** Current Status on New Orleans Committee Events **

• Wednesday, April 9 (late morning/lunch):  Dedication of a plaque at the Cabildo (Louisiana State Museum) located at Jackson Square, by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – Sprit of 76 chapter in New Orleans to honor Lafayette and commemorate the Cabildo which served as his home for the five days he was in New Orleans.  Followed by a DAR luncheon.  By Invitation only.

• Wednesday, April 9 (evening):  1825 Gala at the Cabildo in honor of Lafayette and the French Ambassador and Consulate General who is planning to attend.  This AFL event encourages 1820’s period dress – otherwise business attire (coat & tie/cocktail party).  This is a ticketed event where AFL and DAR members are given first priority, then the public.  PRIOR to the Gala will be the official “welcoming ceremony” for Lafayette  Period dressed performers are encouraged to participate. Please contact us (email at very end).
  
  The second part of this day’s events will have us boarding the historic steamboat Natchez (as Lafayette did 200 years ago) and enjoy a beautiful and educational 2-hour cruise on the Mississippi River – and we will pause by the Chalmette Battlefield for a special salute.  This is a ticketed-cost event and the option of a New Orleans menu lunch on the Natchez will be available.  The part of this event at the Battlefield is free and open to the public and students.  Those who might have an interest to participate as reenactors and dress in period attire are encouraged to do so – please contact us (email address at end).  For the rest of us, we’ll be outside so dress comfortably.

• Thursday, April 10 (evening):  Private event for AFL members and New Orleans Bicentennial Committee members only.  A party celebrating Lafayette on the balcony of the historic Pontalba Apartment building overlooking beautiful Jackson Square, the Cabildo, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River.  Casual-comfortable dress/ no shorts.  By invitation.

• Friday, April 11 (morning thru lunch):  “Lunch with Lafayette at Magnolia Mound.”  General Lafayette will travel to Baton Rouge to the home of his friend and former aide-de-camp in the American Revolutionary war, French General Armand du Plantier, to enjoy a wonderful lunch together and the history of Magnolia Mound.  Prior to arriving at Magnolia Mound, Lafayette and his company will gather with members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at the nearby Highland cemetery where du Plantier is buried.  We will pay honor to the general with a short ceremony and then proceed to Magnolia Mound a few minutes away.  The public is welcome to attend the cemetery event.  Friends of Magnolia Mound, members of the AFL and DAR/SAR will be given priority to purchase tickets to the luncheon.  Any remaining tickets would then be made available to the public.  Motorcoach transportation from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and back will be offered when purchasing a ticket.  Exact times and details to come.  Casual dress. 

• Friday, April 11 (evening):  “Opera with Lafayette.”  This will be a ticketed event held at the New Orleans Women’s Opera Guild House on Prytania Street in the historic Garden District, formerly the City of Lafayette (named in honor of Lafayette prior to it being incorporated into the City of New Orleans).  Lafayette attended two opera performances when he was in New Orleans, so the General will be present to pay homage to those events.  Women’s Opera Guild and AFL members will be given first priority to acquire tickets prior to other organizations and the public.  Roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the French Quarter will be offered at a modest cost.  Business/ cocktail party attire.

• Saturday, April 12 (mid-day): “Lafayette Addresses the People of New Orleans.”  Just as he did in 1825, Lafayette will address tens of thousands in Jackson Square (French Quarter Festival will be taking place).  The current plan is for his address to be made from the second-floor balcony of the Cabildo overlooking the huge crowds during a scheduled set break with the Festival.  The General will be mic’d up so those present can easily hear him. This free event is open to the public who are encouraged to gather in front of the Cabildo and in Jackson Square to hear Lafayette.  It’s outside so dress comfortably.

• Saturday, April 12 (evening):  “An Evening in the Past with Lafayette” is an AFL event taking place in the French Quarter at the historic home of our partners and good friends at the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association.  Attendees will get to relive history by experiencing a wonderful evening in the surroundings of a classic 19^th century French Quarter home, of course with our favorite French general.  The dress is business/cocktail attire but wearing 1820’s period attire is certainly welcomed.  This will be a ticketed event available only for members of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association, AFL and New Orleans Bicentennial Committee members.  More details to come.

• Sunday, April 13 (morning):  A Breakfast Event only for AFL members, New Orleans Bicentennial Committee members and invited guests before everyone starts heading home.  More details to come.  Casual/comfortable dress.  Note: this event could change to a Saturday morning event prior to the “Lafayette mid-day address” at the Cabildo.