New Orleans Area Free and Frugal Events this Weekend

On Saturday, officially kick off the holiday season (as if the displays of Christmas decorations that have been up in stores since the beginning of October hadn't already clued you in) by welcoming Santa as he arrives at Lakeside Mall. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 9:30am, and where else but in southern Louisiana would you greet him and Mrs. Claus with a second line parade?

Also on Saturday, celebrate Fiesta Latina at Zephyr Stadium from 10:30am until 9:30pm. Festival admission is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Enjoy food, music, dancing, and art that celebrates different Latin cultures!

Want to be a part of a community art project? Head over to the Green Room at The Green Project in Faubourg Marigny to participate in the 4th annual Draw-A-Thon. The Draw-A-Thon begins at 6:30am Saturday and runs 24 hours ending with a pancake breakfast Sunday at 6:30am. Different workshops featuring various techniques will be held throughout the 24 hour event, including drawing with a sewing machine and drawing on film. Adults and kids are encouraged to visit this paper-covered room and channel their artistic sides!

On Sunday, head on over to Oak Street and stuff yourself silly with a huge array of the area's best po-boys at the 2009 New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival. Enjoy great local tunes while munching on delicious po-boys. Just reading the list of vendors and their wares has my mouth watering - I just have to try Emeril's bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomato shrimp remoulade po-boy (would that be a "BLFGTSR"?).

Enjoy the weekend!