No, I Don’t Want To Go to Essence Fest: Here’s Why
It’s too damn hot. Seriously. That’s my primary reason for not wanting to go to Essence Fest.
But just in case you clicked this link, expecting to read a great story or a lengthy explanation, I’ll give you one.
I’ve Been To New Orleans Before
Actually, I lived in New Orleans for 4 years while attending Tulane University. I earned my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering there in the mid to later 1990s. I love the city, the culture, the music and especially the food. New Orleans is a city like no other and if you have never been before, you should definitely visit at least once.
Harold and I met in New Orleans so it holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve been down Bourbon Street, traversed the French Quarter, attended football games in the Superdome, shopped at the River Walk Mall, strolled through Bayou Classic, ate beignets at Cafe du Monde, and cooked out on the Lake Pontchartrain. I have done NOLA to the fullest extent.
It’s Too Damn Hot
I know I already said this, but it’s worth repeating. Each year I was at Tulane, we arrived in the city by mid-August for orientation and to move into our dorms. It felt like the seventh level of hell. I am not even joking.
Not only is the weather in New Orleans extremely hot in the summer – easily into the 90s each day – but it’s humid. The average humidity level in the city year round is 76% humidity daily. The air literally attacks you when you walk outside. It sits on you like only the oppression of the deep south can. It is like a sauna. Who wants to get dolled up and go out into a sauna of oppression? Not me.
“But it’s hotter in [some place that is not in New Orleans] this week.” I don’t want to go there either.
It’s the Wrong Time of Year
Y’all know I’m a sports mom. And Essence Fest is always the first week of July. That’s smack dab in the middle of track season. Alexandra always has a National Qualifier meet that weekend. So even if it weren’t hot as hades, I’ve got something else to do.
“But, Anitra, the connections you can make are awesome.”
“Girl, the concerts and workshops are off the chain.”
“You’ll get the chance to meet so many celebrities.”
No connection is more important than the one I have with my family at this stage in my life. I am sure the concerts are great, but honestly, I don’t like crowds or overly loud music. The Superdome didnt have the greatest acoustics when I graduated there, and it doesnt now. And if it’s a Snoop concert, I’ll skip the contact. Thanks.
During my 20s I was on the National Commission on Arts and Letters for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. We were responsible for planning all entertainment events at each National Convention. During that time I met plenty of celebrities. I’m good. Not to mention, I am raising my favorite actress and my favorite athlete and I get to see them daily.
I won’t string this along any further. I just don’t want to go. It’s too hot and I’ve got other stuff to do. But y’all have fun!
Have you ever been to Essence Fest in New Orleans? Do you want to go?