Fair Grounds Patrol

June 8, 2016 by Charlie London

by Charlie London

Fair Grounds Patrol

fairgrounds

As the summer heat gets more intense, crimes often do as well.

If you feel uneasy about getting from your car to your home, why not have the Fair Grounds Patrol meet you there?

Have a gut feeling something isn’t right? Don’t second guess yourself, call 911 then
call the Fair Grounds Patrol
.

Call (504) 251-0276 or (504) 251-0111 and the Fair Grounds Patrol will meet you at your home to make sure you get in safely.

Enhanced NOPD Patrol

Mobile phone numbers of Enhanced Patrol officers:

(504) 251-0276
(504) 251-0111

As part of the ordinance allowing the New Orleans Fair Grounds to expand their operations to allow for slot machines the Fair Grounds is required to fund enhanced NOPD patrols in areas surrounding their facility. The patrol consists of two patrol cars operating 24 hours per day 7 days a week. The officers in the cars will have mobile phones and can be contacted directly by residents in the patrol area. The patrol area is defined as the area bounded by Desaix Boulevard to Moss Street to Ursulines Avenue to North Broad Avenue to St. Bernard Avenue to Desaix Boulevard.

Captain Scott, who leads the Fair Grounds Patrol says,
“The Fair Grounds patrol really helps to keep this area safer than non patrolled areas.”
Auto thefts top the list. Capt. Scott reminds everyone to please lock their vehicle’s doors.

The Fair Ground enhanced patrol began August 19th 2007.

Mobile phone numbers of Enhanced Patrol officers:

(504) 251-0276
(504) 251-0111

Please keep in mind that this patrol is in addition to regular police patrols. We should still call 911 in case of emergencies. After calling 911 it might make sense to call one of the numbers above.


Map of the Enchanced Patrol Area:

FairGroundsPatrolMap

Simple Crime Fighting Tips

Please use these tips to eliminate the opportunity for a crime in your home or on your street.

• Light Places Discourage Crime/Dark Places Encourage Crime: Leave a light on at your front and back door all night. Set timers on lights when you are away. Remove dead limbs and bushes from in front of windows. Report all street lights out as soon as you notice them. Call 311, and remember to get a service request number. When you call, give the pole number and the address of the house closest to the pole.

• Make sure you have your house number close to the front and back doors of your house.
Dark numbers on light trim are easiest to read. During an emergency, this could save precious moments.

• Install a peep hole in your exterior doors if you do not have glass around the door. NEVER open the door to a stranger. Call 911 if you are suspicious of a caller.

• Add deadbolt locks to all of your doors, particularly those with glass near the doorknob. Remove the key from the lock. If you want to keep a key close to the door for emergencies, make sure it is not reachable from the glass panels in the door.

• Make sure to notify your neighbors when you are going to be away. Set timers on both indoor and outdoor lights. Arrange for papers, mail and flyers to be taken in, and ask neighbors to place some trash in your super can and wheel it to the alley on trash day. Arrange for the lawn to be mowed while you are away. These simple steps can greatly reduce your chances of becoming the next burglary victim.

• If you have alarm systems in your car and home, use them. If you have an alarm system in your home, and you have a skylight, make sure to have the skylight wired to the alarm system. This is a new way of entering homes without being detected.

• Leave your emergency numbers with a neighbor, and leave a copy by the kitchen phone, if you have one.

• Do not leave lawn mowers, bicycles or baby strollers in the yard unattended. • NEVER leave your purse in a shopping cart at the market, in your desk at work unattended, or on the back of your chair in public. Not only will your money and credit cards be used, but you could loose your personal identity. Personal identity theft is the fastest growing crime in our area.

• Shred all documents that contain any personal information about you or your family members (bank statements, credit card receipts, etc.) to avoid being a victim of Identity Theft.

• Never take valuables to the Gym with you. Even lockers that are locked can be the scene of a theft.

• Check your surroundings before getting out of your car on your way into the house, and out of the house on your way into your car.

• Remove all valuables from sight in your car, especially GPS, iPods, CDs, cameras, laptops, purses and money. If you must leave something in your car, store it in the trunk. When valet parking, leave only your car key.

• NEVER leave your car running without you in it. Besides inviting a car theft, it is also illegal.

• If you witness a crime, write down the details as soon as possible, and keep the paper in a safe place. It could mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. Call 911 and read from your sheet.

• Get to know your neighbors. If you know who belongs on your block, it is easier to spot someone who does not belong. Report suspicious behavior to the police. If you suspect it is a crime, call 911. Use the words “Possible Crime in Progress.” Get involved in your community. Apathy is the partner of crime.

The neighborhood association reimburses $150 to any Faubourg St. John neighbor that installs a camera on their house (looking out to the street) that records and is registered with SafeCam NOLA.

For more information and specific requirements, contact Teddy Mccullough at: [email protected]

SafeCam NOLA is a New Orleans Police Department initiative to enlist the help of community members in the fight against crime. The SafeCam online registration service was developed by the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation at the request of NOPD. Citizen-provided security camera footage is increasingly becoming an invaluable asset to NOPD, helping establish leads and identify perpetrators. By voluntarily registering your contact information with NOPD through this site, detectives will know how to reach you if a crime occurs in the vicinity of your property. Registering your information does not provide NOPD with direct access to your camera. NOPD will only contact you if they believe your camera could contain evidence relevant to a criminal investigation. Evidence provided by your camera could mean the difference between bringing a perpetrator to justice versus leaving a crime unsolved.

Filed Under: CRIME, Featured, HISTORY Tagged With: best neighborhood in New Orleans, crime, crime fighting strategies, fair grounds, fairgrounds, faubourg st john, new orleans best neighborhood, police patrol, safety

Faubourg St. John FEEDS THE FIRST During Mardi Gras

February 5, 2016 by Charlie London

FeedFirst2016officers

 

Hans Ganthier, the new Commander of NOPD’s First District, is all smiles during the FEED THE FIRST event. photo by Brenda London
Hans Ganthier is the new Commander of NOPD’s First District. photo by Brenda London

Faubourg St. John and Deutsches Haus once again joined forces to “FEED THE FIRST” during Mardi Gras weekend.  Our First District Officers work 12 hour shifts during this time and are very appreciative of the fresh breakfast and lunches we provide.

Can’t donate your time?

Faubourg St. John

is a 501c3 non-profit
Donations are tax deductible

Donations are always welcome in any amount.
Please mail checks made out to the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association to:

Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 19101
New Orleans, LA 70179

Thank you!

