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If
you've never been to Southern Decadence, you have an
extraordinary adventure ahead! What follows are some thoughts
gathered from locals that will help you get the most out of
your experience.
Pass by the NO/AIDS Task
Force's information tables located on the St. Ann Street
sidewalk in front of Hit Parade Gift and Clothing, at the
corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets. You'll find lots
of community information and details of the weekend's events.
The literature racks inside of Hit Parade are another great
source for all of the Southern Decadence information that you
will need.
During Southern
Decadence, some streets of the
French Quarter do not allow
parking - look for, and heed, no parking signs. Plan on doing
a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must. Always walk
where it is well lit and there are a lot of people. New
Orleans is a city of
neighborhoods. Like all large cities, the
Big Easy does have some trouble spots. Always walk with
others, never alone if possible. Don't wander about the city.
In New Orleans the neighborhoods can change, literally, when you
cross a street. Always carry a map. If you're drinking, don't
go stumbling about the French Quarter. Locals know that the
people who encounter trouble are usually the ones who have
been drinking.
And
a bit of urban common sense is in order. When you walk the
streets, don't bring your wallet. Take the cash you need and
possibly a credit card, along with some sort of
identification, and put them in a pocket that no one can slip
their hand into. Don't wear expensive jewelry. Basically,
don't take anything with you that you would have a hard time
replacing if it were lost.
If
your car is impounded, it will cost you over $100 plus
whatever else the city decides to tack on. Your car can be
retrieved from the City Auto Pound, located in a dangerous
area of the city,
400 N. Claiborne Ave., (504.565.7236). This
will spoil a good time. Cabs are not difficult to get during
Southern Decadence. If you are going to take a cab, try UNITED
CABS: 504.522.9771 or 504.524.9606. Write these numbers down
and put them in your wallet. This cab company can be trusted.
United Cabs has a sound reputation with the New Orleans gay community.
People
are allowed to drink on the streets in New Orleans --
that large 24-oz Southern Decadence cup that you'll see people
walking with and drinking from likely contains several shots of alcohol! However,
if your drink isn’t already in a plastic cup, please ask for
one before leaving your favorite watering hole. Glass and cans are not allowed on the streets for safety
reasons.
Most bars
in New Orleans are open twenty-four hours a day. Pace
yourself. Most important, it's easy to get caught up in all
the excitement and forget to eat. If you want to make it
through the weekend, solid food is a necessity. Of course, New
Orleans is world famous for its food and indulging is part of
a complete New Orleans experience.
Clean
bathrooms can be difficult to find during Southern Decadence. Most
businesses close their facilities to everyone but paying
customers. If your hotel is far from the action, take care of
the more important business before you hit the streets. If you
need to, plan on buying lunch or dinner and using the
restaurant's bathroom before you pay the check!
The French Quarter is an
historic neighborhood. Please respect it. No
matter how "bad" you have to go, do not urinate in
the streets or on door steps or through iron gates. This is a
good way to end up in central lock-up, and people who are
arrested sit in jail until the courts re-open after Labor Day.
It will cost you about $200. And it's not polite.
Listen to your body. Get in line before you really have to go.
By the time you're crossing your legs, you might be at the
front of the line.
During Southern Decadence weekend, you're guaranteed to get an eyeful of great costumes and fabulous bodies. Officially, public nudity is not allowed and there are obscenity laws on the books. Better
judgment should be the rule of the day.
Southern
Decadence is a BIG non-stop party. People drink and are having a good
time. It's easy to forget that there is a real world out
there. Free condoms are available from the NO/AIDS Task Force
station located near the Bourbon Pub / Parade.
Don't allow the party to overwhelm your better
judgment.
We want you to come again. Have fun and play safe!
We offer some amazing
discount rates on hotels and air travel.
The best deals are available early, so don't delay.
Got a
question about Southern Decadence 2011?
Check our
list of Frequently Asked Questions. Or email us at
info@southerndecadence.net
Southern Decadence web site contents © 2012 SouthernDecadence.net
Please read our copyright policy on the Press
and Media page regarding the use of this material.
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