_ Actor Will Ferrell has been causing quite a stir in the NOLA scene since his arrival for the filming of new movie, Dog Fight. This movie, as previously described, is a comedic political-satire full of Ferrell’s trademark slapstick. The film has been shooting in various locations throughout New Orleans, even closing more than one famous restaurant for indoor scenes. Dog Fight is also featuring local actors, including Billy Slaughter, who teaches at John Robert Powers New Orleans, and Madison Wolfe who is a JRP student.

  But it isn’t just the film community that is buzzing about this new semi-resident, but also the Mardi Gras Krewes! Specifically, the Krewe of Bacchus has dubbed this Hollywood icon as the parade’s namesake for the 2012 Carnival! The parade of Bacchus rolls on the 19th of February and will be donning one, very festive Will Ferrell. Executive director, Owen Brennan III, guaranteed the community that Ferrell has “promised us that he will be a very enthusiastic Bacchus 44”. And why shouldn’t he be? This particular Krewe has a habit of electing master comedians to reign as Bacchus. In years past, Bacchus has included Drew Carey, Bob Hope, and Billy Crystal.

So it seems that Will Ferrell is just as happy to be here in New Orleans as New Orleans is happy to have him here! Brennan also made a point to mention that Will Ferrell plans to “eat his way through” the city while he’s here. This gossiper is certain that this town can hold him to that plan!

For more about this story, read the full article through nola.com

  Everywhere else in the country, people are preparing Halloween costumes and making their Thanksgiving plans. But here in New Orleans, fall is the time to finalize the celebrity appearances for the upcoming Mardi Gras! Southern Celebrity Gossip is happy to report that the 2012 Endymion Parade will feature the hot musical sensation, Maroon 5.

This Grammy Award-winning band is known for pop-rock tunes such as “She Will Be Loved”, “Sunday Morning” and “If I Never See Your Face Again”.  The band is thrilled to be part of such a memorable celebration unique to New Orleans. Endymion is the largest parade of Carnival and was dubbed a “Super Krewe” in 1974 because of its size. The krewe begins its route uptown and ends at the Superdome for the “Endymion Extravaganza!”. The Extravaganza features food, fun and live entertainment. The parade officials are remaining pretty hush-hush about the live performances for 2012. But this Southern Celebrity Gossiper is keeping fingers-crossed for Maroon 5!

 The less-than-perfect 2011 parade included CNN and CBS anchorman, Anderson Cooper. Cooper will be participating in this year’s Endymion as well, despite last year’s bad weather! Everyone is hopeful that the parade will run more smoothly than it did in 2011. Because of the weather, the Krewe had to change time and route, and was forced to move the “Extravaganza” to the Convention Center. The 2012 officials are staying optimistic, and like our Saints, this Krewe is happy to return to the dome!

 You can learn more about this parade, and all the other Krewes through the official Mardi Gras website.