From mobilemask.com - "Since 1967, the Sunday before Fat Tuesday has been known as Joe Cain Day in Mobile, Alabama, to honor the man who got the Mardi Gras ball rolling [again] in 1868. The celebration was established by local historian Julian Lee "Judy" Rayford, who believed Cain to be Mobile's most important historical figure. In 1966, Rayford had the bodies of Cain and Cain's wife, Elizabeth Rabby Cain, disinterred from their burial plots in Bayou La Batre and reburied in the Church Street Cemetery in downtown Mobile. The next year, Rayford, dressed as Cain's Indian chief character, Slacabamarinico, led something of a jazz funeral procession through downtown streets to the Church Street Cemetery. Rayford made it an annual event and passed the torch to J.B. "Red" Foster, who portrayed Ol' Slac for 15 years. Wayne Dean Sr. has portrayed Chief Slac in the Joe Cain Procession - the centerpiece of Joe Cain Day - for more than 30 years now. The procession has become one of, if not the, most popular events of Carnival in Mobile. Many revelers say that Joe Cain Day is their favorite of the season, and they especially like the family atmosphere. Folks set up grills and tents all along the parade route, and Joe Cain parties are held in homes and yards throughout downtown." Joe Cain day is the best day of the year, no doubt! Why not kick it off the right way with friends and family and lots of love?! For an excellent narrative song, we recommend checking out Grayson Capps and the Lost Cause Minstrels' song, "Ol' Slac." Also...do you see what we did there? Joseph Cain and Elizabeth Cain? Joe and Elizabeth?? That brings us to.....
Again from mobilemask.com - "Another big part of Joe Cain Day is a mystic group formed in 1974, known as Cain's Merry Widows. These ladies dress all in black, including veils, and they zealously guard their true identities. The whole idea of the group is perfect Mardi Gras comedy, since Cain only had one wife. These 20 or so ladies, make several appearances downtown during the day. Crowds love the ladies' reputation for prodigious drinking and their constant bickering over which of them Joe loved best. Their throws - black beads, black roses, and black garters - are among the most coveted of Mobile's Mardi Gras. The widows first travel to the Church Street Cemetery to wail over Cain's grave. Then they visit the Joe Cain house on Augusta Street to toast his memory. Lastly, they ride a black bus in the Joe Cain procession."
We definitely hope not! We are gathering 2 hours before the widows show up.
This celebration coincides with the Joe Cain celebration. Whether you walk with a krewe, ride with a society, or party in your Sunday best, we want you to wear your preferred Joe Cain 'fit, whatever that may be! Comfort is always key but so is the glitter! Come however you want! Maybe you're dressed to the nines like Dolly or draped in feathers like the Wild Mauvillians....come how you chose! And if you're in need of a good douse of glitter we may be able to help you out!
Yes! Mobile is classically known for hosting the "Family Mardi Gras!" This wedding reception is no different, but only adults should imbibe!
Exact location should be disclosed on your invite and you should be able to navigate to the Oakleigh Garden Historic District, however once you arrive parking might be tricky. The historic district consists of mostly street parking. Augusta Street will be blocked off starting at Broad Street, all the way to Marine Street, so plan accordingly. You may have to park a bit away and walk to the street party.
This very quick ceremony will be standing only since technically there will be a street party happenin'! We are going for the world record of quickest ceremony so we can get you all back to the party! Be mindful of Mobile's majestic old trees and their roots. Watch your step!
Unfortunately no. Alcohol and food will only be served to those with wedding wristbands (Alcohol will only be served to those with "Over 21" wristbands). You should have easy access to grab a plate and a glass and meet everyone back out at the street party!
You bet! The street party will be the same as it always is - coolers galore! However, if you are an invited guest with a wristband, you are welcome to the sparkling wine or keg that we have provided as well! Always remember what Joe Cain says, "Have a good time, but don't get bad!"
Yes! We have been asked to walk with the Skeleton Krewe for 2025, so we are taking the party to the streets! We have recommended that friends and family gather outside Oyster City Brewing Company after the wedding reception ends to try and grab a custom wedding trinket!
No. This establishment is open to the public and kid friendly. Coolers will not be allowed inside the business premises, but you can gather on the street with all your chosen libations. We recommend grabbing a beer from OCB and meeting friends out on the street!
If you're up for a little jaunt, OCB is approximately 1 mile from the wedding venue. Head down Broad to Government and turn right. OCB will be on the left. Remember to cross at cross walks and where the barricade is still open! If you choose to drive over, we suggest heading across Government Street to Hallett Street and down to Springhill Avenue. There will be more parking in that sector of downtown. Watch out for those iconic purple and yellow "No Parking" signs! MOB City Rides golf carts are usually on the move. We can't make any promises, but their number is 251-367-7433. If you call or text, they can usually scoop you in about 10-15 minutes depending on the day. Rides are $5 per person and they accept cash and Venmo. They are always a good option to consider whenever you're downtown!