What do you get when you cross the funkiness of New Orleans with the tradition of Christmas? Why, Elvis, of course! Today we arrived in New Orleans in time to enjoy the tail end of the 53rd annual Hammond Christmas Parade that wound through the streets near our hotel at the edge of the French Quarter. This Elvis, one of a group of about a dozen who rode their low-rider bikes just in front of Santa Claus’ float, entertained the assembled spectators with a hip-grinding and jazzed up dance to a revved up version of traditional holiday music.

I’d been disappointed to miss the annual Middleburg (Virginia) Christmas Parade that was also held today, but I must admit that watching this one offered a nice change of pace. It’s not often you have the opportunity to wave to Santa Claus sitting on a float, surrounded by palm trees, throwing beads to his adoring fans and giving you the peace sign.