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Mardi Gras Floats on a Shoebox Budget

15:00 February 01, 2021
By: Kala Hathorn

This year, the Hilton Krewe of Shoebox will be hosting a float-making contest with the expectation of having all participants craft their floats out of shoeboxes. With the prevalence of COVID-19 in New Orleans as well as other parts of the world, Hilton New Orleans Riverside is making sure that this Carnival season is still enjoyable by creating a fun and entertaining contest for individuals in various communities. This contest is meant to bring the essence of self-expression, creativity, and tradition to be enjoyed by people in the city of New Orleans and all over the world. So, whether you are near or far, come and submit your best creations to the Hilton Krewe of Shoebox Contest, in which you will be offered spectacular prizes and recognition for your creativity.

The contest is free of charge to enter for all U.S. citizens. Contestants young and old are encouraged to participate, but one must be 18 years of age to be eligible for prizes. The prizes consist of an in-person raffle, second prize, third prize, and grand prize, all of which grant you free tickets to Dragos Restaurant, three nights stay at the Hilton Riverside, and free admission to Mardi Gras World for next year's Carnival season.

All contest entries must be submitted by Friday, February 12. Remember that all entries should be appropriate for viewing by all ages. To ensure that your float is within contest guidelines, the float must be constructed using a traditional cardboard shoebox. Your float creations will be judged by a panel of judges, regardless of submission type.

Once you have finished your creative float design, you can submit it in person at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located at the corner of the Convention Center. It is recommended to bring your float on or before Sunday, February 7, to the front desk lobby located on the second floor of the hotel. Floats that are submitted in person will be on display from February 8 until February 16. If you cannot bring your float in person, you can also submit your creation online on the Krewe of Shoebox's website.

It is also encouraged that donations be made to further support the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation (LHF) in their great time of need. Like most industries during the pandemic, the hospitality industry continues to take a hard hit. If you would like to give or donate, you can do so on the LHF's website. In efforts to further the cause, Hilton will match every donation made.

For more info, please go to woobox.com or louisianahospitalityfoundation.org

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St., (504) 561-0500, hilton.com/en/hotels/louisiana/hilton-new-orleans-riverside


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