Anderson Is In New Orleans

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Mardi Gras 2011: Endymion Parade - Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa still in

March 5th, 2011 -- 12:41 pm ET

Mardi Gras 2011: Endymion Parade - Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa still in -- Despite the reluctant rescheduling of the pararde on the part of Endymion organizers at the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Grand Masters Anderson Cooper of CNN's AC360 and Kelly Ripa, co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly are staying on for the rescheduled date to be in the parade and join the festivities.

The parade was rescheduled and rerouted due to poor weather conditions in the city on Saturday. The new parade time is now Sunday, following the Bacchus celebration.

Both television personalities tweeted Saturday about their plans to stay over until Sunday and ride in the parade.

Anderson Cooper tweeted:

"Kelly Ripa and I will definitely be there sunday for the parade. We wouldn't miss if for the world!"

and again,

"too bad about the rain saturday, but sunday should be a great parade! See you there."

Kelly Ripa also let fans know that she wouldn't miss the festivities. She commented via her show's Twitter feed in response to a fan's question:

"We are staying!-k"

Anderson Cooper became a great friend of New Orleans residents during and after his CNN coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Kelly Ripa is a friend of Mr. Cooper's and has co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly on location from the city. She mentioned last week on the program that she would be returning to the city to participate in the Mardi Gras celebration.

Endymion is considered one of the city's premiere Mardi Gras events. Ash Wednesday is this coming week, starting the Roman Catholic holy season of Lent. Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday" in French, is a cultural celebration the day (or weekend, or week) before the solemnity of the Lenten season begins.

Reported by Connie Ann Kirk