NEW ORLEANS — There's one person who won't be raining on your parade during Jazz Fest. He's a greeter in blue who will surely kick your day off on the right foot.
On the corner of Maurepas and Lopez streets is a friendly face.
"We haven't missed a day in five years and every time he greets us right here," said Jack Sileo.
"It's just warmth," said Charlie Hoolihan.
His name is Edward Ordogne Jr., and is an Electronic Support Section Supervisor with the New Orleans Police Department. His goal, he says, is spreading happiness.
"It's how I was raised, it's in my DNA," he said. "In life we deal with a whole lot of stress factors, so one of the things I get enjoyment out of is turning a frown into a smile. You need to smile, I could use a smile, get me a cup of a smile."
"He's the most exciting man in New Orleans on this day," said Hoolihan.
"It's 85 degrees and I have chills that's the kind of moment that he gives everyone," said Amy Reimer Sileo.
"At this location I believe I am the preface to Jazz Fest," Ordogne said. "So they should be Jazz Fest excited going in and Jazz Fest tired coming out."
Whether it's a fist bump, high five, or big hug, the kindness Ordogne shares is contagious.
"He's our part of Jazz Fest," said Jack Sileo.
It's a small act with a huge reward for everyone, which for Ordogne is making sure people are smiling.
"People have taught me that everyone needs a smile regardless of who they are, they need a smile," he said. "If you can feel the love that's on the inside of me when I shake your hand the job is done."
Ordogne has been at that location for the past five years and hopes to continue greeting people at Jazz Fest in the future. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson released this statement to us saying:
"Ed Ordogne Jr. is an excellent example of what the NOPD means to our community. That same good nature and want to put a smile on people's faces is something that I and everyone within the department strive to have each and every day. I'm proud to have him representing our department and our city by welcoming people to JazzFest each year. My hope is that citizens and visitors alike see his and our officers' love of community and know that the NOPD is part of that same community, and that we are here to serve and protect."