GCSAA 2009 Conference Brochure - (Page 69) DISCOVER NEW ORLEANS The Traditions of Mardi Gras . . . and Mask Making á la New Orleans THURSDAY, FEB. 5 1 – 4 pm $73 Adult/Child (lunch not included) Mardi Gras has been called the “greatest free show on Earth.” Private organizations spend millions of dollars each year preparing for this event, and hundreds of artists work year-round to complete the dazzling floats that are used in the Mardi Gras parades. This excursion will allow you to experience some of the great Mardi Gras traditions, including witnessing firsthand the elaborate preparation involved in creating Mardi Gras floats. Your guide will give you an insider’s view of the history and traditions of New Orleans’ spectacular Carnival as a deluxe motorcoach takes you across the Crescent City Connection to the West Bank. Blaine Kern’s famous Mardi Gras World is the place where the fantasy begins as you see actual parade floats being created by Kern’s team of artists. A special treat is in store during your visit to Mardi Gras World — a traditional New Orleans king cake. In this oval-shaped brioche sprinkled with sugar in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold hides a small doll, and tradition demands that the recipient of the baby hosts the next king cake party. Next on the agenda is an introduction to your “mask-making specialist.” This talented individual will familiarize you with all the numerous embellishments — including jewels, feathers, glitter, colorful trim and more — that will allow you to create your own fanciful Mardi Gras mask. Thereafter, with your Mardi Gras mask creation in hand, you will return to the convention center with visions of Mardi Gras all in your head. Stop #2 – The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is overflowing with frogs, sea otters and penguins, oh my! It’s a splash of a good time at the Aquarium, which is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The five main exhibits of the Aquarium — the Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rain Forest, Living in Water, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico — feature encounters with life indigenous to their regions including native birds, reptiles and plants in specialized habitats; a transparent underwater tunnel displaying the natural drama of a Caribbean reef; mischievous penguins and resident sea otters Emma and Buck who tease you with their “Southern charm;” and majestic seahorses and dragons. You also can’t miss the world’s largest underwater window, which exhibits a 180-degree view of sharks, tarpon, amberjack and other exotic fish. Stop #3 – The Entergy IMAX Theatre will deliver a larger-than-life adventure depicted on a silver screen five-and-a-half stories tall, immersing you in images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact. It doesn’t get any better than this! Travel Back in Time . . . to St. Joseph & Laura Plantations FRIDAY, FEB. 6 10:30 am – 3:30 pm $79 Adult/Child (includes box lunch) Experience life as it was lived in Antebellum Louisiana when you visit St. Joseph and Laura plantations in the peaceful town of Vacherie along the banks of the Mississippi River one hour outside of New Orleans. Photo courtesy of Louis iana Office of Tourism Photos co urtesy of Louisiana Of fice of Tourism St. Joseph Plantation, which has been owned by the Waguespack and Simon families for generations, is still today a working sugar plantation. Shrouded by live oaks 300 years old and built by slave labor circa 1830, the 12,000-square-foot residence is constructed in a style known as Raised Creole and rests on brick columns to protect it from floods. Tours are conducted by family and friends of the owners and their stories are more than historic interpretation — they are a living saga reflecting almost 200 years of American history. Archives on display include a succession sale document from 1858 listing the value of various household goods, livestock and an inventory of 35 slaves. The next stop takes you to Laura, a remarkable example of a mid-19th century Creole plantation. With her unique heritage, Laura offers a vastly different history than the other Creole Antebellum plantations in the Deep South. Laura is one of the largest complexes on River Road, and the tour focuses on traditional Creole customs and enchanting (and scandalous) tales of Creole plantation life two centuries ago. Laura is also known as the ”American Home of Br’er Rabbit,” as the notable century-old tales of this West African folk hero were first recorded in North America on these historic grounds. This most informative tour will leave you well-instructed on the bayous, plantations and people unique to this region of Louisiana. Audubon Adventure . . . Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas and IMAX FRIDAY, FEB. 6 10 am – 3 pm $46 per person (time for lunch on own) HELPFUL HINTS • The dress code for tours is casual. Because daytime temperatures can vary, layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Activities will not be cancelled for inclement weather, so please plan accordingly. • A ticket will be issued for each tour and must be turned in as you board the tour bus. Please keep in mind that tour buses do not have seat belts or accommodations for car seats. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16 on all tours. • If you plan to participate in the GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show as a family registrant, you will need to register as such. That form can be found in the registration section of this brochure. Get ready for a day of fun . . . buckle up — here we go! Stop #1 – The Audubon Zoo, one of the country’s top-ranked zoos, brings together the exotic excitement of animals from around the globe with the serenity of its lush gardens. A favorite children’s gathering spot, the zoo’s innovative natural habitats exhibit an animal collection ranging from unique white alligators to extraordinary white tigers. The zoo features more than 1,300 animals, live animal presentations, hands-on animal encounters, the Endangered Species Carousel, a rock wall, the Safari Simulator Ride, the Swamp Train, and opportunities for refreshments and goodies at the Zoofari Café. 66 http://www.gcsaa.org/conference
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