Posts tagged Endymion Captain Ed Muniz

Kern Family Feud Hits 4th Circuit Court of Appeals!!

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Holy Moly, the Kerns are back at it, this time at the lofty level of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. It’s a little more than two months to Carnival, and that means float builders are in very high gear, especially the biggest float builder, the Kerns, who build Rex, Bacchus, Endymion, Muses, Orpheus, Alla and many other important parades.

Baccasaurus float from Bacchus parade at Mardi Gras World

Baccasaurus float from Bacchus parade at Mardi Gras World

It’s very obvious that both parties are very wounded by the process. The attorneys are thrilled, since they are getting all this free press again. Blaine Sr feels terrible, and his son Barry isn’t any happier. As I’ve said before, don’t sue your parents, no matter what!  It kills your karma forever, practically. I’m not sure the 84 year old Kern Sr understands why his son has come after him in court of all places.

The Appeals Court could take months to rule, and Mardi Gras is a little more than 2 months approximately. However, Endymion Captain Ed Muniz says the Kern float building operation appears to running very smoothly. This is the most organized I’ve seen them in a long time. Barry was sired to do these things,” Muniz said.  It’s kind of sad. Big Blaine had become the senior statesman. Now as far as I can see, he’s very isolated. It’s a a shame he just didn’t stay in that role. What he really deserves is all the krewes to thank him for the wonderful contributions he’s made.

Endymion long time Captain Ed Muniz

Endymion long time Captain Ed Muniz

I’ve also said before, the reason this whole court debacle is occurring is because Pixie Naquin isn’t there to smooth over the hurt feelings for the sake of family unity. She was the founder’s executive secretary since he started out in business, and she never let past serious family disputes end up on court. She was the cat’s meow for Kern Enterprises, there’s absolutely no doubt about that.

RIP Pixie Naquin!

RIP Pixie Naquin!

Blaine’s new wife loves him dearly, but Holly is a bit of control freak. This family feud has been festering ever since Pixie died. Barry Kern sued his father last year, claiming the family business had been damaged by his dad’s alleged fiscal irresponsibility.

Blaine’s statements outside of court were both telling and oh so sad. You have no idea, no idea, he said. My heart’s broken, but I want to see justice because I’ve created this, and for the last year I haven’t been able to go in my buildings.

Barry, Blaine Kern & biz partner Joe Jaeger

Barry, Blaine Kern & biz partner Joe Jaeger

Barry’s statement was just as revealing. I love my dad, but we all continue to be confused and saddened by his actions. My primary responsibility is to our clients and employees. My sincere hope is that this can be resolved as quickly as possible….Mardi Gras 2012 is on track to be a blockbuster.

Suits remain on file against Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras float production company

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Well, well, well. I thought the Kerns had kissed and made up, at the urging of Bacchus Captain Pip Brennan and Endymion Captain Ed Muniz. They may have made up publicly, but the suits Barry Kern filed to dump his Dad as head of the family company remain on file.

A separate suit filed in Orleans Parish is also continuing. In it, Mardi Gras World LLC (MGW) is suing Blaine Kern and BKA, claiming that BKA has violated its licensing agreement and moved property from MGW’s warehouse on the Mississippi riverfront.

That petition for injunction was filed Sept. 15 and claims that the defendants “removed inventory from the plaintiff’s business and have threatened to continue to remove inventory.” MGW and BKA have a licensing deal, a copy of which was attached to the petition, that grants MGW “exclusive license” for all property – including floats, props, costumes and sculptures – possessing a “Mardi Gras theme.”

According to court papers, MGW sought a temporary restraining order against BKA to prevent Blaine Kern or his employees from removing any more Mardi Gras property. A September hearing was continued until Oct. 28 after plaintiffs filed an amended petition for injunction.

New Orleans attorneys Randall Smith, Stephen Gele and Zach Butterworth represent Barry Kern.

New Orleans attorney Stephen Dwyer represents MGW.

New Orleans attorney Marc Stein is listed as the registered agent for BKA.


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