The officers of NOPD’s 1st District are very grateful for the support from neighborhood organizations
and the Deutsches Haus.
 

Faubourg St. John and Deutsches Haus teamed up once again to provide meals for 1st District NOPD officers during Mardi Gras.Faubourg St. John and Deutsches Haus teamed up once again to provide meals for 1st District NOPD officers during Mardi Gras.
Heartfelt thanks to all those who donate each year

FEED THE FIRST is not possible without your support!

FeedFirst2016gLinda Landesberg, Brenda London, Charlotte Pipes, Ronnie and Ayse Brink, Mona McMahon, Diane Angelico, Charlie London along with Joe & Doranel Stephany and  Deutsches Haus have worked hard each year to make the annual Feed the First program work!   Your support is much appreciated.

article below by Alicia Serrano of the Mid-City Messenger

FeedFirst2016b

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association is hosted its annual “Feed the First” event Mardi Gras weekend.

Brenda London, Leslie Capo and Ayse Brink prepare fresh fruit salad for the officers.At left, Brenda London, Leslie Capo and Ayse Brink prepare fresh fruit salad for the officers. photo by Diane Angelico

Faubourg St. John provides a hot breakfast and lunch to the First District NOPD officers working during the Mardi Gras weekend, with shifts that can last up to 12 hours.

FeedFirst2016a“You can’t believe how satisfying it is to see these poor officers come in from their shifts and we feed them and everybody’s in a much better mood,” Linda Landesberg, head of Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association events, said at last month’s meeting. According to Landesberg, the association will provide breakfast and lunch for about 80 officers for four days at the First District station. Bagged lunches are also provided for officers along the parade route as well.

“There is a group of us that go and we actually bring a hot breakfast and serve our First District NOPD on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday and we also do two hot lunches for them on Saturday afternoon and on Monday afternoon,” Landesberg said.

FeedFirst2016kThis year, Faubourg St. John will partner with Deutches Haus, Parkway Bakery, Terrenova’s, The Ruby Slipper and the Fair Grounds Racecourse and Slots for breakfast and lunch food items.

Landesberg said the event normally costs the association about $1500 to get, prepare and serve the food. At the meeting, she described the hard work that goes into making the officers’ healthy breakfasts and snacks, with association members starting preparation at 4 a.m.

“We have a great time doing it, but we’re pretty exhausted afterwards,” she said. “It’s a really nice community event and the officers are happy.”

To read about one of the previous Feed the First events click here and to donate or find out how to volunteer for the event email [email protected].

photos below by Diane Angelico:

Joe Stephany and Charlotte Pipes working hard in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.
Joe Stephany and Charlotte Pipes working hard in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.
Ronnie Brink serving up coffee to the volunteers in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.
Ronnie Brink serving up coffee to the volunteers in the kitchen at Deutsches Haus.

 

Filed Under: CRIME, Featured, HISTORY Tagged With: bayou st john, best neighborhood in New Orleans, Bonnie Lee, Brenda London, Charlie London, Charlotte Pipes, Deutsches Haus, Diane Angelico, fair grounds, faubourg st john, faubourg st. john neighborhoood association, feed the first, fsjna, fun, help new orleans, improvement, Jim Danner, Linda Landesberg, messenger, mid-city messenger, Mona McMahon, n.o.p.d., New Orleans, nopd, police, Ronnie Brink, volunteer, ways to help New Orleans, worthy cause

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

April 30, 2015 by Charlie London

“Righteous moves,
Invigorating spirits,
Sharing beliefs, and
Empowering, just one
let’s you RISE, above all.”
― Norbert Harms

***
Susan Roth and Jimmy Fahrenholtz recently had a lengthy meeting with Jazz Fest officials, NOPD representatives, and City Tax and Revenue representatives.

Here is the skinny for Jazz Fest 2015:

The City is going to VERY aggressively enforce all laws to the best of their abilities.

parking111

Parking is going to be a major focus. If you live in “The Zone” you must have an access pass to get in. That pass, however, only gets you into the dance, it doesn’t guarantee that you will have a spot on the dance floor. There are areas that require a Residential Parking Permit to park on the street for more than 2 hours. Those areas are some what spotty. Our suggestion is to walk in both directions on the block where you wish to park, and look for the green and white permit signs. If they are not on that block then you don’t need, in theory, a permit. Having a philosophical difference with authority over parking rights may be a fun topic at a cocktail party, but a violation of the law is a violation of the law. Don’t do it and you won’t get towed.

“To avoid parking all together, there’s a Jazz Fest Express Service. It offers round-trip transportation on Gray Line Tour buses. Pickups locations are the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street, the Steamboat Natchez dock and at City Park near the intersection of Marconi Drive and Harrison Avenue. Daily pickup runs from 10:30 a.m. Until all patrons have been transported from the fairgrounds. Round-trip from downtown is $19. Round-trip from City Park is $15, parking included.”
More in the link:
http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/jazz-fest-traffic-tips-and-tricks-that-will-help-you-get-to-and-from-he-fairgrounds/32531460

And just for a reference;
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/2015/04/23/parking-restrictions-bus-and-cab-info-for-jazz-fest/26237123/

Illegal vending is going to be another focus this year. If you see some one selling items from their porch or home, the police can respond and issue a summons. If someone is on the sidewalk or street, then the Tax and Revenue people will respond and it becomes a civil matter. In either case, call the Neighborhood Action Telephone Line immediately. The number is 504 942 7799

Taxis have been given specific instructions as to their behavior. They are only to pick up at the designated area at Fortier Park. They can only enter the queue from Moss and Grand Route. If you should see any taxis cruising or soliciting in any other areas, please get the taxi’s description and number (hopefully with a taxi selfie). The taxi number and company are imperative. When you have that info, call the Neighborhood Action Telephone Line immediately. The number is 504 942 7799

UBER is now a part of our experience. They will be permitted to pickup passenger at three specific locations; City Park Entrance Area, Broad and Abadie, and Desaix Blvd. (see map below) Should you have any concerns about UBER activity, call the Neighborhood Action Telephone Line immediately.
The number is 504 942 7799

uber-jazz

There will be a Second Line Parade from NOMA, down Esplanade, left on Mystery, right on Fortin, starting about 10:30am on Locals Thursday. There will be some traffic disruptions for the brief time that they will be parading.
http://www.noma.org/events/detail/1070/Odyssey-Jazz-Brunch-and-Second-Line-Parade

Lights-We are 90% complete on all requested repairs. And we may finally have all 4 lights on the Cabrini Bridge working. Should you have any concerns or issues, please let Susan Roth or Jimmy Fahrenholtz know immediately…

Send any concerns, comments or issues you would like addressed to: [email protected]

***

Safe, secure, hassle-free parking for Jazz Fest at 1700 Moss Street in New Orleans.
Safe, secure, hassle-free parking for Jazz Fest at 1700 Moss Street in New Orleans.

