New Orleans, LA. ......January 14, 2007 Traveling over the Industrial Canal bridge into the 7th Ward, the C.T.C Steppers broke into step as they made the statement of vigilance against Violence. Wearing white long sleeve sweat-shirts the men, and women of the main Line club known as the the Original C.T.C Steppers escorted the newest Queen from the 9th Ward into the 7th Ward to introduce the 2007 monarch to their fans and admirers in Uptown New Orleans. Lead by the club's banner, and Grand Marshal, Wardell Lewis, the club has a short but very active history. Founded in 2000, this is the club's 3rd forray into the streets over the last 7 years. They like most of the main line clubs were prevented from marching in previous years from the hurricane or the hurricane of red tape that sprung up after the storm. They hold extremely unique parties, unlike anything any other club, would even attempt in some cases, as well as various other methods of fund raising and it seems that they are very good at it.
The parade Sunday, 01-14-07, not only re-introduced the club to the neighborhood, but announced to the city that these parades can be , and are, in fact, as peaceful as we had informed many before. In fact the biggest shoving match was between the camera men outside the first stop, each clamoring for a space from which to shoot unrestricted photos. Also outside that very same door, was a lady, who guarded the entry into the house, so hard that she keep even some who were invited to cover the event out of the venue. The parade crossed the industrial Canal bridge, with a memorial vehicle leading the processional. The finely detailed and appointed black truck, sported a memorial to Ms. Everdia. The poster paid homage to the woman who according to reports to us, was schedule to be Queen this 2007 season. Again according to reports, she was killed in a car accident a few months ago. Other vehicles introduced the maids to us. First was maid, Nicole Tate, who rode in a red convertible sport vehicle, which was decked out in the colors for the day baby blue and deep blue. All the vehicles sported winged birds as ornaments.
Ms. Tate, was dressed in the club's appointed color of Brown, wearing a fine satin dress. She wore a very nice necklace around her neck and elbow lenght brown gloves. A baby blue parasol completed the ensemble wrapped with a white lace shawl. The next vehicle, bore one, Club Big Shot, Ms. Co-Co. The bif shot was a bit of a surprize to us as we normally think of a big shot character as Zulu portrayed one a over berring male figure. Here we have one of the club beauty's shattering that image. Ms. Co-Co rode atop the back trunk of a silver open top convertible. She wore a black outfit with some brown and a boutonnière with the club's colors. Finally the Queen herself, arrived in a white well appointed convertible, sporting a very nice tiara, scepter, and neck piece. Ms Monterra rode in a white well apointed Mustang convertible wearing an all white emsemble of a dress, with a collar, white boots and a very nice fan. The vehicle also sported T-Shirts with pictures of her royal majesty, as the driver even wore a headband with the photo on it. On the hood, holding down the T-Shirt were three baby blue colored doves, which was a nice touch! The first stop was also the redress point for the club, which changed from those white sweatshirts with the queens picture on them, white tennis shoes, black pants, with white handkerchiefs, to Brown suits, with Baby Blue sashes and matching fans.
The club took a while to effect the change, and the police did have to get them in gear, but when they finally did start on their way the grand marshal began to push them somewhat harder as they emerged from the house one at a time in grand style. The club's choice of colors were very attractive as the browns and blues mixed well. However, it was the little touches that made the biggest impact, and the ones you would notice the most. The Hats were well put together with the trim of stones and the signature bow that helped give it the punch that they were going for. The next accessory that stood out was the fans and sashes of the Steppers, and while they were baby blue, these pieces made the outfit the sassy cuts they were. Finally, the shoes made the best statement, walking in fine style from their start to finish. The parade was an overall success, and had all the elements one would expect in a good parade. Nice job, Steppers! Here are some other photos;
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Original
C.T.C. Steppers Honor Deceased Member !
