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A St. Patrick’s Day parade in New Orleans produced an unusual bounty for one attendee: 11 cabbages, 20 carrots, 25 oranges, eight onions, a bell pepper and a single potato.
The haul came from riders on parade floats, who distributed vegetables alongside the customary beads and trinkets. Cabbages were handed down, while other food—much of it from nearby French and Italian markets—was tossed to the crowd.
Catching the airborne produce required some caution. The attendee let her companion, Mike, handle most of it, noting that spectators can occasionally get whacked if they are not careful.
The celebration drew marchers of Irish and Italian descent. Some Italian participants offered fake flowers in exchange for kisses, adding another playful tradition to the festivities.
The couple returned the following week and collected even more vegetables at another parade. With celebrations scheduled throughout the year, New Orleans continues to earn its reputation as a city ready to turn nearly any occasion into a party.