I met several families that had been displaced as result of the storm. Each member of those displaced families that I met defined their resolve to return to mid-city. That return is stronger than before and one family mentioned that Katrina allowed them to opportunity to appreciate New Orleans and mid-city more as a result. Several families moved away as result of the storm and some resettled in Jefferson Parish. Gradually, these families have returned to their family homes and are rebuilding with more zeal for the home than ever. This festival is a celebration of that effort and the love that it's inhabitants have for it. All neighborhoods have their defining character, Mid-City has its definition as well. It is my personal belief that New Orleans will certainly be different from what we knew it to be. That which will never change is the character of the neighborhoods and the love that we have for New Orleans. I am convinced that is the resolve of the homeowners, local merchants and the musical artists of the city that will provide for it's success.