It’s here and many folks are excited about the fun and frivolity we know as Jazz Fest.

Lots of neighbors love to have guests join them at their home for each day of Jazz Fest. It’s a fun way to get together and walk over to Jazz Fest as a group. The big negative? …where to put the cars the guests bring.

Why not stop the hassle and aggravation of figuring out where to put all those cars and help out a fellow 501c3 organization at the same time?

The Deutsches Haus will be offering safe, secure, hassle-free parking at 1700 Moss and it’s a short walk to Jazz Fest. You can even reserve your parking space in advance! Check out the details in the link below.

deutches-haus-parking1
Enjoy Jazz  Fest and help the Deutsches Haus.  Deutsches Haus is offering parking for Jazzfest at  1700 Moss Street
Dates:
Friday–Sunday, April 24-26
Thursday–Sunday, April 30, May 1-3
Times:
10:00am – till 1 hour after close of Jazzfest
Cost: $30
Reserve your parking space here.

Parking enforcement personnel will be monitoring illegal parking, including blocking hydrants, driveways and sidewalks, or parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection or stop signs. Motorists are also reminded to park in the direction of travel on one-way streets, and with the right wheel to the curb on two-way streets.

JAZZ FEST PARKING SECRET IN THE LINK BELOW:
https://fsjna.org/2013/04/park-at-the-haus-for-jazz-fest/

The Jazz Fest Neighborhood Action Telephone Line is set up each year to allow communication between residents and the Jazz Fest.The line is used to report NON EMERGENCY matters only such as blocked driveways and streets, reports of illegal vending, trash, neighborhood access issues, traffic, and taxi problems, etc. The number is 504 942 7799.

The NAT Line (Neighborhood Action Telephone Line) that is activated the day before Jazz Fest is: 942-7799. You use this number for Jazz Fest nuisance related issues. Put this # in your cell phone! You call 911 for police emergencies and crime related events. For non-emergency police events call 821-2222.

photos by Charlie London

When parking around the Fair Grounds during Jazz Fest, please note that the City of New Orleans has a fleet of tow trucks in various sizes for your inconvenience should you decide to ignore basic parking rules.

The city towing hotline is (504) 658-8002.


Information below is from the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS website: http://nola.gov/

PARKING ENFORCEMENT REMINDERS:

The Fair Grounds Race Course is located in a residential part of the city offering restricted parking in surrounding neighborhoods. Festival-goers that are driving to the Fairgrounds are encouraged to park in downtown long term lots and use public transportation.

Parking enforcement personnel will be monitoring for illegal parking, including blocking hydrants, driveways and sidewalks, or parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection or stop signs, in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Fairgrounds. Motorists are also reminded to park in the direction of travel on one-way streets, and with the right wheel to the curb on two-way streets.

In addition, existing businesses will be allowed to sell their products on their property, both inside and outside of their business contingent upon not blocking public right of way. However, the City will aggressively enforce the rules against transient vendors (carts, trucks, etc.) from improperly selling their products within the festival’s “clean zone.”

The Department of Public Works is issuing citations for the following safety violations:

•Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant: $20
•Parking in a fire lane: $20
•Parking on the median: $75
•Parking on the sidewalk: $20
•Parking in the travel portion of the roadway: $20
•Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection: $20
Vehicles may be towed for all of the above violations; the tow fee is $156.

Citations can be paid and vehicles retrieved at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Payments can also be mailed to:
Violations Bureau | P.O. Box 52828 | New Orleans, LA | 70152

Citations can be contested by mail. Instructions are listed on the back of the ticket.

For more information, please call the Department of Public Works at (504) 658-8000. The city towing hotline is (504) 658-8002.

parkatdahaus1

 

Park at 1700 Moss just off Esplanade.
Short walk to Jazz Fest.

Parking hours 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

30 dollars per car.

Sorry, no in and out.

***

Description of Jazz Fest by Dan Rabin

The annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or simply Jazz Fest, is a massive springtime music and cultural festival that takes place over two consecutive weekends in late April and early May. Many music lovers of all ilk consider it the country’s premier music festival and return year after year. Others have called it the best party in America.

The name Jazz Fest is somewhat misleading, as jazz is only one component of the festival’s musical offerings. Performers represent a wide range of genres including jazz, rock, blues, gospel, R & B, Cajun, zydeco, folk, bluegrass, African, Caribbean and Latin. Non-stop performances take place on a dozen stages scattered around the festival site. In addition to music, there’s a huge selection of regional cuisine, arts and crafts booths, second line parades and numerous other attractions.

Jazz Fest tips by Andreas Preuss | photos by Charlie London

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/23/jazzfest.traditions/504jazz1

Getting there

jazz-fest-bikes-2013may5Best to take a cab, ride a shuttle, bike or walk. Just like during Mardi Gras, streets around the New Orleans Fair Grounds will be clogged with traffic and city law enforcement. There are also some for-hire shuttle buses from downtown and French Quarter locations.  The event provides free and secure bike parking, and I’ve been biking to the Fest in recent years. That way I can maximize my Fest time instead of looking for a legal parking spot. If you do travel by bike, remember to wear a helmet; New Orleans streets have lots of potholes, and drivers are not always bike-friendly.

Navigating the music

Check out the “cubes” on the Jazz Fest website. The time-slot stage boxes help you schedule your movements during the Fest, optimizing your music listening experience for each stage. I print one out, circle my must-do’s and then hit the stages.

The New Orleans Fair Grounds becomes a city, with thousands of people navigating just about every pavement, sidewalk and grassy way. Having your plan in hand is a great way to take it all in. But also be flexible and let the happenstance music take you away. A small local act can be more inspiring than a big national touring group in many ways.

For the rest of the article, please visit the link:    http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/23/jazzfest.traditions/

bike-lights1

TIPS BELOW FROM FAUBOURG ST. JOHN NEIGHBOR MICHAEL LUKE

http://www.wwltv.com/eye-on-festivals/Jazz-Fest-on-a-relative-budget-148905585.html

Step 1: Tickets

Volunteering at Jazz Fest is a surefire way to get in for cheap, i.e. free, though it must be done early in the year and requires working part of the day.    If you do buy tickets, buying them as soon as they go on sale is essential to save the most money on tickets – or buy weekend packages.    The tickets for individual days traditionally go up as the Fest gets closer.   To save money, buy your tickets ahead of time at the Superdome box office.   If you are taking children, remember that tickets for children age 2 to 10 are $5, but they are available only at the gate.

