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"Decadent Ducks" is actually a new name for a long-standing but previously nameless group. The owner and operator, Troy, has been creating event weekends for Southern Decadence for 10 years. It all started when Troy contacted the Group Sales Department of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel to obtain a discounted rate for a small group of Decadence visitors. That first year we contracted for 10 rooms. In 2007, we had 120 rooms, with over 225 guys. The group rates continue to be significantly lower than regular room rates, and the Omni has proven to be a welcoming and encouraging host for us.
The purpose of the Decadent Ducks is to create a social network for people who attend Southern Decadence in New Orleans. Our group receives discounted hotel rooms, and every year we have a Welcome Party at the Omni's pool so that guests can meet each other and socialize. Over the years, this has become a very popular event, and now even attracts revelers outside our core group. This has always been a great way to meet people one-on-one, so that when you see them on the street with 100,000 other people, you feel like you can walk up to someone and talk to them.
It is important to note that for the past 10 years our group has never charged an admission fee, membership fee nor received any compensation from the hotel for what we do. In 2008 we formed a travel agency, and we are now paid standard travel agent commissions on the rooms that we book.
We do have private donors who donate supplies, web-hosting, advertising and the like to increase our exposure. We also have event sponsors who provide us with banner exchange advertising and products for our gift bags, which are then distributed to every guest staying with us. Our sponsors and donors are a very important aspect of what we do. Without our donors and sponsors, we would not be able to produce the event that our members have come to expect and enjoy.
The most important aspect of what we are building here is a social group that welcomes everyone. We are not an exclusive group, nor do we cater to any particular sub-section of the gay community. We welcome all of our gay brothers (and sisters!), of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds and interests. We are simply a group of people who like to have a good time. A look at our Meet & Greet page will give you a good idea of the diversity of our membership. New Orleans is well known for its tolerance, acceptance and hospitality, and likewise, we are proud of the open and friendly community we have created through this group. The positive feedback we receive on the diverse and welcoming atmosphere of our membership is greatly appreciated.
About Southern Decadence
Southern Decadence is an annual event in New Orleans over Labor Day Weekend. Click the link to see what Southern Decadence is all about.
Most people go to New Orleans for the prime party days of Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. In 2007, August 31, September 1 and 2, and depart on Monday. However the more experienced members of our group go down a day early, or stay a day later to either see the ramp-up to the weekend, or to relax when it's all over. The major day is Sunday, when there is a parade down Bourbon Street with all kinds of outrageous costumes and hilarious antics!
If you have any questions, please visit the "Contact Troy" page, and drop me an email. I'll answer all questions about the event, the hotel or how our group works. Hopefully this website will answer most of your questions, but if not, feel free to contact me. We're looking forward to having you join the fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Decadent Ducks| Question: | What kind of organization is Decadent Ducks?
| | Answer: | We are a Vermont Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) whose charter is to book travel and organize events for our members. We formed the corporation in 2007 in order to keep expenses seperate and have our travel agency recognized as a Vermont Business.
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| Question: | Is Decadent Ducks affiliated with any clubs or organizations?
| | Answer: | We are our own club. Many have mistakenly thought that we were affiliated with New Orleans clubs and organizations in the past, but when I question people about this perception, they are not able to point me to any of our advertising or newsletters that would indicate that. We apologize if anyone has thought this in the past, but we have never said that we were affiliated in any way with any other organization.
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| Question: | Is Decadent Ducks a fund-raising or charity organization?
| | Answer: | No, in fact we are a fund-losing organization. For the last 10 years of organizing this weekend in New Orleans, I have spent thousands of dollars creating a fun weekend event for everyone. We gladly accept donations and funds from sponsors. It's only been the last couple of years that we have gotten large enough that we are discussing doing some fund-raising. However, the expenses of the parties, gift bags and website administration need to be paid too.
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| Question: | How did Decadent Ducks start?
| | Answer: | Troy attended his first Decadence in about 1997 and quickly saw that it was a great event, and talked to friends about it. When many friends were interested in going, a group rate at the Omni Royal Orleans hotel was negotiated. We had 12 rooms the first year, and it snowballed from that to having over 200 rooms in 2008. Word of mouth has worked really well for us.
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| Question: | Who runs Decadent Ducks?
| | Answer: | Troy, who lives in Vermont is the Organizer, along with many helpful Duck members who provide guidance and volunteer to do anything that is needed to do.
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| Question: | Who's the sexy mascot, Matthew?
| | Answer: | Matthew is a friend of Troy who just shines in front of the camera. After a bathtub photo shoot to show off the soap from 2008, it was clear that Matthew had to become our "poster boy" for good clean fun. You can contact him from within the Member Directory.
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| Question: | Why aren't Decadent Duck Events listed on the Bear411 Events Calendar?
| | Answer: | Honestly, I don't know why, but I have my suspicions.
I have submitted our event to Bear411 three times for addition to the events calendar, and each time have been ignored.
I suspect that our event isn't "beary" enough for the owner to want to list it.
Our event is listed on other fine sites, such as BearCiti, which is one of our sponsors.
If you'd like to ask why our events are not listed on Bear411 yourself, please send a message on that site to BuddyBear.
Troy |
About Southern Decadence| Question: | What is Southern Decadence?
| | Answer: | Labor Day weekend for the last 30+ years in New Orleans has been Southern Decadence Weekend. Anywhere from 80,000 - 130,000 people will descend on New Orleans for the biggest street party around. See the History of Southern Decadence Pagefor more background.
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| Question: | And what does Decadent Ducks have to do with Southern Decadence?
| | Answer: | We have created a "party within a party" by offering to gather our friends together in a single hotel and have some smaller parties for our group. We have no affiliation with Southern Decadence, or with any local New Orleans clubs or organizations.
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