Cold air, don't care.
That's the attitude at the Parasol's/Channel St. Patrick's Day Block Party in the Irish Channel. Crowds filled the area midday Tuesday, with revelers loading up on green beer as soon as the bars began serving.
For some, today's event is about reconnecting with familial roots. Jack Bodenheimer fall into that category. He's originally from New Orleans, but he now lives in Biloxi. He says he returned to the Irish Channel this St. Patrick's Day to relive some childhood memories and to pay tribute to his uncle, Jack Burns, who was a long time captain for St. Patrick's Day events.
"Hopefully, I can run into some old friends, old family members, and have a good time," Bodenheimer said.
Anise Fiello lives in New Orleans, but this is the first time she's attended a St. Patrick's Day block party. She says she's looking forward to finding out what it's all about.
"The possibilities are endless. It's New Orleans, and it's St. Paddy's Day, and we're in the Irish Channel," Fiello said. "I brought bail money."
A few others stumbled upon the block party, including a tour group from Atlanta. Their tour guide, Margie Perez, surprised them by walking them to the event.
"I usually tell them about the block party, but this time, they get to actually experience the block party," Perez said.
Perez had this advice to locals who will be going to today's festivities.
"Expect to park far away," Perez said. "Expect to have a good time, but please behave."
The Parasol's/Channel Block Party continues until 8 p.m. Another St. Patrick's Day Block Party at Annunciation Square roll on until 6 p.m.
