What a day. January 6th, 2012 will be remembered as one of the most exciting and unusual events in the history of this festival.  As thousands gathered at Craig Park surround Spring Bayou waiting to see who was going to retrieve the cross and be blessed for the coming year, the suspense was incredible. The Archbishop threw the cross in and the boys quickly dove in the murky water. Boy after boy came up for air and then went back down, yet no cross yet. Minutes passed, seeming like hours. You could almost hear a pin drop in the crowds. Then as everyone could sense the frustration and fatigue of the boys, people began to whisper, "What now?"
 
After probably close to five minutes had passed when the decision was made to throw a 2nd cross.  Oh boy, what happens now if both crosses turn up?  Sure enough seconds after the 2nd cross was thrown, it was retrieved. A collective sigh of relief immediately followed by a thunderous clap of approval was heard.  The ceremony can continue but wait, boys are still looking for the first cross thrown.  Showing a healthy determination several boys re-entered the water in hope of bringing good luck for their families. Nobody was leaving.  Come on, everybody was trying to tell the boys to dive where they hadn't been looking, on the right side of the dock. A few minutes after the Archbishop had began to leave for the church an outstretched arm emerged from the water. We have a 2nd blessing!  Oh my, most of the people in the crowd murmured. We've never heard of such a thing. Many wondered, will he and his family be blessed too?

The general spirits of the throngs of people exited the area, excitedly talking about the day that would mark a special occasion in the history of the Epiphany. I was amazed at how well organized the city had planned for this big event with the abundance of law enforcement officers to ensure all the pedestrians and motorist were able to leave in an orderly and safe manner.