Rattler/Firebird Reunion 2012 Tours and Activities
New Orleans City Tour
Thursday, June 21st, 9:00am-3:00pm
Price: $39.00 per person
Board your luxury coach and travel through three centuries of history as you tour some of New Orleans’ top attractions. Absorb the sights & sounds of the world famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square, home of the Cabildo and Presbytere Museums. Visit one of the historic cemeteries, referred to as “Cities of the Dead,” and learn about this unique above ground burial system. Marvel at stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, as you make your way to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, where you will see the longest bridge over water in the world, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Follow the path of the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the world, past the homes of former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions and the world-famous, exclusive Garden District. Tour includes a drive through the Lower 9th Ward, one of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Lakeview area. The guided tour will end in the French Quarter, where you will have time to browse on your own before returning to the hotel. The bus will depart the French Quarter at the designated spot at 2:30pm.
Ladies Meeting
Thursday, June 21st, 4:00pm at the Hotel
Price: Free
The Rattler/Firebird Ladies Meeting will be held at the hotel in the Rivertown ABC Room. There is no need to pre register for the Ladies Meeting.
Firebirds Freefire Golf Outing
Friday, June 22nd, 7:30am
Price: $30.00 per person
The seventh annual Firebirds Free Fire Golf outing will be held on Friday, with tee times beginning at 8:00am at the Audubon Golf Club in New Orleans. The cost is $30 for 18 holes and cart. Golf club rental is available from $27 to $40. There is a café on site that serves breakfast from 8am to 11am and lunch from 11am to 2:30pm For those who sign up for the golf outing, you will be contacted by the Golf Coordinator.
Paddlewheel Lunch Cruise & WWII Museum
Friday, June 22nd, 10:30am-5:30pm
Price: $79.00 per person
Board your authentic steamboat and take a step back in time, when cotton was king and life was as slow as the current on the Mississippi River. As you cruise on New Orleans’ only authentic steamboat, you will be amazed by the sights of one of the world’s most active ports and the beautiful view of New Orleans from the comfort of your steamboat. Your narrated 2 hour lunch cruise includes an all-you-can-eat buffet which includes 3 entrees, several side dishes, salads, and an extensive dessert display. After lunch, enjoy the view as you relax to the sounds of the “Dukes of Dixieland” jazz band. Don’t miss this wonderful day out on the river, and the chance to spend time with your friends and family.
Following the cruise board your coach for the short ride to the National WWII Museum. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's official World War II Museum. This remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays. From the Normandy Invasion to the sands of Pacific Islands and the “home front”, the museum brings to life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war and changed the world. You will have the afternoon to visit the Museum at your own pace. Your tour includes the film Beyond All Boundaries, narrated and produced by Tom Hanks, a unique and powerful film about the Greatest Generations journey
Paddlewheel Lunch Cruise & New Orleans On Your Own
Friday, June 22nd, 10:30am-5:30pm
Price: $65.00 per person
Board your authentic steamboat and take a step back in time, when cotton was king and life was as slow as the current on the Mississippi River. As you cruise on New Orleans’ only authentic steamboat, you will be amazed by the sights of one of the world’s most active ports and the beautiful view of New Orleans from the comfort of your steamboat. Your narrated 2 hour lunch cruise includes an all-you-can-eat buffet which includes 3 entrees, several side dishes, salads, and an extensive dessert display. After lunch, enjoy the view as you relax to the sounds of the “Dukes of Dixieland” jazz band. Don’t miss this wonderful day out on the river, and the chance to spend time with your friends and family.
Following the cruise board your coach for the short ride to the French Quarter. You will be dropped off in the French Quarter where you will have the afternoon to explore on your own. You may choose to browse the French Quarter, tour the Aquarium, or try your luck at the nearby Harrah’s Casino. Maps will be provided to help you navigate your way through downtown. The bus will pick you up at the predetermined location at 4:30pm.
Memorial Service & Business Meeting
Saturday, June 23rd, 9:00am at the Hotel
Price: Free
The Annual Rattler/Firebird Association Memorial Service & Business Meeting will take place on Saturday morning in the Ballroom AB. Following the meetings there will be a group photo session followed by our “War Stories” segment there is no need to pre register for the Memorial Service or the Meetings. The Memorial Service and Business Meeting will adjourn in time for you to take the Mardi Gras & Mayhem Tour.
New Orleans: Mardi Gras & Mayhem
Saturday, June 23rd, 10:00am-3:30pm
Price: $49.00 per person
New Orleans is renowned for Mardi Gras Celebration, in recent years the city has also become known for the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Today you will learn about both. Since 1699, when Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville celebrated his arrival at the mouth of the Mississippi on Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras has been integrally linked to Louisiana's cultural heritage. Your tour begins at Blain Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made. Step inside the giant warehouse filled with the famous Mardi Gras floats and props. Walk among the towering figures of fantasy, and watch the artists of Blaine Kern Studios, the world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float building, at work in their shops. Mardi Gras World is a world of wonders, and the most unique expression of the spirit and culture of this annual Carnival. Then take the short ride to the Presbytere located in Jackson Square.
You will see two fascinating exhibits: the Mardi Gras Exhibit and the Katrina Exhibit. Based on original research, the Mardi Gras exhibit traces the emergence of New Orleans' parades and balls to the present-day statewide extravaganza that attracts millions. The vast scope of the Museum's collection appears in three focus galleries complete with favors, souvenirs, invitations, which are displayed in huge cases and “open storage” cabinets. The most dazzling focus gallery - the Crown Jewels Vault - houses an astonishing array of tiaras, scepters, necklaces and other baubles worn by generations of royalty. Katrina & Beyond is a must-see exhibit on the history and science of this awesome storm. Eyewitness accounts, state-of-the-art multimedia displays and iconic objects collected in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, provide an unforgettable experience of loss and devastation. This exhibit will inspire you; it is ultimately a celebration of the spirit of service and resilience in the face of catastrophe & Mayhem. Lunch will be on your own at a suitable location.
Banquet Dinner
Saturday, June 23rd, 7:00pm at Hotel
Price: $36.00 per person
Join your friends for your Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Cocktails will be available from the cash bar at 6:00pm; dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form. Our guest speaker will be LTC Bruce Crandall who was awarded the Medal of Honor as the CO of the aviation company in the Ia Drang Valley fight in November 1965. Another special guest who is attending once again is Joe Galloway, famous war correspondent and author.
