French Quarter Journal 9/10/26 French Quarter Journal 9/10/26

New Orleans Mermaid Parade 2026

The 4th annual family-friendly parade by Krewe du Fool included a giant puppet show, a pageant, a parade along the riverfront and a costume contest – all to benefit the Audubon Institute Education Department.

- photos by Karla Marie “Karlita” Cochran

Mark Orfila 6/14/24 Mark Orfila 6/14/24

Captain Robert Mitchell and Steamboat Natchez: A Five-Decade Love Affair

When a scrappy teenager from the Desire Project landed a job as a janitor on a boat nearly half a century ago, no one could have imagined the epic voyage ahead.

– by Mark Orfila

Rheta Grimsley Johnson 12/4/19 Rheta Grimsley Johnson 12/4/19

The Music Woman on the Steamboat Natchez

Few get to meet the woman who plays the most unusual - and loudest - instrument in New Orleans. French Quarter Journal goes behind the scenes and up top of the Natchez to watch Debbie Fagnano in action.

- story by Rheta Grimsley Johnson
- photos by Ellis Anderson