Yes, our city had a second line for a cat because… New Orleans

While Zap Cat's antics caused a power outage for more than 7,500 people on a Monday morning, that didn't stop a crowd from coming out to celebrate his life.

by Mary Staes
October 15, 2018

In the heat of the night, hundreds of people gathered to honor Zap Cat, the brave soul who wandered into an Entergy power substation in September and was electrocuted. While his antics caused a power outage for more than 7,500 people on a Monday morning, that didn’t stop a crowd from coming out to celebrate his life.

The satirical parade, which had to be pushed back because of permitting issues, ended up with a larger crowd than expected.

“In New Orleans, even though you’re gone, you’re not forgotten,” said Darryl “Dancing Man 504” Young, who led the second line.

Zap Cat might even have more than nine lives; organizers say they might add him in to the April’s Fools Day parade or other satirical parades like Krewe De Vieux or Krewe D’Etat.

Mary Staes is Digital Content Lead for Very Local. She works with our freelancers and crafts content for our social media platforms and website. Before Very Local, she worked with CBS affiliate WWL-TV as a web producer and weekend assignment editor for about 4 years. She has also handled broadcast coverage for 160 Marine Reserve training facilities while she served as an active duty Marine. As a native New Orleanian, she takes being "very local" to heart. She loves being intertwined with the culture and figuring out how there are less than two degrees of separation between us all, whether...

More Local Stories

Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford

On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.

Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre

On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.

Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July

Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.

Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches

Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.

Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston

Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…

What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table

The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy.  Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …

A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA

Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch. 

A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list

Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.

Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs

In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki

These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
black owned brunch spots new orleans 14 parishes

A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA

Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch. 

Brunchfaced: Jazz Fest Edition

I can’t think of any better way to help celebrate Jazz Fest’s 50 years of joy than with something else that brings me joy: BRUNCH.

At New Orleans’ Hogs for the Cause festival, the cause is front and center

The two-day barbecue and music event is a celebration of the year-round efforts made by more than 90 competing teams. Those teams raise financial aid for families whose children are being treated for pediatric brain cancer. 

Chuc mung nam moi! The beginner’s guide to Tet Festival in New Orleans East

Tet Festival, Mary Queen of Vietnam Church’s annual three-day Lunar New Year celebration, is consistently the most fun, affordable, low-stress festival in New Orleans.