Our director of media buying was recently tapped by Media Life Magazine for an article on the state of media buying in the New Orleans market.  (Click logo above to read.)  Its nice to know that our media planning and media buying skills are not only appreciated by our clients but also by our industry publications.  In the article Renee gives the lowdown on the effects of the economy, the BP oil spill and the pending elections this fall.  All in all, things are picking up, even if some are the result of a major catastrophe thanks to our British friends.

I ask because I just got my second king cake baby in a row today. Other than a realization that I need to lay off the sweets, this made me wonder… Where do these tiny plastic miracles come from? Who’s there daddy? A little research into these choking hazards covered in sweet doughy goodness revealed a long and dignified history:

The King Cake has its roots in pre-Christian religions of Western Europe. Part of the Harvest celebrations that the pagans practiced was the sacrifice ritual. It was customary to choose a man to be the “sacred king” of the tribe for a year. That man would be treated like a king for a year, then he would be sacrificed, and his blood returned to the soil to ensure that the harvest would be successful. The method of choosing who would have the honor of being the sacred king was the purpose of the King’s Cake. Several men of the tribe would eat the cake. A coin or bean would be placed in the cake before baking, and whoever got the slice that had the coin was the “chosen one.”

French settlers brought the custom to Louisiana in the 18th century where it remained associated with the Epiphany until the 19th century when it became a more elaborate Mardi Gras custom. In New Orleans, the first cake of the season was served January 6. A small ceramic figurine of a baby was hidden in the cake. Whoever found the baby was allowed to choose a mock court and host the next King Cake party the following week. (MardiGraDigest.com)

For those of you who have not yet indulged in this tasty New Orleans tradition, a few local favorites include Randazzo’s, Haydel’s Bakery, and Swiss Confectionary. Most of them ship these days too. Just remember, you may have to fork over some cash to pick up the next King Cake, but hey, at least your office mates won’t sacrifice you to the harvest!

First up is Mardi Gras.  We’ve all seen the pictures of the crowds on Bourbon Street.  But to a local that is not what Mardi Gras is about.  The locals look forward to the event to transform into a master host of friends and families in of all places, a neutral ground or sidewalk.  The social side of Mardi Gras is sometimes more meaningful than the parades and beads. 

This spring we also have French Quarter Fest.  This is a great opportunity to see the classic side of the French Quarter – history, architecture, scenery and classic music.  Great food and the most unique neighborhood in all of the United States make for a fantastic event.

Of course we have Jazz Fest.  Its fairly simple – combine authentic regional music, some national headliners, amazing food all in one location and add friends.  Its no surprise that it continues to grow each year, drawing bigger names and larger crowds. 

And in early summer we have the French Market’s Creole Tomato Festival, a celebration of the local tomato variety and the farmers who grow them. 

I could go on for pages but I think that you get the image of what most New Orleanians have on their schedule for the next few months.  Its not so much about the festival but the lifestyle.  To a local all of these events equate to enjoying life in the most cultural city in the U.S.  Its means spending time with friends and family, experiencing some of the greatest food ever created and listening to some amazing musicians create sounds that very few could image.  All within some of the most interesting, diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods in America.

So the MSN.com article is about travel.  But for most, New Orleans and what it continuously offers is more about life.  Or maybe I should say its more about living.

Eric