Today marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina barreling down upon New Orleans, causing mass destruction. Following the devastation, tourism to NOLA following the hurricane dropped in 3.7 million visitors in 2006. Today, the city’s rebirth continues with 9.5 million visitors in 2014, according to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau — just 600,000 less than in 2004, before the storm hit.
On this day, the city will remember who and what it lost, beginning with a Day of Service and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial on Canal Street. At the Lakeview Neighborhood, located at Harrison Avenue and Fleur De Lis Avenue, an anniversary parade will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. In the Lower 9th Ward, a Resilience Festival is taking place at the Sanchez Multi-Purpose Center on Caffin Avenue from 1 to 8:30 p.m.
In the art world, visit the MSANIART Gallery on Royal Street from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is running an exhibit entitled “Katrina Expressions 10 After.” At the Joy Theater on Canal Street, a special play entitled “Katrina: Mother-in-Law of ‘Em All,” takes place at 2 and 8 p.m.
Families can also get involved with the Red Cross at the World’s Largest Pillowcase Project. Red Cross chapters from around the world will be on hand at six sites in New Orleans, teaching families about the Pillowcase Project, which prepares children for emergencies.
–Lissa Poirot
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