Fat Tuesday and the Elton LA Chicken Run

A few years ago I went to southwestern LA. for Mardi gras, one far removed from the huge Big Easy celebration. I was looking for authentic and real and found more than I could have hoped for. As I pulled into a field in Elton LA the swirling mist soon melted and a huge crowd of men dressed in some mighty colorful costumes was unveiled. It was the annual chicken run getting started and what a day it was. Via horseback these revelers pounded beers and chased chickens to put in the huge gumbo pot planned for the evening. A wagon filled with refreshments and a local band tagged along. On this Fat Tuesday I will think of one of my best American travel experiences, my chicken for the gumbo pot will be bought from a supermarket today. I would love to run with the guys one more time. Here is the story on http://www.gonomad.com/features/0508/swlouisiana.html