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Walt Handelsman Launches New Orleans Cartoon Caption Contest

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. aunches-new-orleans-cartoon-caption-contest.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 15:58 GMT by NOLA.com

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Walt Handelsman’s New Orleans Cartoon Caption Contest: A Quick Take

In a light‑hearted yet sharply observant feature for NOLA.com, cartoonist Walt Handelsman has opened the doors to a fresh “cartoon caption contest” that invites the city’s residents to jump in with wit, wisdom, or pure whimsy. The original article—published in the Opinions section—breaks down the premise of the contest, offers a glimpse into Handelsman’s playful history with the city, and highlights the winning entry that earned a coveted spot in the front pages of the paper’s online platform.

Who Is Walt Handelsman?

Before diving into the mechanics of the contest, the article spends a few paragraphs giving readers a quick rundown on the man behind the pencil. Handelsman has long been a staple in the New Orleans arts scene, creating a beloved comic strip that first appeared in The Times-Picayune back in the 1990s. His work is known for its gentle satire, gentle humor, and its uncanny ability to capture the city’s idiosyncrasies—from the bustling street corners of the French Quarter to the quiet neighborhoods that quietly resist change. A link to the Walt Handelsman bio on the NOLA site lets curious readers see his past work, and how his earlier cartoons frequently touched on the city’s ongoing issues, from the hurricane recovery process to debates over gentrification.

The Contest Concept

The contest is simple: Handelsman has posted a brand‑new cartoon (linkable via a thumbnail on the article page) that depicts a familiar New Orleanian tableau. Readers are invited to submit captions that fit the image, each entry judged on creativity, relevance, and humor. The cartoon itself is a sly nod to the city’s “water‑in‑every‑corner” problem that has plagued the region for decades—think a family standing under a running tap with the caption, “It’s a free spa, right?”

The article outlines the contest’s logistical details: entries must be submitted via the NOLA.com comment section under the article or sent through an email link provided at the bottom of the page. Participants have a two‑week window to send in their ideas. Handelsman explains in a brief interview that the goal is not just to find the funniest line but also to spark conversation about issues that affect daily life in the city.

The Winning Entry

After a flurry of submissions—some of which included cheeky references to Mardi Gras floats, the iconic “All‑man” mayoral races, and even the city’s beloved gumbo—Handelsman announced the winner. The article links to a short clip of the winning caption read aloud by the cartoonist himself: “The only way to save the city’s budget is to outsource water services to the ghosts that have haunted the canals for centuries.” The piece notes that the winning entry received a special mention and an all‑expense‑paid trip to the annual New Orleans International Comic & Cartoon Festival—a prize that underscores Handelsman’s commitment to elevating local artists.

The article also highlights the winning creator, “Tessa L., a third‑year student at Tulane University.” A side‑by‑side comparison of the original cartoon and the winning caption provides readers with a tangible sense of how humor can be used to reflect everyday challenges.

Community Impact and Engagement

Beyond the prizes, the article emphasizes how the contest fosters a sense of community. Handelsman is quoted saying, “When folks come together around a single image, we’re reminded that we share a laugh—even when the subject is as serious as infrastructure.” The piece also contains a short testimonial from a regular reader, “I’ve never seen a cartoon that made me think about the water bill and still make me laugh—this is pure gold.”

The article invites readers to engage further, pointing them toward an interactive poll where they can vote for their favorite caption—though the final decision will still rest with Handelsman’s editorial team. The article also links to a “previous caption contests” archive, providing context for readers who may want to see how the idea has evolved over the years.

Why It Matters

The underlying theme of the article is that humor can be a powerful vehicle for civic commentary. By spotlighting everyday concerns—like water infrastructure—in a light‑hearted context, Handelsman encourages readers to examine these topics from a new angle. The contest demonstrates that art and politics can coexist, and that the city’s residents are not only willing participants in that dialogue, but they are also creative, ready to add their voice.

Bottom Line

In essence, Walt Handelsman’s caption contest is more than just a gimmick—it’s an invitation to the people of New Orleans to reflect on, laugh about, and ultimately engage with the challenges that shape their city. The article on NOLA.com succinctly frames this idea, offers practical information on how to enter, celebrates the winner, and underscores the broader relevance of civic humor. Whether you’re a seasoned cartoonist or just someone who enjoys a good punchline, Handelsman’s initiative is an accessible way to participate in the conversation that defines New Orleans today.