Step 2: Packing the Essentials

Next to a hat, comfortable shoes and sunglasses, a backpack is indispensable for a day at the Fair Grounds, and there are several things that should always be inside said backpack:

  • A small, six-pack size soft-sided cooler.
  • Water and food. Jazz Fest allows a one-liter bottle of water, which must be sealed. Inside your cooler should be that bottle, a bag of ice in a sealed bag to prevent the ice from leaking and keeping your water cold, and a couple pieces of fruit. Oranges and bananas are perfect.
  • Sunscreen. A must.
  • Should it rain, or if rain seems remotely likely pack a re-sealable plastic bag — this is what your wallet, camera, cell phone, etc. goes inside to stay dry — and a small foldable raincoat or poncho.
  • A small, emergency supply of toilet paper. Crude, yes, but also a possible life-saver or a stand-in for a napkin if needed. A pack of wet wipes can also serve here as well.

Don’t bring a chair. Controversial, but a fact. They’re laborious to carry around unless you want to camp at one stage for an entire day. (If you have trouble standing, a portable, compact stool makes life a whole lot easier, but don’t forget the seats in the tents and inside the Grandstand. Those can be an oasis for your weary legs.)

Step 3: Don’t drive there

Don’t drive there. This goes for locals and tourists alike. There is next to nowhere to park, and it costs a pretty penny if you do find a spot.  If you must bring your car, park here.   (Lagniappe tip for out-of-towners: Don’t pay locals to park on the street near the Fair Grounds. This common practice is illegal, a scam; it is public parking on the street. Also, don’t park illegally. You will get a ticket or get towed.)  Also, forget trying to get a cab. Besides the expense, you’re competing against thousands all trying to get a cab at the same time and all trying to get to Jazz Fest.

If you can, ride a bicycle or take the bus.

Here’s the RTA info for public transportation to get to near Jazz Fest, requiring a walk for a couple of blocks:

  • Coming from the French Quarter: Canal Streetcar Line – Stops 4 blocks from Fair Grounds’ Gate
  • Coming from Uptown / River Bend: (Audubon Zoo, Xavier University, Canal Streetcar, Rouses Supermarket, Museum of Art) Bus Line 32-Leonidas – Stops 4 blocks from Fair Grounds’ Gate
  • Coming from Irish Channel / Garden District / CBD / Esplanade: (Cemeteries Transit Center, Delgado Community College, City Park, Museum of Art, Fairgrounds, Canal Street, Canal Streetcar, St.Charles Streetcar, Wal-Mart) Bus Line 91-Jackson/Esplanade – Stops 2 blocks from Fair Grounds’ Gate
  • Coming from New Orleans East: (Village De L’Est, Winn-Dixie Supermarket, Chef Menteur Highway, Fairgrounds, Dillard University, Canal Streetcar) Bus Line-94 Broad – Stops 2 blocks from Fair Grounds’ Gate
  • The RTA suggests pre-purchasing a boarding pass, arriving to the bus stop early, and being courteous to other riders and patient with the increase need for service. Fare is $1.25 per ride.
  • The RTA “Jazzy Pass” is valid for unlimited rides and transfers on the entire RTA fleet.
    For more information how to create your transit itinerary and where to purchase a Jazzy Pass, visit www.norta.com,  find NewOrleansRTA on Twitter and Facebook or contact the RTA Customer Care Ride Line at 504-248-3900.

A listing of some bicycle rentals places: http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/transportation/gettingaround/bicycling.htmlbike-facebook

 

If you ride a bike, there are racks at both entrances — Sauvage and Gentilly — but they fill up fast, and you’ll need to bring your own lock.

Step 4: Pack some food and forget drinking alcohol

This isn’t the easiest rule to abide by – a cold beer is delightful at the Fest under the Louisiana sun and as is a tall Strawberry Lemonade. The problem is either isn’t cheap, same goes for sodas, $4, and bottled water, $3.

The food at the Fest likely the hardest to skip – in fact, it’s probably impossible – which is why the suggestion is to skimp on the food, not skip. Bringing in some snacks like fruit or a granola bars helps in that department. When you do decide to grab a bite, look for the food that delivers the biggest bang for your buck, like BBQ ribs or turkey leg plate near the Jazz Tent.

When you finish with the water bottle you brought in, don’t throw it away. There are several places to get free water inside the Fair Grounds: Water fountains inside the Grandstand and three water stations, which are marked on the Jazz Fest map.

Step 5: Bring cash

Even with these tips, you’ll likely need cash. The Fest does have several ATMs, but if these aren’t your bank, you’ll be hit with the service charges, and the lines for them can get long. Would you rather see music or stand in the ATM line? (If you do need to bite the bullet and use an ATM, go early in the day when crowds are smaller and the lines are still short.)

Step 6: Have fun

http://www.wwltv.com/eye-on-festivals/Jazz-Fest-on-a-relative-budget-148905585.html

jazz-fest-map-2015

http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2015/04/new_orleans_jazz_fest_2015_gui.html

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bayou st john, fair grounds, fairgrounds, faubourg st john, issues, jazz fest, jazz fest parking, Jimmy Fahrenholtz, lights, New Orleans, parking, potholes, Susan Roth

Fair Grounds Family Day December 20th

December 1, 2014 by Charlie London

Coca-Cola-Family-Day-photos

COCA-COLA HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY SET FOR DECEMBER 20

 

On December 20th, the Fair Grounds will host a Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day from noon until 4 p.m. in the Starlight tent on the track apron.

family-coca-colaA merry and bright day of celebration with entertainment options for the entire family coincides with a pair of $50,000 stakes races.

Admission to the Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day Experience is $5 and children 12 and under are admitted free. General admission to the racetrack is free on December 20.

Once inside the Coca-Cola Holiday Family Day Experience, families can partake in face painting, crafts, and coloring. Cookies can be purchased and custom decorated for $1, and photo print-outs with Santa are available for $5. Food and beverage specials will be available and will include Coca-Cola beverages and Coca-Cola branded signature holiday ornaments.coca-cola-familia

On the racetrack, two stakes races for two-year olds will be offered – the $50,000 Letellier Memorial Stakes for two-year old fillies, and the $50,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes for two-year old colts and geldings. Last year’s Sugar Bowl winner, Albano, went on to place in a pair of graded stakes on the Road to the Louisiana Derby, finishing second in both the Grade III Lecomte Stakes and the Grade II Risen Star Stakes.

