Darkness Falls on Dirty Linen Night

Darkness fell on Royal Street, but there were plenty of lights from the art galleries and shops. Musicians played in less than ideal light. Eventually I came to the last few galleries on the route. The crowd continued to grow.

Music and Crowds on Royal Street

Crowds of people wandered from gallery to gallery. They stopped here and there to watch musicians and entertainers perform. As it turned dusk, the crowd became larger.

Royal Street's Dirty Linen Night

The 11th Annual Dirty Linen Night which took place on the second Saturday in August. It is a response, by the Royal Street art galleries in the French Quarter, to the Whitney White Linen Night on Julia Street. I started at the Esplanade end of Royal and walked towards Canal Street.

Salads and Appetizers

The last area had a wide assortment of salads and appetizers. I had a hard time making up my mind earlier. When I took photos of the ice sculptures, I was told that the chef carved them himself. They were a built melted by the time I took the photos. As I stood there, the lights illuminating them
changed color.

A Tour of the Food Stations

After Christmas Dinner, I took a brief walk with my camera. Along the way I photographed the various food stations. There was even a special station just for kids’ appetites.

The Courtyard and Dining Room Entrance

After taking some photos in the courtyard, I noticed people starting to enter the dining area. So I went back inside. Our table took a bit longer. In the meantime, I explored a display that included a miniature town with lights and a train.

Another Christmas at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Yesterday my family was treated to Christmas Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The hotel lobby and hallways were lit up with Christmas trees full of lights. As we waited for our seating, a balloon lady, Santa Claus and the Sugar Plum Fairy came over to greet us. I wandered into the courtyard to see the large Christmas tree.

Wedding Second Line at Jackson Square

Before I arrived on Royal Street I passed a wedding second line procession in Jackson Square. Several of the participants had their umbrellas and handkerchiefs. The bride and groom were near the front followed by the bridesmaids.