The "Greatest Bands in Dixie" competition was for many years a feature of the Krewe of Mid-City's daytime parade on the weekend before Mardi Gras. (I *think* Mid-City is Sunday, but it might be Saturday.) The judge's reviewing stand was always at the corner of Jeff Davis and Canal.

For the last two years, this parade had to move from its customary route through (duh!) mid-city to the uptown St. Charles Avenue route, because of steetcar-track construction on Canal Street. I think the band contest may have been discontinued amidst the confusion. The parade *should* return to its traditional route this year ~ the construction is complete and the new streetcars are up and running.

The Rex parade is the big one, granddaddy of 'em all, kicking off on Mardi Gras morning at 10 am.

jeffp, you ought to come back for another Mardi Gras; you just might be able to act like a high-school kid again ~ but a more experienced one, with no obligation to show up and march in step with your bandmates or anyone else!