Witnessing the absence of proper Twelfth Night merrymaking on the Northshore, the St. John Fools of Misrule was formed to announce the arrival of the Carnival season to St. Tammany Parish. The organization’s rituals are derived from an ancient English men’s group that clamored along the evening streets creating unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware. The Fools of Misrule integrated into its name homage to the historic St. John District of old Covington (1813) where the group was founded and annually conducts its bawdy procession.
On January 11th, the Fools will begin the festivities with the “Feast of Fools” (for Fool & Jewel members only) from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Seiler Bar and courtyard.
The Twelfth Night Street March begins at 6:30 pm in front of the Columbia Street Tap Room at the corner of North Columbia Street and East Lockwood Street.
The procession turns left onto East Lockwood Street stopping at the Covington Trailhead on the corner of East Lockwood Street and East New Hampshire Street to be received by the Mayor of Covington with a greeting and toast. Also, the new Lord of Fools 2014 will be announced at the Trailhead.
The revelers then proceed south on East New Hampshire Street, cross Boston Street and turn left onto Walker Alley. There the group stops to enjoy oysters on the half shell from Buster’s Place and beverages from The Boston Pub and The Green Room.
From there, the revelers proceed left onto North Columbia Street and cross Boston Street. The next stop is Winos & Tacos for refreshments in the courtyard. The marchers continue on to the Rock N Blues Café for more refreshments. Finally, the procession culminates with a party at the Columbia Street Tap Room and Seiler Bar into the night.
To learn more about the St. John’s Fools of Misrule, or to view a map of the route, check their website: www.foolsofmisrule.com
