Several thousand Louisiana political illuminati are lighting up the nation’s capital this weekend, as Washington, D.C., becomes the state’s 65th parish for the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans’ Mardi Gras celebration.
The festivities began last night, with a business networking and cocktail event known as “Louisiana Alive”. Officially, it’s a showcase of the Bayou state’s music and cuisine, but this is where alliances and deals are forged –- begun in the hospitality suites and often cemented over a drink or two in the Washington Hilton Hotel’s bar.
Governor John Bel Edwards, who arrived in D.C. Wednesday evening, has daytime networking on his docket, as well.
“I have a number of cabinet-level officials in the administration that we’re going to be meeting with to discuss a number of things that will be helpful to Louisiana – if we can get their assistance,” Edwards said of his agenda for this trip.
Yesterday, he met with the state’s congressional delegation – all of them except U.S. Senator David Vitter. These meeting had to be the first thing, as Louisiana congress members serve as official hosts of Washington Mardi Gras.
Congressman Cedric Richmond is this year’s chairman of the festivities, and tonight is the chairman’s dinner-dance, a formal affair.
Although it’s his first time representing Louisiana as its governor, it’s not John Bel Edwards’ first time at Washington Mardi Gras. At a reception for all the beauty pageant queens and princesses who will be ornamenting the festivities, the governor was beaming when he talked about the Saturday night ball.
“I’ve had the privilege of escorting my two daughters around that room,” he said. “And I am looking forward to being in the ballroom on Saturday night.”
Edwards added, “This is the funnest thing I’ve had to do as Governor. It’s been a lot of work up till now, but I’m going to take a few minutes and have some fun.”