Welcome
An Important Message from Alla's Board of Directors
Members and Friends of the Krewe of Alla:
The Krewe of Alla needs your help.
For several years, Alla’s membership has declined, affected by the downturn in the economy and by the allure of parading through New Orleans’ uptown neighborhoods. Many of its riders have left Alla to participate in Carnival krewes that parade in the city. Competition among krewes for the finite number of West Bank residents who are financially able or desire to belong to a Mardi Gras organization is fierce. Membership dues and the cost of throws can pose a financial hurdle for those who wish to participate in a Carnival club. It simply has become increasingly difficult to recruit new members to parade in Alla as those who can afford to join a club are increasingly more selective in establishing themselves with an organization.
Of all of the components of a Mardi Gras parade, the riding membership is the most important. Without riders, floats may be beautiful, but hollow. Without riders, bands and marching groups may be entertaining, but leave the spectator with nothing tangible to show for his time along the route. Without dues paying members, Carnival organizations are unable to pay for the floats and the bands and the essential facets of any Mardi Gras pageant.
After considerable discussion and review of Alla’s financial situation and its ability to attract new members, the board of directors is asking for the public’s help.
Alla needs an infusion of new dues-paying members in order to continue to parade on the West Bank. Compared with other organizations, Alla’s annual dues of $450 are nominal, if not competitive. The board of directors must have 200 new members paid in full by June 1, or it will have no alternative but to consider its options to save the Krewe of Alla for future generations. If Alla does not meet this goal, it likely will have to move to St. Charles Avenue parade route in 2014.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Alla Secretary Frank Borne, Jr., at fborne@cox.net. If you already are a member, we need you to get your dues in ASAP. Please pay in full by June 1. Send your payment to Krewe of Alla, P.O. Box 6001, New Orleans LA 70130.
Tough economic times have caused area communities to review the cost of supporting Mardi Gras parades. The communities have sought ways to become more efficient in providing services to Carnival krewes. It is unlikely that Jefferson Parish, which has been especially generous thanks to the hard work of very supportive and loyal councilmen, would be able to continue its support of Alla’s activities for many more years. Carnival krewes cannot count on endless financial support from communities that must prioritize spending. Alla recognizes and understands what the organization costs our communities if it cannot support itself. Alla must be self-sufficient.
Alla’s board and membership sincerely appreciate everything that the Orleans, Jefferson, and Gretna officials have done in recent years to assist the club through difficult times, and it thanks the loyal spectators who for decades have supported and appreciated Alla parading in their communities. As it has done numerous times in its history, it is time for Alla, the fifth oldest parading Carnival organization, to renew itself and adapt to changing times so that it may continue its proud march into the foreseeable future. Alla needs to position itself to attract and retain the riding members who are absolutely essential to the survival of any Carnival krewe.
One thing is certain: the Alla tradition will continue.
Frank Borne, Secretary
Members and Friends of the Krewe of Alla:
The Krewe of Alla needs your help.
For several years, Alla’s membership has declined, affected by the downturn in the economy and by the allure of parading through New Orleans’ uptown neighborhoods. Many of its riders have left Alla to participate in Carnival krewes that parade in the city. Competition among krewes for the finite number of West Bank residents who are financially able or desire to belong to a Mardi Gras organization is fierce. Membership dues and the cost of throws can pose a financial hurdle for those who wish to participate in a Carnival club. It simply has become increasingly difficult to recruit new members to parade in Alla as those who can afford to join a club are increasingly more selective in establishing themselves with an organization.
Of all of the components of a Mardi Gras parade, the riding membership is the most important. Without riders, floats may be beautiful, but hollow. Without riders, bands and marching groups may be entertaining, but leave the spectator with nothing tangible to show for his time along the route. Without dues paying members, Carnival organizations are unable to pay for the floats and the bands and the essential facets of any Mardi Gras pageant.
After considerable discussion and review of Alla’s financial situation and its ability to attract new members, the board of directors is asking for the public’s help.
Alla needs an infusion of new dues-paying members in order to continue to parade on the West Bank. Compared with other organizations, Alla’s annual dues of $450 are nominal, if not competitive. The board of directors must have 200 new members paid in full by June 1, or it will have no alternative but to consider its options to save the Krewe of Alla for future generations. If Alla does not meet this goal, it likely will have to move to St. Charles Avenue parade route in 2014.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Alla Secretary Frank Borne, Jr., at fborne@cox.net. If you already are a member, we need you to get your dues in ASAP. Please pay in full by June 1. Send your payment to Krewe of Alla, P.O. Box 6001, New Orleans LA 70130.
Tough economic times have caused area communities to review the cost of supporting Mardi Gras parades. The communities have sought ways to become more efficient in providing services to Carnival krewes. It is unlikely that Jefferson Parish, which has been especially generous thanks to the hard work of very supportive and loyal councilmen, would be able to continue its support of Alla’s activities for many more years. Carnival krewes cannot count on endless financial support from communities that must prioritize spending. Alla recognizes and understands what the organization costs our communities if it cannot support itself. Alla must be self-sufficient.
Alla’s board and membership sincerely appreciate everything that the Orleans, Jefferson, and Gretna officials have done in recent years to assist the club through difficult times, and it thanks the loyal spectators who for decades have supported and appreciated Alla parading in their communities. As it has done numerous times in its history, it is time for Alla, the fifth oldest parading Carnival organization, to renew itself and adapt to changing times so that it may continue its proud march into the foreseeable future. Alla needs to position itself to attract and retain the riding members who are absolutely essential to the survival of any Carnival krewe.
One thing is certain: the Alla tradition will continue.
Frank Borne, Secretary