Every year on Labor Day, gays and lesbians pack into the French Quarter in New Orleans to celebrate Southern Decadence.

This year, Hurricane Gustav has basically rained on the parade!

Most news outlets are reporting that all of the gulf area is like a ghost town. Governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency in most parishes. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has ordered mandatory evacuations and a dusk til dawn curfew for the entire city. He says anyone caught looting or breaking the curfew will be taken straight to prison.

Nagin, of course, was the Mayor when Katrina hit. He's taking a much more aggressive approach this time - as he should!

Some party-goers are sticking around though!

Troy Meryhew, in town for Southern Decadence, said the storm hasn't effected his party except for the sawing and hammering as his hotel boarded up windows. He said his flight on Monday was still scheduled to depart, and the hotel was staying open.

“As long as our hotel's open and there's liquor, we're fine,” Meryhew said.

I think you should all get the hell out of dodge! Better safe than sorry!