Help questions on Fiesta (Canadian, Rule: neighborhood, buy, college)

[Otherhalf07]

Ok this was a topic of conversation tonight and I'm sure more people will be interested:

We've been here almost eight years now and have never really taken part in fiesta activities (proper at least) so I couldn't answer it.

When and or what are the best events and times for fiesta, in regards to:
1 families
2 little ones,
3 singles,
4 couples,
5 students,
6 elderly Canadians with very large mustaches and very little rhythm, "ya never know!"
7 etc. etc…..?

Daughter is going to oyster bake with the son in law and the two grand daughters ???? Thought that was more for the younger/drunker set??

[little_thirsty]

I am in the same boat, could someone please clarify when you would want your children with you and when you would want a babysitter for us rookie kids?

[TXRose]

I would never bring a child to Oyster Bake or NIOSA. Probably not Flambeau either, though lots of people do.

A good kids event is the Battle of Flowers parade. Buy tickets at the Fiesta store on Broadway. The River Parade is also a great kids event, though it is WAY too crowded for me. I'd also suggest getting tickets to it. People stake out the free spots days in advance.

King William fair is a great family event.

[little_thirsty]

Thank you so much for that info. We had heard the Oyster Bake was a good family one and would have taken our one year old there...thanks for the heads up and we will check into the other things you suggested!

[TXRose]

If you go to Oyster Bake in the morning it might be more family friendly, but quite honestly, I don't think it's worth the ticket price, food costs, beer costs, etc. if you aren't going to be able to stay for all of the entertainment, etc. since it gets ltoddler friendly as the day progresses.

[slaleman]

Originally Posted by TXRose

If you go to Oyster Bake in the morning it might be more family friendly, but quite honestly, I don't think it's worth the ticket price, food costs, beer costs, etc. if you aren't going to be able to stay for all of the entertainment, etc. since it gets ltoddler friendly as the day progresses.

I agree...my wife and I were going to volunteer (which is the best way to go to Oyster Bake, by the way...free ticket in, a special volunteer area with pottys without lines and free water for a couple of hours work) but when our sitter fell through, we were faced with either brining our 10 month old, or one of staying home. I opted to stay home. I've always said that Oyster Bake is no place for strollers, especially the later it gets, but I'm not about to take her with us until she can walk on her own, and even then it will be early in the day.

I also agree with the earlier comment about King William Fair...it seems to be much more family friendly and less crowded than a lot of other Fiesta events.

You can go to the Battle of Flowers parade without a ticket, but you'll be standing behind a few rows of seats, and it can get crowded too.

[noplacelikeWA]

We've been asking around as well and from what we've learned from longtime SA natives, Fiesta in general is not as family friendly as it use to be. Especially the night time events have gotten quite violent. We were warned about stabbings and muggings in the crowds. YIKES! The recommendations we got for kid friendly were for the parades, especially the Battle of Flowers DAY parade. Apparently the King Williams activities are very over priced and it is really crowded late in the day. I'm thinking most of the events are best left for "date-nite" activities, get a sitter and go.

[OzzyRules]

Battle of Flowers Parade is good as long as there are no snipers.

[noplacelikeWA]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

Battle of Flowers Parade is good as long as there are no snipers.

Snipers???? My husband just overheard some co-workers talking about this today. What is the deal? Is any part of Fiesta safe?

[smuboy86]

It was one sniper way back in the 70's lol. Personally all the parades are great. I wouldn't take a child to NIOSA it gets very crowded unless you go the first day and leave shortly after sunset. Thursday night is "college night" and the rowdiest. Taste of New Orleans is a great fun event. Night in '09 is a great family one. It's one of the first events I believe. I've never been to oyster bake, and frankly wouldn't park my car on that side of town or in the neighborhood.