The Northside ‘Skull and Bone Gang’ has a yearly tradition on Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday to remind people that life is short, according to an I Love Produce news release. Members of the gang, which draws heavily upon African traditions, mask as skeletons, play percussion instruments, chant and sing during Carnival to remind people to be your best and enjoy life, according to the release.
Big Chief Sunpie Barnes and Chief Zohar Isreal will be joining the I Love Produce team at its booth #1504 to help promote its annual OctGarlicFest Halloween promotion, the release stated.
The gang had to cancel its appearance in New Orleans last year when a hurricane canceled the produce show.
“Having people remember that life is precious and that we have all survived through hard times is our positive message,” Barnes said in the release. “We are happy and delighted to have the opportunity to mask again for a fun event that will also benefit our group”.
In the past, I Love Produce has featured Elvira, the Queen of Halloween, and Count Von Count of Sesame Street fame, at its booth to promote garlic for Halloween the past two years.
“We had big plans for The Northside ‘Skull and Bone Gang’ in New Orleans last year, perhaps the final year the convention would have been held there,” said Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce, in the release. “Then we decided to bring part of New Orleans’ culture and tradition to Orlando. Plus, the convention is on Halloween weekend, a double bonus!”
For a photo opportunity with the Big Chief Sunpie and Chief Zohar Isreal, and a souvenir mask, come by I Love Produce’s booth 1504 to learn a bit of New Orleans’ history and also have some fun with the I Love Produce “Skull and Bulb” gang.
