Mardi Gras 2010

   I recently got a chance to do something really fun. I was invited to ride in the main Mardi Gras parade with the Banana Bicycle Brigade. In case you haven't heard of them the "Bananas" are a group of local artists who have decorated bicycles into animals and other fanciful designs. People love to see these amazing bikes, especially kids. This year the group chose a circus theme for their parade entry and actually won first prize in the non-motorized  category!

Here I am in full clown regalia with "Pepper" (Yvonne McCall). Considering I had to apply my own makeup and rather hastily, I'm amazed it even looks like a clown, albeit a pretty creepy one!

I got to ride "Cecil" the red sea serpent. Riding one of these art bikes is harder than it looks but I soon got the hang of it.

Pepper actually had real hot peppers that she gave away to anyone who asked.

One of the coolest bikes was this extra-tall model of a lion jumping through a fiery hoop. The lion's paws actually wave around as the bike is ridden.

Pepper joins Michelle at the Tiki Bar bike.

This is "Father Time," a minor St. Louis celebrity who appears at most major city events.

The music bike was made up to look like a wagon in a circus parade.

Jill was dressed as a porcelein Mardi Gras doll.

Circus Hi-Jinks

Where else can you see a monkey riding a lion?

Heidi is looking cool.

The popcorn bike was a big hit.

Nancy with the Zebra bike.

In the Mardi Gras mood!