By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Our granddaughter’s cabbage ball team made the final four in their league this year. These six- and seven-year old little girls had the most fun.
They were running the bases, giving high fives and doing an occasional cartwheel. To put it mildly they were overjoyed with joy.
At the end of each game, the joy spilled over into having an icy treat. You see it gets hot playing baseball in New Orleans in June.
One of New Orleans’ favorite summer treats is snowballs. If you ask any resident of the Crescent City about snowballs, they will tell you their favorite flavor and where to go to get it.
I had snowballs growing up in Winston-Salem NC. During the summer months, my guys would meet and walk the short block to get to them. One of the neighborhood residents sold them out of her house. We had three flavors, and they cost ten cents. Now it is a bit different. Many people say that New Orleans is the original snowball city. The machine used for them was invented when New Orleans natives, Ernest Hansen
and George Ortolano both separately developed ice shaving machines according to the publication, Southern Living. Some of the more unique flavors include chocolate, rainbow and king cake. I have friends who put condensed milk on them, too.
Proudly, I live in a city that is one of the most desired travel destinations in the world. People love to come to New Orleans, Louisiana. We have visitors coming year-round and it is wonderful to see.
Conferences and conventions have found a welcoming and hospitable city. The red carpet is always out and on full display. We have ambassadors of joy no matter what their position or occupation. New Orleans is a friendly city where we speak to you and ask you how you are doing. That is truly a hallmark and characteristic of this historic city.
Places and locations are easy to get to in this city. Of course, the iconic Super Dome and the Smoothie King Center are downtown and near each other. These two venues have been the site of Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours and world class concerts.
In just a few days, our city will host The Essence Festival. Thousands of people will be here to listen to the artists and to take part in the workshops. I hope you already have your tickets and booked your hotel rooms. Both are going fast so get yours today.
The Essence Festival started in New Orleans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine according to reports. The event and the city of New Orleans go together quite well.
Of course, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is celebrated here. Each year, we line up chairs and ladders to catch some of the many prizes called throws. If you have not been to a Mardi Gras parade, put it on your bucket list. This writing space is inadequate to describe the merriment and the excitement that this celebration brings.
Don’t forget the Bacchus parade and the Endymion parade that capture applause and accolades as well.
While residents like me have been to countless parades and accompanying gala balls, it never grows old or tiring. The spirit of celebration will live on for generations to come.
For families, the fun is endless and memorable. The touches you make and the experiences you have will make for wonderful dinner time conversations. Families enjoy great times at the Audubon Nature Institute which includes the zoo, aquarium and the nature center.
The Louisiana Children’s Museum and The National WW II Museum will provide unforgettable experiences for all ages. I hope that you don’t leave without visiting these family-friendly places.
End your New Orleans vacation with a Po-boy and some beignets. Both will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
As we say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll).
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a long- time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