Coca-Coca Holiday Family Day will have a special first post of 12 p.m.

coca-cola-family-fun-day2
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 143rd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 2014 through March 2015. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

***

SUNBEAN SHINES IN LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY CLASSIC, BECOMES SIXTH LOUISIANA-BRED MILLIONAIRE

NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, December 13, 2014) – Brittlyn Stable’s Sunbean turned on the heat down the Fair Grounds stretch to win his second consecutive $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic and become racing’s newest and Louisiana’s sixth millionaire.  On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the historic New Orleans oval, the Pelican State-bred son of Brahms won his 13th race in 20 career starts and defeated four others, despite breaking a couple lengths behind the field.  After settling into stride in last, the bay gelding methodically made his way into contention and approached the leaders at the top of the stretch.  In the end, he overpowered stablemate Watch My Smoke, who was later disqualified for hindering One King’s Man and placed third behind that rival.  The win was his third stakes in six weeks’ time.

Ridden by Corey Lanerie, who was substituting for the injured Richard Eramia, for trainer Ron Faucheux, Sunbean traveled the 1 1/8-miles distance in 1:51.81 over a fast track after Watch My Smoke set fractions of :24.55, :49.16, 1:14.21 and 1:38.64.  Sent off at as the 3-10 favorite, the 12-time stakes winner returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10 and earned $90,000 to boost his career bankroll to $1,000,150.

“He got off about two or three steps behind the field,” Lanerie said.  “After that I just got him to relax and get back into the race and then he proved he was the best.”

“Usually we would like him to be in more of a stalking spot right off the pace,” added Faucheux.  “But it is what it is – he’s a good horse and good horses overcome.  We’re just so excited to win this race and move on to the next one.”

Brittlyn Stable principal Evelyn Benoit, who also owned Louisiana millionaire Star Guitar, echoed Faucheux’s enthusiasm.  “Sunbean just proved that the impossible dream is possible,” she said.  “I was dreaming about this for a week.  You really can’t dream anything like this – first Star Guitar and now Sunbean. When I saw the break, I really started praying.  Thank God Corey made it and things worked out.  We keep thinking he’s a mile or a mile and a sixteenth kind of horse, but he has proved us wrong.  Give him a horse to run at and he likes to run them down at a longer distance.”

One King’s Man returned $2.60 and $2.20 and Watch My Smoke paid $3.20 in his first race since July 2013.

Louisiana Flyboy and Request a Puck completed the order of finish.

TURF – Charles C. Smith’s String King was a popular winner of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf in front of an appreciative Fair Grounds crowd who backed the son of Crowned King to odds of 1-2.  Under the guidance of leading rider James Graham, the 6-year-old bay gelding sat mid-pack before launching a strong stretch run that would carry him to a 1½-length victory over Tiger Run and Stormdriver.  The victory was his 14th in 33 career starts and comes one year after finishing second in the Classic to Sunbean by a heartbreaking nose.

String King completed the 1 1/16-miles turf distance in a new track record time of 1:41.84 – breaking a standard set by Dixie Poker Ace in 1994 – after Tiger Run set fractions of :23.31, :47.19 and 1:11.09.  String King paid $3, $2.60 and $2.40 and the $60,000 boosted his career bankroll to $743,552.

 

“I was a little bit (worried) down the backside, but he was rating well,” Graham said.  “He’s a good horse and does it on his own – that’s the way he is.”

 

Trainer, owner and breeder Smith was taken aback by his horse’s performance.  “There’s nothing left to say – just look at what he does for yourself,” he said.  “He has shown it on the racetrack, like always.”

 

Longshot runner-up Tiger Run returned $18 and $11, while equally disregarded Stormdriver paid $8.20.

 

The field was completed by McGeehee’s Mercy, Benwill, Skipberry Wine, Sweet Baby Gaines, Valse and Well’s Gold.

LADIES – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies produced a stellar wire-to-wire victory for Eugenia Thompson and Hickory Stables’ Our Quista who outlasted closing favorite I Dazzle down the stretch to a 2½-length victory under Corey Lanerie.  The lightly raced daughter of Half Ours won for the fourth time in seven starts for trainer Al Cates and won her second consecutive stakes following August’s $150,000 Elge Rasberry Stakes at Louisiana Downs.  The sophomore filly covered the 1 1/16 miles on the main track in 1:46.40 and returned $10.60, $6 and $4.80.  Blading Wild Cat was 1½ lengths astern I Dazzle in third.

“She beat the gate and broke really well,” Lanerie said.  “I felt a little pressure down the backside, but she did enough to stay in front and when I called on her she did her thing.”

Two-for-two now going a distance of ground on dirt, the dark bay charge has impressed her conditioner.  “When we stretched her out she improved tremendously,” Cates remarked.  “She gets out on the lead and relaxes and she’s been training so well.  We thought we would stretch her out here again and it worked out pretty good.”

SPRINT – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint featured one of the most thrilling finishes of the day when William Deckwa, Jr.’s Too Dim overcame an impossible start – spotting the field over six lengths – and ran down favored defending champion Heitai in the final yards to win by a neck under Miguel Mena for trainer Eddie Johnston.  The victory was Too Dim’s second consecutive over Heitai after a Nov. 23 half-length decision in a muddy optional claimer.  The 5-year-old gelded son of Mutakddim completed the six furlongs in 1:10.08 while winning his 10th race in 23 lifetime starts and paying $11.20, $4 and $2.60. All Owls finished third 1½ lengths behind Heitai.

“This is a nice horse, but he got left in the gate,” Mena said.  “They told me to make an eighth of a mile run on the rail and that’s what we did and it worked out.”

Johnston was elated with his horse’s performance, especially considering the dreadful start.  “I really didn’t expect this after the break,” he said.  “I was hoping he could just finish with him and get something out of the race.  Once he got on the rail and started picking it up, he just kept on coming.  It worked out.”

LADIES SPRINT – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint proved a formful event as the two favorites – Afternoon Tango (2.70-1) and Blessed Immaculata (2.60-1) – finished one-two.  Big Aut Farms’ Afternoon Tango proved the better of the duo as the daughter of Afternoon Deelites powered home a two-length victor over her rival, improving off her runner-up finish in last year’s event.  Ridden by Diego Saenz for Patrick Devereux, the 4-year-old dark bay filly was ridden with credence as she swooped past the leading bunch and coasted to victory over her aforementioned rival and eventual third-place finisher Wire Me Bessie, despite being on the wrong lead.

