 The Biography of Blaine Kern, Sr. “Mr. Mardi Gras” Blaine Kern Sr., known around the world as “Mr. Mardi Gras”, is a 7th generation Algerine (referring to the Algiers area of New Orleans from where he was born). He is the founder of Blaine Kern Artists, Kern Studios, Mardi Gras World, and Kern International. Blaine Kern has been in the business of producing parades for over 60 years. Served as the Captain of the Krewe of Alla for 50 years; co founded some of New Orleans most iconic Carnival Krewes including Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus, Caesar; and he originated many international celebrations with customers in Europe, Korea, Japan, and Central America.His career has taken him to over 60 countries with accomplishments ranging from the international growth of Mardi Gras to his recent philanthropic endeavors for his beloved city and home, New Orleans. Mr. Kern began his humble career as an apprentice to his father's sign painting business during the 1930's. His artistic talents were discovered at the age of 19 while painting a mural in a hospital for Dr. Henry La Rocca, who at the time served as the Captain of the Krewe of Alla. Shortly thereafter, the son of one of the original founders of Merrill Lynch, Darwin Fenner who was serving as the Captain of Rex, sent Mr. Kern to Europe to further develop his artistic abilities. When he returned home, he was offered an opportunity by Walt Disney himself to join his artistic empire, but his love for New Orleans and passion for Mardi Gras kept him here. Mr. Kern is still one of a few outside artists to have the honor to work for Walt Disney Studios. His unique style and superb craftsmanship has allowed him to build props and parades for theme parks, festivals and casinos world-wide including Universal Studios. Mr. Kern originated the Jazz Walk of Fame on the Algiers Levee overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans. His company has been mentioned in Forbes Inc. Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, American Way and hundreds of other publications and television shows too numerous to mention. He has appeared on “To Tell the Truth” and “What’s My Line” game shows. In 2009, he appeared on Joan Rivers’ show “How’d I Get So Rich” on TV Land. Blaine Kern was the first to recognize the potential of cable television in New Orleans and built the Wonderwall and Entrance to the Louisiana World’s Fair in l984, as well as, the gondola that crossed the river to Algiers. He also owned his own aircraft carrier negotiating the deal in Spain with Christopher Columbus XIX. Post Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Kern’s focus changed and he began an aggressive attempt to aid his ailing city. In 2007, he founded one of the most innovative nonprofits in New Orleans, the First Responders Fund. The First Responders Fund was established because New Orleans police, fire and EMS departments were suffering in many ways in the months and years following Hurricane Katrina. With cooperation and input from New Orleans City leaders and Department Heads they decided a housing incentive was the right tool to assist these departments with recruiting and retention efforts. Providing a tangible benefit to New Orleans’ finest, the FRF was founded on the belief that if we help the recovery of these men and women, we help the recovery of our city. To fund this important housing initiative, the First Responders Fund created New Orleans’ first and official Halloween Parade, the Krewe of Boo! Mr. Kern has expanded his Mardi Gras World to the Eastbank of the Mississippi River which will dramatically increase its size and production capabilities. Currently Kern Studios in collaboration with Tulane University will have a renewable energy and ‘green’ display that will feature two large barges containing turbines to generate clean and renewable energy from the Mississippi River along with research vessels. Blaine Kern has adopted many inner city schools and charitable causes over the years. He has received countless awards and honors for his professional and philanthropic contributions to the New Orleans community. Accomplishments include an Honorary Doctorate Degree and Spes Unica Award from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, where due to his generous contributions through the years, the library is now named in his honor. He was honored with the Louisiana Legends Award 1998, inducted into the Hilton Walk of Fame in 1997, Junior Achievements 1998 Business Hall of Fame, and Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. In 1998, he was honored as the Italian American of the Year and the German American of the Year in 1999. That same year, he received Business Recognition Award at the 12th annual Big Easy Entertainment Awards. In 2000, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law from Northwood University, was honored as a Role Model for the Young Leadership Council in 2000, and was inducted in the International Festivals & Events Association. He received the Lester E. Kabacoff Hospitality and Community Achievement Award in 2002, The Hornblower of the Year Award from the New Orleans Chapter of Public Relations Society of America in 2004, and the Dr. Henry A. La Rocca Distinguished Service Award by the Krewe of Alla in 2006. In 2008 he was the recipient of the “Inspiration Award” by the Algiers Main Street Corporation and also was awarded the Men of Fashion Prix d’Elegance Award. Thus far in 2009, Crimestoppers, Inc. of Greater Metropolitan N.O. honored him with the George Loker Community Service Award and The Dawlin’ Heart Award from the French Quarter Business Women’s Network.
He has five children Blaine Jr., TK, Barry, Brian, Blainey and ten beautiful grandchildren.
|
