Friday, March 13, 2009

A Celebration in the Oaks

One of the first things we did was to take a tour of the Celebration in the Oaks – a month long holiday show featuring millions of twinkling lights throughout the Botanical Garden and Amusement Park. The evening was beautiful – as we found most nights to be in New Orleans. We paid our $6 entrance fee each and entered City Park where millions of lights twinkled in the famous Oak trees and throughout the flower beds. Performances were going on with school children singing Christmas Carols and actors doing skits. What struck us the most was the story behind Papa Noel. It was recreated in lights and we watched in amazement as Papa Noel’s skiff was drawn by alligators through the bayous so he could deliver his presents. Each culture is so different – building stories out of what they have.












When we came across the laser light show done to the song

“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas” – we both cracked up and I had to wait through 3 showings while The Man tried to film it on our camera for my brother. That song played over and over in my head the rest of the evening and on into the next day! Even now that I’ve written it – well – there it goes again!


They had a wonderful model train display going that included streetcars rattling around the buildings depicting downtown New Orleans and other areas. It was ringed round with wide-eyed children pointing out the little people in the train and streetcars. We soon became part of the crowd with mouths agape and fingers pointing – children again ourselves! Model railroads do that don’t they?



From there we came across a garden filled with birdhouses that depicted different houses throughout New Orleans. My voice could be heard calling to The Man as I came across another one – ‘Over here! Take a picture of this one!’ or

‘Here’s another hon!’



It was a wonderful twinkly experience! Children and adults laughing with delight and the promise of Christmas in the days yet to come.

16 comments:

Madam Crunchypants said...

Officially jealous of your trip now.

Maggie May said...

Really love those bird houses!
Sounds like great fun!

Dr.John said...

Never even knew New Orleans had such a thing. It looks great. When you got to the model trains you really got my attention. I have street cars on my model as well.

ADDY said...

I loved the light show. There is so much to New Orleans that I did not know.

Rachel Green said...

What a delight!

Mean Mom said...

Maybe I should have gone with my husband on his business trip to New Orleans, after all. I'm sure that I would have loved that.

Akelamalu said...

I biggified the photos to get a proper look - they're great!

MWM would have loved the model railway, in fact he's been to a model railway exhibition this morning and come back with all sorts of ideas for his set!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

What terrific pictures and such a magical display. It must just be so wonderful to be around that kind of energy at Christmas. Wonderful.

Daryl said...

Oh what fun .. when we were there in July at the city park there was a Botero exhibition ... its an amazing city xo

abb said...

SOMEday I WILL get to New Orleans! You are certainly whetting my appetite, Aims!

david mcmahon said...

I've never heard that song before ....

Lane Mathias said...

Sounds absolutely wonderful.
Love those birdhouses!

grandmamargie said...

Oh, you are so making me want to put on my traveling shoes. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Certainly looks like you had a lot to photograph. Lights add such a lovely atmosphere to a place.

CJ xx

Living the Dream said...

It looks and sounds fabulous, I just love twinkly lights and to have a model railway as well!! I especially like the bird houses.

Anonymous said...

I've just made a cuppa after reading this post, and found myself randomly singing "I wanna hippopotamous for Xmas!" The tune has got stuck in my head in the middle of March!!!