“I was surprised to be that far back, but I was happy with her,” Saenz said.  “She really responded, even though she didn’t switch leads.”

The win was Afternoon Tango’s seventh in 14 races and her second stakes win of the year after taking the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Louisiana Downs in August.  She completed the six panels in 1:11.81 on a fast track while returning $7.40, $4 and $2.80.

JUVENILE – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile saw a promising and undefeated gelding stay that way in Phyllis Hodges’ Mr. L. S. Shoe, who circled the leaders en route to a three-length victory over Jazzy Rebel and Grande Basin.  Trained by James ‘Sweet’ Hodges and ridden by James Graham, the son of Forefathers was ridden confidently throughout, despite breaking from the outside 14-post.  The gray charge ran the six-furlong distance in 1:11.68 and improved his record to three-for-three while paying $4.80, $3 and $2.60.

“I was able to tuck in a little bit around the turn and he came home and finished it up,” Graham said.  “I think he’s an improving 2-year-old and he feels like there’s plenty left.  He’s so happy with himself and he rates and lets you do whatever you want with him.”

“It’s easy to train a good horse,” Hodges added.  “We’ve wondered about him because he acts up like he did today in the paddock, but my wife bred him and raised him and we’ve always thought he was special.”

LASSIE – The $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie was an exciting display of class and closing speed as Gary Scherer and Bill Ulwelling’s Wind Chill Factor asserted herself by 4¾ lengths over a competitive field of ten other fillies to win her second consecutive stakes after taking the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel on Nov. 22 at Delta.  Ridden by Willie Martinez, the daughter of Successful Appeal won for the third time in four starts while completing the six furlongs in 1:11.67.  She paid $8.40, $4.80 and $3. Longshot Lady Emily Sage was second and odds-on favorite Vivian Da Bling finished third.

“It set up perfectly,” Martinez reflected.  “On paper it looked like (the pace) would set up quickly, so right away I got a good position.  She broke perfectly and we got good momentum going to the three-eighths pole.  From there she was her own pilot.  She has started figuring out what it’s all about.  She’s really good.”

Scherer, who also trains the charge, confirmed that the filly will be pointed toward the filly division of the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity on New Years’ Eve.

STARTER – In the $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Starter Stakes, Maggie Camejo and Antonia Noonan’s The Louisiana Kid continued his improvement since joining the Jose Camejo barn, cruising wire-to-wire under Miguel Mena and completing the mile and 70-yard event in 1:44.06 over five others by two comfortable lengths.  Sent off at 8-5, the son of Afleet Alex improved his record to seven wins in 31 starts and returned $5.40, $3.20 and $2.40.

QUARTER HORSE – In the day’s opener, the Grade II $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Classic, Douglas O. Traylor’s Dashin Gage was sent to post as the public’s 4-5 wagering choice and did not disappoint, registering a head victory over Jls Mr Bigtime. Trained by Kenny Roberts and ridden by Jose Vega, Dashin Gage covered the 440-yard distance in 21.841 seconds and returned $3.80. The $46,391 winner’s share boosted his career earnings to $332,423 as he won for the seventh time in 21 lifetime starts. Blue Louisiana Jolla was third.

By running second and earning $17,525 for his efforts, Jls Mr Bigtime became only the second Louisiana-bred quarter horse to surpass the $1 million mark in career earnings, boosting his bankroll to $1,017,472. Jls Mr Bigtime was honored with a special presentation in the winner’s circle after the race for his achievement.

Ana Alvidrez’s Scooter Prize captured the seventh race of her career in winning the $100,000 Grade II Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Derby. Ridden by Raul Ramirez, Jr. for trainer Martin Trejo, Scooter Prize returned $13.60 and completed the 400-yard trip in 19.925 seconds. Scooter Prize earned $45,454 for the victory and is now a career earner of $219,845. Hesablackmagic was second and The Game Cartel finished third.

Roderick L. Carter and Mykelia Carter’s Louisiana Jambalaya kept his perfect local record intact with his third win from as many Fair Grounds starts when annexing the $100,000 Grade II Louisiana Champions Day Quarter Horse Juvenile. With his fourth win in six lifetime starts, Louisiana Jambalaya boosted his career bankroll to $178,262 with the winning prize of $45,000. Trained by Justin Dehart and ridden by regular rider Lucas Constantin, he returned $6.80 as the post-time favorite and traveled the 350-yard distance in 17.408 second. Game was second and Zoomin For Bugs was third.

About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 143rd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby – will run from November 2014 through March 2015. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

 

Filed Under: More Great Posts! Tagged With: bayou st john, best neighborhood in New Orleans, coca-cola, coke, coke zero, diet coke, events, fair grounds, fairgrounds, family, family day, faubourg st john, fsjna, fun, kids, New Orleans

Fair Grounds Makes Voodoo Magic

October 8, 2014 by Charlie London

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Faubourg St. John’s largest neighbor donated $3,500 to Faubourg St. John’s longest running fundraiser…
Voodoo on the Bayou.

2014 marks the 25th anniversary of Voodoo on the Bayou and the party will be legendary.  Living legend Walter “Wolfman” Washington will rock the Pitot House on Saturday,
October 25th.Fair-Grounds-2012aug18-brenda-london

It’s a major milestone for Voodoo on the Bayou.
It’s a major party you can bring a party to!

***

Dear Neighbors,

As you probably already know, this is the 25th Anniversary of Voodoo on the Bayou!

Music, food, drinks, fun!

This year we will feature Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the ever popular Lips and the Trips.  It will be held on Saturday night October 25th from 8:30-Midnight at the historic Pitot House on Bayou St. John. As always, we will have plenty of delicious food from about 20 of our favorite restaurants as well as an open bar with premium cocktails and a special Halloween craft cocktail! And a great silent auction!

We need your help! Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 the day of the event and can be bought at Pals, Terranova’s, Swirl or simply go to www.fsjna.org and click on the Pay Pal link at the top right hand corner. Easy!

This year all of the net proceeds from the event will go toward our ongoing project to renovate Desmare Playground. Please take a look at the attachment detailing the plans for the playground. Amazing! This is the only children’s park within our boundaries and we plan on making it the best that is can be!

 SPECIAL THIS YEAR!

We know that many people cannot attend this event (LSU football, other parties etc.)  but that does not mean that you can’t be a part of the TAX DEDUCTIBLE (FSJNA is a 501 (c) 3 organization—check with your accountant) effort to restore/renovate Desmare Playground!

