By John Pope, The Times-PicayuneFebruary 07, 2010, 3:17PMJohn McCusker/The Times-Picayune archiveThis new Orleans Saints balloon was photographed Jan. 27 at the tomb of onetime Saints broadcaster Buddy Diliberto.
When it comes to expressing their sentiments, New Orleans Saints fans say it with . . . balloons?
Black and gold balloons, football-shaped balloons and balloons with the Super Bowl XLIV logo have been floating out of stores as quickly as clerks can fill them with helium and tie them shut with black or gold ribbons.
Her fingers were tired from tying all those balloons, but, Jones said, “I can handle it.”
At the Rouses Market at Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue, Laurie Methe, the manager of the floral department, estimated that she had sold about that many balloons.
For people who want their doors to show their love for the who Dat Nation, Methe has fashioned wreaths that feature Saints ribbons and banners, along with netting and purple, green and gold balls. So far, Methe said, she has sold 40 for $65 apiece and up.
She sells special flowers, too. a single red or white rose, spray-painted gold and covered with glitter, goes for $7.95 in a bud vase with greenery. a dozen cost $69.
They have been hugely popular, and Methe said she has been amazed.
“Being a florist, I’m always used to Valentine’s Day being big, but this is unbelievable,” she said. “There are a lot of crazy Saints fans out there.”
New Orleans Saints fans express their buoyant enthusiasm with balloons