25TH Annual Riverwalk Lundi Gras Celebration to Feature Military Fly-Over

Riverwalk Marketplace and the Rex Organization celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lundi Gras at Riverwalk with a fly-over by the United States Marine Corps upon Rex's arrival at Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza on Monday, March 7.

The United States Marine Corps fly-over will add to the military's annual involvement in the event. Since its inception, The United States Coast Guard has participated in the annual Riverwalk Lundi Gras celebration. In 2011, the United States Coast Guard and Color Guard will again contribute to the event by transporting Rex and his entourage on the United States Coast Guard Cutter, The Barbara Mabrity, for the traditional arrival of Rex to Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza at 6 p.m.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the event, the Rex Organization and the United States Marine Corps are currently coordinating a fly-over by an MV-22 Osprey aircraft to commemorate Rex's arrival to Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza. The MV-22 is the newest aircraft in the Marine Corps' aviation inventory, and its appearance in support of the Rex Organization and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club at the Riverwalk's Lundi Gras activities marks its public debut in New Orleans. The MV-22 Osprey is a multi-mission, tilt-rotor aircraft which is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

About Lundi Gras

In 1986, Riverwalk Marketplace opened its doors along the Mississippi River. New Orleans Magazine's Errol Laborde observed that the Monday prior to Fat Tuesday lacked Carnival revelry for both locals and tourists. Riverwalk Marketplace and Laborde partnered to restore the longtime tradition of welcoming Rex to the Canal Street Wharf that dates back to as early as 1915 by creating a daytime festival with music, fireworks and the official arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, to Mardi Gras on Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza. In its 25th year, Lundi Gras, annually on the Monday before Mardi Gras Day, has become an integral part of the internationally beloved New Orleans Mardi Gras experience. 2011 Riverwalk Lundi Gras sponsored by Riverwalk Marketplace, Bud Light, WDSU Newschannel 6, New Orleans Magazine, Pyrotecnico, New Orleans Original Daiquiris and the New Orleans Downtown Development District



About the MV-22 Osprey

Media interested in additional information about the MV-22 Osprey may contact Capt. Nathan Braden at the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at 504.678.6539.

About the Rex Organization

Since Rex first paraded in 1872, millions and millions of happy residents and visitors have enjoyed the pageantry of Carnival Day in New Orleans. More information on the Rex Organization can be found at www.rexorganization.com.

About Riverwalk Marketplace

Riverwalk Marketplace is owned and managed by The Howard Hughes Corporation. The Howard Hughes Corporation is a preeminent developer and operator of a diverse portfolio of real estate assets in premier locations including, master planned communities and long-term mixed use properties in the United States. For more information about Riverwalk Marketplace visit www.riverwalkmarketplace.com.