This year we have created three special categories of donations—each level will receive 2 tickets to the event, along with the special Halloween craft cocktail (unlimited) and a chance to win a case of Mumm’s Napa champagne. The donor(s) will also be recognized on a Donors Board at the event.  The levels available are:

$500—Desmare   “Player”

$300—Desmare  “Swinger”

$200—Desmare   “Biker”

Even if you can’t attend the event, please be a part of the great plans for Desmare Playground and go to www.fsjna.org and make a donation. Encourage your friends to make a donation. These are dedicated funds! You’ll feel great about what you are doing for the children!

Thanks!

Rocky Seydel, Chairperson
Voodoo on the Bayou

***
Desmare-depiction1
In Faubourg St. John we are always thinking of our neighborhood’s open spaces.  From the Bayou to our bridges to the beautiful small parks that connect us, we proudly take a pro-active response to ownership and maintenance of these spaces. We again want to move forward and be responsive to the needs of our neighborhood and our growing population of young families; we have Desmare Playground in the 3400 block of Esplanade in our sights and we need your support!

Please click here –> RAISING FUNDS FOR DESMARE PLAYGROUND

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bayou st john, fair grounds, faubourg st john, gambling, horse racing, New Orleans, party, slots, Voodoo, voodoo on the bayou

Fair Grounds FOR SALE

September 13, 2014 by Charlie London

Please visit the link below for the rest of the story in THE ADVOCATE:
http://theadvocate.com/home/10255911-125/churchill-downs-inc-seeking-to
new-orleans-fair-grounds-300x276

Three months after the Fair Grounds’ parent company promised to make significant upgrades to the venerable Gentilly race track, it has put the track up for sale.

Multiple sources familiar with the situation said Friday that Churchill Downs Inc., which has owned the Fair Grounds plus its 11 off-track betting facilities since 2004, has enlisted JPMorgan Chase to solicit requests for proposals from other gaming interests around the country, with a deadline of Wednesday.

Also, the Chicago-based Duchossis Group, CDI’s largest stockholder, has been approached about a deal for the Fair Grounds plus Arlington Park, near Chicago, which the Duchossis Group owned before it merged with CDI in 2000. However, a source with knowledge of Duchossis’ plans said Friday that such a deal is unlikely to happen at this point.

The requests for proposals came after at least two local interests, including Saints owner Tom Benson, made inquiries in recent weeks about purchasing the track, but they reportedly found the asking price, estimated at $125 million, too high. Greg Bensel, a spokesman for Benson, said Friday that Benson is not interested.

CDI purchased the Fair Grounds out of bankruptcy for an estimated $70 million.

Please visit the link below for the rest of the story in THE ADVOCATE:
http://theadvocate.com/home/10255911-125/churchill-downs-inc-seeking-to

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Ostrich Races Tonight

August 16, 2014 by Charlie London

Ostrich Races Return to Fairgrounds courtesy NOLA DEFENDER

Posted Friday, August 15th, 2014 by Liz Davas

An American quarter horse can reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour while its unlikely race partner, the ostrich can get about to about 30 miles per hour. New Orleanians can decide which one they prefer this Saturday at the seventh annual Summer Quarter Horse Meet and Exotic Animal Races.

Held at the Fairgrounds, the event features traditional quarter horse races, zebra races, and ostrich races.  The first post is 4p.m., with the zebra race scheduled at 5p.m. The star of the night, the ostrich, makes its debut on the track at 6:40 p.m.

Grandstand tickets are $5 — kids under 12 get in free. Clubhouse admission is $10 for both adults and children ages 5 to 12 — kids under 5 get in free.  Both the Grandstand and Clubhouse are first come first serve open seating.

Two local food trucks, Crepes a la Carte and Messina’s, alongside the Clubhouse Dining Room will provide the grub while snowballs for the kids and frozen margaritas for their parents are on hand in the Paddock.

Tickets are available for purchase here.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: fair grounds, fairgrounds, faubourg st john, New Orleans, ostrich, racing

Achtung Dachshund

February 13, 2014 by Charlie London

 

Wiener Dog Races Presented By Double M Feed Fair Grounds Race Course Saturday, 2/15/14 1:00PM CST

 

dachsund-races1Horses won’t be the only animals racing at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Saturday, February 15, as the New Orleans racetrack will also play host to Wiener Dog Racing, presented by Double M Feed, Garden and Pet Center.

Thirty Dachshunds will be randomly selected to compete in the race from all received entries, and the application to compete can be found on the Fair Grounds website at (PDF) http://tinyurl.com/mz3lzvr.

All Dachshunds entered must be pure-bred and have proof of current vaccinations. A $25 non-refundable fee is required for the 30 dogs chosen to compete once finalists have been notified. The entry deadline is February 3. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit (PDF) http://tinyurl.com/qxg6mjj

The wiener dog races will feature five qualifying trials with six dogs in each race. The five winners will then square off in a championship race. Over $1,000 in cash and prizes will be given away, with the winning dog taking home a top prize of $400, the runner-up receiving $200, and the third-place runner collecting $100. The top three finishers will also receive prize baskets, and all entrants will receive a race day goodie bag.Only dogs officially registered to compete in the day’s races will be permitted on the property and will be required to show proof of their accepted race registration for entrance.Admission to Fair Grounds for Wiener Dog Racing will be $5, with children 12 and under admitted free. First post is 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at fgno.com/tickets.
– See more at: http://sportsnola.com/sports/horse-racing/603740-wiener-dog-races-at-fair-grounds-february-15.html#sthash.Ez3QTHEL.dpuf

Wiener Dog Races Presented By Double M Feed Fair Grounds Race Course Saturday, 2/15/14 1:00PM CST

Article courtesy SPORTSNOLA.com

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Iguanas | Los Po-Boy Citos | Fair Grounds

October 9, 2013 by Charlie London

Iguanas-LauraRichens

The Iguanas and Los Po-Boy-Citos Unite to Help
Morris Jeff Charter School on Oct. 10

LosPoBoyCitos-CharlieLondon

WHAT: Morris Jeff Community School 5th Annual Community Gala andAuction

WHO: Los Po-Boy-Citos and TheIguanas

WHEN: Thursday, October 10, 6:30 to 9:30pm

WHERE: New Orleans Fairgrounds Club House,
1751 Gentilly Blvd.

WHY: Proceeds from the benefit will go to the school’s library, early childhood programs, and extended school year. Morris Jeff Community School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and contributions to the school are tax deductible.

