17th Feb, 2006. New Orleans, Louisiana. Preparations for Mardi Gras are in full swing at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World at the company's headquarters on the West Bank of the city. Staff are running at full speed ahead to have floats, props and preparations in place for Mardi Gras Krewes to roll in the next few weeks as Mardi Gras descends on the ravaged city of New Orleans. Laughing in the face of adversity. Business owner Blaine Kern shares a joke with artist Charles Bendzans as he decorates the god of thunder for Orpheus parade float. Mr Kern aims to have all floats ready for the parades, despite the adverse affects of hurricane Katrina.
