New Orleans, for those that get it*, is like when you’ve found the one. You know, every day something reminds you just how awesome s/he is. For New Orleans, it’s getting caught in a random parade of 15 people in superhero costumes, complete with a Marine Corps color guard and police escort, on a weekday; the endless festivals; impromptu second-lines; and, on and on. The NOLA Brewing Easter Keg Hunt (which benefits the Gulf Restoration Network) is definitely one of those things that reminds you how special this city is.

On a Sunday with perfect weather, you had hordes of costumed freaks people roaming through the streets of Mid-City from place to place in search of trinkets to gain access to the final NOLA Brewing free beer blowout. The various teams all traveled at their own pace (no prize for first place), which led to a collection of mini-parades, all in search of free NOLA beer. While there were definitely a few looks garnered from the onlookers, they weren’t the frightened or concerned. Instead they were delighted and perplexed as to what amazing event they seemed to miss.

The hunt concluded at the Bayou Beer Garden after numerous stops which included Bulldog Mid-City, the Mid-City Yacht Club, Lemonade Parade (awesome lemonade, FYI) and Finn’s. The afterparty was a snapshot of how awesome New Orleans is: Great beverages, great food, great music, great sports and great fun. We had the Hornets sticking it to the Lakers in Game 1, free beer, live music, I slipped next door to Parkway and brought back a couple of po boys, Taceaux Loceaux saddle up to front of the bar, and, of course, costumed debauchery everywhere. In other words, just another Sunday in New Orleans.

Damn, I love this town.

* I’m not saying you have to get. Some people don’t, it just isn’t their thing. And that’s cool too.