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Fair Grounds Survival Guide
New Orleans is located in a tropical climate. So, remember according to your standards it may be very hot and/or rainy. Dress appropiately, drink plenty of fluids (not to much beer) and have fun.
Raingear
40-gallon trash bag. Cheap, disposable and stylish(?).Sungear
Any kind of hat and sunglasses. If you got'em, wear'em.Totems
These babies can help your friends find you in the crowd. Be smart. Not too tall, not too wide, don't swing them wildly - or one day they're not gonna allow them in anymore. Otherwise, let individuality rule.Pictures
Lightweight and cheap cameras. Unless you're a pro, leave the expensive and bulky stuff at home.Fashion
T-shirts and shorts are the official Jazzfest uniform. But the nicer the weather, the more fest-goers look like they're at the beach. Rule #1: Never wear THIS year's Jazzfest T-shirt. Very uncool.Wristwatch
Don't wear one. Strategy: If you need to know the time ask someone who wore one.Waist Pouch
Rule #2: If you can't fit it in here, leave it at home. Strategy: Make a friend wear one and put your stuff in their's.Footwear
Tennis shoes and hiking boots. The place is a horse track and sometimes smells like it. Besides, there are bound to be mud puddles and discarded food to contend with. They're also great for dancing.Beer
Consult your map and look where the big names are playing. Strategy: Buy at the spot farthest from that stage. You'll never wait in line.Food
If you see someone eating something interesting, go ahead and ask what it is. If they're from here, you might learn a thing or two. If they're from out of town, they'll probably unintentionally say something funny. If they're from the Irish Channel, they'll probably ask you if you want a bite. Strategy: To avoid food lines, try eating at off-peak hours (lines go down between 2 and 4 pm, and between 6 pm and closing time). Or go for mysterious fare such as jama jama and cochon de lait ( with fries!) instead of the more popular soft-shell crab po-boys and fried alligator. I recommend the pheasant and andouille gumbo.Kids
Don't just bring your kids - go with other parents and their kids. Cut up the responsibility and meet up often. Three couples, six kids. One parent baby-sits an hour. Pick the hour the night before so there are no suprises.Parking
I recommend you don't. But if you insist try parking in local school or churches parking lots for about $8 - $10 - the money goes to a good cause. Be very careful parking on the streets; the New Orleans Police Dept. is very aggressive about enforcing parking laws. Strategy: Take a bus or shuttle it's the only way to go.Bathroom
The most important for last. Since the Fair Grounds club house burned down there is not a flushing toilet in the place. Which means Port-O-Lets are a fact of life. Deal with it. Strategy: same as beer and also bring some backup toilet tissue for emegencies. Remember the Boy Scout's motto: Be Prepared.
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Original page courtesy of Jeff Becklehimer, beck@abyss.nrlssc.navy.mil.
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