Carnival can be a very exciting and enjoyable experience with a
little advance planning and preparation.
The biggest threat to parade watching is the problem of children
trying to reach under floats for throws or running in front of or behind
a passing float. It is a sure fire way to ruin a parade by having
a child injured because of a few cheap trinkets.
This goes for adults too.
It is a good idea to dress as comfortable as the weather will allow.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may
be on your feet for several hours.
If you will be masking( wearing a costume)on Mardi Gras,
be sure it is loose enough for ease of movement
and if wearing a face mask that it
provides good vision and ventilation.
Don't take your wallet or purse with you. If it is visible
it could be an invitation to theft. Here is a good suggestion:
Carry you Drivers License or I.D. in the front pocket of your pants.
Also do not carry alot of cash. This can go in your front pocket also.
If you run into a pick-pocket, you will definitely feel him at your
front pocket instead of your back pocket. Also,
leave the
real and expensive jewelry at home.
A good safetey precaution for young children is to make up some
sort of tag with the child's name, parent's name, phone number
and parade site location. Tell your children that in the event
that they should get separated
from their parents that they should go to the nearest
policeman for help. