As I watch the chaos unfold in London ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday, it makes me wonder why New Orleans has never played host to an Olympic Games.  The argument that we aren’t “ready” to handle the worldwide spectacle is nullified as we watch the taxi drivers strike, hundreds of armed troops roll in and finishing touches left undone in London the week leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

When it comes to throwing a huge citywide party, New Orleans frequently hosts crowds similar to the expected attendance in London. Annually, New Orleans hosts upwards of 1 million people for one weekend during Mardi Gras. We shut down our streets, allow public intoxication and clean up nightly to get ready for the next day.  We know crowd control, and our policemen know the difference between a street brawl and an excited group of partygoers.

In addition to Mardi Gras, New Orleans has played host to more Super Bowls than any other city in America. The most watched event in the world brings in nearly a million fans, players and media for a four-hour event. Does New Orleans even shrug its shoulders? No, we tell the world to come have a great time while listening to music, eating amazing food and walking from their hotel room to the big game — with a drink in their hand!

We even throw major events when we least expect it. The 2012 French Quarter Fest attracted over 575,000 people to the “small” festival inside the French Quarter where parking is non-existent! Not to mention, Essence Festival at 415,000 attendees and Jazz Fest attracting 450,000 people.  

Not to brag, but the Olympics’ 18,000 athletes is nothing compared to the 100,000 people who ride in our parades each year.  It is expected that more than 7 million people will attend the Olympics in London over 18 days or less than 415,000 per day.  I am not trying to say that the New Orleans region has ever hosted an event that compares to the sheer size and magnitude of the Olympic Games because we haven’t.  However, these cities know they are hosting the Olympics seven years in advance. New Orleans is a region that can evacuate itself ahead of a hurricane with as little as 36 hours notice. I think we could plan for the Olympics in seven years.

I challenge the state and city to put in a bid for the 2024 Olympics. The State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans region would welcome the world with open arms. Go TEAM USA!

The last bite…

Last Tuesday night, Courtney and I attended the preview night of “Seussical the Musical” at St. John Theatre and were pleasantly surprised for two reasons. First, the show was great and truly entertaining, and I encourage everyone to attend this weekend. Second, the catering at the event was something to write about, obviously! PJ’s of LaPlace catered and served up amazing food: eggplant lasagna, shrimp pasta, fresh fruit, salad and dessert. My favorite of the night was the homemade bread and especially the fresh lemon tarts because I had six! I give PJ’s catering 5 out of 5 crumbs!

Buddy Boe, a resident of Garyville, owns a public relations and program management company and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. His column appears Wednesdays in L’Observateur.