Had a ruff week? Don’t terrier yourself up over it. The weekend is almost here and the annual pawsome event of NOLA on Tap is on the horizon for you to grab a pint and pup at New Orleans City Park with the LASPCA. As you mark your territory on the fire hydrant that you call your plans for the weekend, save some space for chickens of the fried variety that are festing it up for your feasting pleasures. Plus, there are capes to be donned for heroic endeavors. Scroll on for the headlines of the week we’ve worked on and a fur-filled jam six-packed weekend.
Cashing Out
The convenience of plastic makes life easy for a large portion of society at large. However, the choice to go completely cashless doesnāt come without criticism. Some owners cite employee safety as their top reason to prefer plastic. In New Orleans, several businesses have opted to not accept cash, and critics say the operations shut out unbanked people from being able to fully participate in the economy. Click here to read a deeper dive into this trend impacting residents across the city.
Inside the Shop: Son of a Saint
Son of a Saint is an organization like no other. Their work to inspire, mentor and build the lives of fatherless boys in New Orleans is one of the most necessary endeavors to create a positive impact for future generations. Click here to see their story on how their work is made possible by the community and atmosphere that lives within The Shop.
From Shoney’s to the Super Bowl
Twenty-five years ago, Scottās first job in the kitchen wasnāt even behind a grill. It was being a dishwasher at a Shoneyās restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. Now, he runs one of the most successful food trucks in the city and his line of BBQ sauces are available in stores like Whole Foods. Click here to read his inspirational story.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Sept. 20, 2019
National Fried Chicken Fest | Sept. 20-22 | Woldenberg Park | Free Admission
The National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Caneās is expanding from two to three days for its fourth annual event. The festival will feature over 30 local and national fried chicken vendors, as well as live performances from an all-star entertainment lineup including world-renowned St. Augustine High School Marching Band; new group Bounce Royalty comprised of Choppa, Cheeky Blakk, and DJ Jubilee, making their first performance as the newly formed group of bounce legends; Bonerama; Grammy-nominated Cha Wa; J & The Causeways; and the first-ever āWho Dat Playlist,ā a setlist essential for any Saints fan with DJ Raj Smoov, Shamarr Allen, and more.
This one-of-a-kind celebration pays tribute to those women who stormed the Sazerac Bar in 1949 demanding equality and a stiff drink, rendering the Sazerac Bar to be the first bar in New Orleans to allow women on days other than Mardi Gras.
Sat. Sept. 21, 2019
National Dance Day Second Line & Flash Mob | 9 a.m. – Noon | New Orleans Mint | Free
Established in 2010 by American Dance Movement co-founder, Nigel Lythgoe, and U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, National Dance Day is an annual celebration dedicated to dance that encourages Americans of all ages to incorporate dance into their lives. By creating a focused day of celebration to show support for dance as a valuable form of exercise and of artistic expression, American Dance Movement aims to educate the public about dance and its many benefits, as well as make dance accessible and inclusive to everyone.
Two words: dogs and beer. Yes, together, in one place. In fact, that place is the largest beer festival in the state (400 beers, in fact), and it doubles as a fundraiser for the LA SPCA, which means itās four-legged friendly. Click here for our guide on what you should know before you go to the fest, here to purchase tickets, and here for suggestions on where to start when it comes to the plethora of beer options.
Sun. Sept. 22, 2019
Superhero Race 2019 | 7:30 – 11 a.m. | Parkway Bakery and Tavern | $30
Dust off your favorite cape for the 6th Annual Superhero Race! All proceeds from the race benefit CASA New Orleans, a nonprofit that fights for the rights of abused and neglected children in St. Bernard and Orleans parishes.
Duels Street Green Block Party | 1-4 p.m. | 1855 Duels Street | Free
This block party isnāt just for 7th Ward residents, itās for anyone looking for greener solutions to help with the constant problem of street flooding in the city. There will be vendors and other community organizations to speak with regarding how others or community groups to help reduce flooding in their neighborhood, like French drains, permeable paving, rain gardens or rain barrels.