Tickets: $50 per person, inclusive of food, beverages and entertainment. To purchase tickets, please call (504) 373-6258, email [email protected] or visit www.morrisjeffschool.org. Event sponsorships are available.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bayou, bayou st john, best neighborhood in New Orleans, fair grounds, faubourg st john, iguanas, los po-boy-citos, morris jeff, New Orleans, new orleans best neighborhood

Exotic Animal Racing August 24th

August 17, 2013 by Charlie London

Exotic Animal Racing Returns!

Zebras, ostriches, beer, horses and more races will make the sixth Summer Quarter Horse Meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots the biggest New Orleans has ever seen. The exotic animal racing nights that have become an August rite of summer will continue on Aug. 24, while the American Quarter Horse season will run Wednesdays to Saturdays from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7.

First post is 1p.m. (all times Central Daylight Time) Wednesdays to Fridays. First post on Saturdays is 4 p.m. The Saturday twilight program will play host to Zebra and Ostrich racing on Aug 24, as well as the second annual “Tails & Ales Beer Festival Presented by Abita” on Closing Night, Sept. 7.

Tickets and Pricing
General Admission for live racing is free except for exotic animal racing night, Aug. 24, when General Admission is $15. Kids 12 and under get in free for General Admission only. General Admission is available for sale at fgno.com/tickets.  Clubhouse Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for kids, ages 5-12.  Kids under age 5 get in for free. All Grandstand and Clubhouse box seats and open seating are first-come, first-served with general admission. 

The Clubhouse Dining Room will offer a family-friendly limited menu including mini-pizza, chicken quesadilla, pulled pork poboy, Thai chili or BBQ wings, Nathans® chili cheese hot dogs, chili cheese fries, supreme nachos and drunken shrimp cocktail.  Concessions stands will also be open.  Reservations for dining room tables with purchase of Clubhouse Admission are available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. by calling 504-948-1024. Surcharges may apply for certain Clubhouse Rows.  Tickets may be purchased in advance for both exotic animal racing nights by visiting fgno.com/tickets. Private Suites are available and may be reserved by calling Group Sales at 505-948-1285.

General Admission on Closing Night, Sept. 7, will be free allowing access to the first floor of the Grandstand as the “Tails & Ales Beer Festival Presented by Abita” will be taking place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor Clubhouse. Tickets to the Beer Festival are $35 for General Admission and $70 for VIP in advance.  All tickets to this event are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will be $40 at the door for General Admission and $75 for VIP (discounted Designated Driver admission pricing is also available). The General Admission beer tasting begins at 4 p.m. coinciding with the first race of the evening. VIP Admission beer tasting starts at 3:00p.m.

Please click the link below to load the Quarter Horse Clubhouse Menu.

Link to PDF.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bayou, bayou st john, best neighborhood in New Orleans, fair grounds, fairgrounds, faubourg st john, New Orleans, new orleans best neighborhood, ostriches, zebras

Zebras, Ostriches, and Beers Oh My!

July 22, 2013 by Charlie London

Exotic Animal Racing Returns!

UPDATE:   The threat (bad weather) has caused at least one local entity to activate their tropical weather plans. The Fair Grounds Race Course was planning to open their annual Quarter Horse meet, and race some zebras and ostriches on Saturday night.

However, the threat of tropical weather has led the Gentilly track to evacuate the 1,000 horses and other animals in their barns.   Fair Grounds Director of Marketing Mark Conner said the process to evacuate takes several days in advance of a storm.  If you wait too long, you get to a point where it’s not safe,” he said.

The opening of the Quarter Horse season is now slated for Wed., Aug. 21. Exotic animal racing is canceled for Saturday, August 17, but will go on as planned on August 24.

NEW ORLEANS – Zebras, more ostriches, more beer, more horses and more races will make the sixth Summer Quarter Horse Meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots the biggest New Orleans has ever seen. The exotic animal racing nights that have become an August rite of summer will be, Aug. 17 (cancelled due to probability of rain)  August 24 (still scheduled), while the American Quarter Horse season will be expanded to 14 racing dates, Wednesdays to Saturdays from Aug. 16 to Sept. 7.

First post is 1 p.m. (all times Central Daylight Time) Wednesdays to Fridays. First post on Saturdays is 4 p.m. The Saturday twilight programs will play host to three marquee events – three different ostrich races on Aug 17, Zebra racing and the first ever New Orleans Ostrich Championship on Aug 24, as well as the second annual “Tails & Ales Beer Festival Presented by Abita” on Closing Night, Sept. 7.

Tickets and Pricing General Admission for live racing is free except for exotic animal racing night, Aug. 24, when General Admission is $15. Kids 12 and under get in free for General Admission only. General Admission will be available for sale at fgno.com/tickets beginning July 22, 2013.  Clubhouse Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for kids, ages 5-12.  Kids under age 5 get in for free. All Grandstand and Clubhouse box seats and open seating are first-come, first-served with general admission.

The Clubhouse Dining Room will offer a family-friendly limited menu including mini-pizza, chicken quesadilla, pulled pork poboy, Thai chili or BBQ wings, Nathans® chili cheese hot dogs, chili cheese fries, supreme nachos and drunken shrimp cocktail.  Concessions stands will also be open.  Beginning July 23, reservations for dining room tables with purchase of Clubhouse Admission are available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. by calling 504-948-1024. Surcharges may apply for certain Clubhouse Rows.  Tickets may be purchased in advance for both exotic animal racing nights by visiting fgno.com/tickets. Private Suites are available and may be reserved by calling Group Sales at 505-948-1285.

General Admission on Closing Night, Sept. 7, will be free allowing access to the first floor of the Grandstand as the “Tails & Ales Beer Festival Presented by Abita” will be taking place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor Clubhouse. Tickets to the Beer Festival are $35 for General Admission and $70 for VIP in advance.  All tickets to this event are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will be $40 at the door for General Admission and $75 for VIP (discounted Designated Driver admission pricing is also available). The General Admission beer tasting begins at 4 p.m. coinciding with the first race of the evening. VIP Admission beer tasting starts at 3:00p.m

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bayou, bayou st john, beer, best neighborhood in New Orleans, fair grounds, fairgrounds, faubourg st john, New Orleans, new orleans best neighborhood, ostrich, zebra

The Mob is Alive and Well

April 13, 2013 by Charlie London

Trash Mob to Surround Fair Grounds on Sunday, 4/14 at 2:00 pm.


Trash Mob will start at N. Rendon & Belfort, and walk to Gentilly, then turn down Fortin and finish up near Fortin & Mystery.
Trash+Mob+4-14
Check out the Facebook event for this Sunday’s pickup HERE.

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Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: bags, fair, fair grounds, fairgrounds, gloves, grounds, help, jazz fest, pick up, trash, trash mob

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