Tradition vs. Safety or Paperwork?
December 28th, 2009 2 Comments
HB Staff
Since the 1950’s, people in the Mid-City area have been dragging out their trees into the neutral ground at Orleans Ave. and ringing in the New Year by lighting them on fire. The tradition of burning the neighborhoods’ Christmas Trees in Mid-City
met with strong opposition for the first time last year.
In 2008, organizers were able to make the event happen under new guidelines and with proper permits after the 2007 bonfires went out of control with injuries and incidents of illegal fireworks.
MCNO.org (Mid-City Neighborhood Association) worked diligently with the NOPD and the NOFD to get the necessary permits and parameters for containing the bonfire last year. It seems that this year, there was a lack of funds needed to obtain the proper permits.
An interesting comment thread began here yesterday.
We want to know your thoughts on this situation concerning a 50 + year tradition.
related links 2008
Mid-City bonfire may go up in smoke Nola.com
Save the Orleans Ave. Bonfire Facebook Group
related links 2009
Mid-City bonfire won’t happen this year WWL TV
Mid-City bonfire: Ain’t dere no more The Gambit
Mid-City bonfire hopes for New Year’s Eve extinguished by torrent of paperwork Nola.com
video:
New Years Eve ’08: New Orleans mid-city bonfire
2007 Orleans Avenue/Mid-City Bonfire
COMMENTS
It would be a tragedy for this wonderful tradition to be put to rest. While it did get out of control for some time, last year it appeared to be a very safe and enjoyable time for all who participated. While i agree permits for special events such as this are necessary, does the city realize that the more they try to cut down on these events people will get frustrated. Things like this are what make New Orleans special.
most of my friends who went last year (i did not go, nor have i ever been) said it sucked. a lot of mid-citizens feel like their tradition has been hijacked by drunks and hipsters who aren't from the neighborhood, which led to it getting out of control. so maybe it's ok for it to go away for a year or two and let the hype die down, at which point the original neighborhood gathering might be able to resurface. i do think there are better things to do with $10,000.