People were dancing on the steps of Bogalusa City Hall and second-lining along the sidewalk out front while Saints music blasted loud and infectiously during a festive Super Bowl Pep Rally Friday afternoon.

Sharon Evans of the Bogalusa Police Department, sporting a delicate gold shawl over a divisional championship shirt, said they didn’t have the idea for the rally until that morning, or they would have gotten the word out a little further.

Despite that, a few dozen city workers, family members and others were obviously very happy to have the opportunity to burn off some nervous energy while displaying their Saints spirit.

A spontaneous second line makes it back in front of City Hall while some Bogalusa firemen observe. The ladies are, from left: Karen Little, Nikki Boone and Tonia DeLeon. Advertisement

A handful of firemen, some in team attire  and with bemused expressions, watched from a safe distance.

Throughout Bogalusa, like throughout the world now that the Who Dat Nation has reportedly become the Who Dat Empire, celebrations large and small helped feverish fans channel exponentially increasing excitement as Super Bowl Sunday neared.

Adults complained it was hard to stay focused at work. Students, too, needed to stop sometimes and let loose.

At Annunciation Catholic School Thursday afternoon, there were some very special guests, lots of home team love and a rousing chorus of “Who Dat…” as students, faculty and staff enjoyed an enthusiastic “Saints Super Bowl Sendoff.”

Black and gold posters and other signs of support  were plastered all over the big room as Religion teacher Jim Valenti got the event started with the familiar “Who Dat” chant. He then read a prayer written for the Saints by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan and delivered at a Saints and Sinners banquet in 1968 (see below).

The entreaty ends with, “And may the ‘Saints Come Marching In’ be a victory march for all, now and in eternity.”

Amen!

Valenti then introduced Coach Sean Payton, aka Principal Sybil Skasi, who ended a motivational speech with, “We will finish strong Sunday!” Next Coach Gregg Williams, aka teacher Tabetha Ezell, sporting a Marques Colston jersey, took the podium and further stirred the spirit.

But it was the guests introduced next who took the excitement to another level. Five Saintsations, a handful of good sports who in real life are ACS fathers and coaches, took the stage, pom-poms aflutter, as they strutted and cheered. Then, a group of ACS mothers, introduced as Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey and other players bounded into the mix, feeding the frenzy with the traditional Saints pre-game huddle chant.

The Who Dat spirit echoed through the room, down the hallways and then beyond where it seemed to be amplified from all directions.