People in New Orleans are confounded that everyone everywhere doesn't know what a "Krewe" is. They can't imagine their city without Krewes. Mardi Gras is thrown by Krewes, these are collectives of friends and families who have been together for generations. Each Krewe presents a parade as a gift to their city. The creative energy of 60 Krewes transforms miles of city streets with parade art, music and performance for two weeks. And they've been doing it for over 150 years. The parades are attended by thousands of family picnics. It's homecoming with costumes. The civic kinship generated by the creative and interactive tradition of parading is a living cultural treasure.

Chantelle Rytter recognized that her friends were the stuff Krewes were made of. She founded the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons in New Orleans in 1999. Chantelle thought the Krewe might die out when she moved to Atlanta in 2001. What does a Krewe do with out Mardi Gras? How do you get that playful community interaction? Do grown-ups in Atlanta even want to play?

Oh yeah, they do!

Most of the Grateful Gluttons would not call them selves artists, but all are dedicated advocates of creative playtime for grown-ups. Inviting folks to come play with us, to make something, to dress up and be silly, has not been a tough sell. Every workshop we've held has filled up and been a ton of fun. The Krewe has established 4 annual Atlanta traditions where all are welcome: The Skeleton Krewe March, The Gingerbread Trailer Park Design Competition, The Gnome March World Record and The Fairy House Tour of Homes. We hope our Lantern Parades will become an Atlanta tradition, too.

Often, when people thank us they say, "I needed that!" We all need that. Your creative play is a significant gift to your city. You make Atlanta a much more interesting place to live!.