Ward later this month.
York says she hopes this is the start of a new tradition for the Homer Plessy School Band and for the French Quarter Festival.
"Oh, it's amazing!" York said gleefully. "This is the first time we've gotten to be a part of it. I love it! I hope we get invited back."
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