Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans proper take a break this weekend, as you probably know, since the city will be bursting with  Super Bowl parties and events, not to mention the game.  If you can't wait, there will be Carnival parades in Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish this weekend.  And Carnival will be back in full force in the City of New Orleans on the following weekend through Mardi Gras.

More French Market Carnival:  There's a new celebration of Lundi Gras in the French Market, "Fat Monday at the French market" with brass bands, kid activities and more.  It's sure to fast become another Carnival tradition.  And, the annual Mardi Gras Mask Market in the French Market is set for February 8-11, 2013 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Get more Mardi Gras scoop here and stay tuned with me at this blog.

Super Bowl fever is here  and it seems like the rest of the world is coming to New Orleans.

The excitement and fun is  more than just the big game in the Superdome or even football.   Check out these Super Bowl season attractions, events and activities in New Orleans that begin this week, from FREE fun to the the charitable, but expensive,  Taste of the NFL Party with a Purpose, a huge food and wine tasting event with top chefs from New Orleans and around the nation and much more.

Last year, Louisiana native  Joshua Ledet was one of the top American Idol finalists, but he didn't win the big prize.   This year, there are more great Louisiana singers in the competition.  Tonight, the American Idol covered the Baton Rouge auditions where these talented and interesting people from Metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge made it to the next round with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.   Stay tuned - Maybe Louisiana talent will make it to the top this season.

--Mardi Gras parades kick off this weekend and include the all-children Krewe of Rascals in Metairie on Sunday and the absolutely NOT-for-children Krewe de Vieux which is a R-rated satirical parade of walkers and mule-pulled floats in the French Quarter, Marigny and  Bywater on Saturday evening.

-- A Really Big Smelly Float:  Endymion will premiere a float this year that is so big, that it will be be pulled by an airplane tug, not a tractor.   The new signature float is over a football field long and consists of 9 units and will carry about 300 riders.

The Pontchartrain Beach Then and Now is a conception of what the beloved, ain't-dere'no'more, New Orleans Lakefront amusement park would be like now.  Lighting effects will make the Zephyr, Ferris Wheel and other ride replicas look like they are in operation on the float.

There will be smoke and other specials effects too - even the SMELLS of the place including Cotton Candy and Hamburger with Onions.

-- The Presbytere museum (The Cabildo's twin on the other side of the St. Louis Cathedral) has  long had a comprehensive Mardi Gras exhibit (covering all kinds of New Orleans and Louisiana Mardi Gras celebrations.)   This weekend,  a grand opening party welcomed a new addition to the exhibit - The Baby Dolls Mardi Gras tradition and revival.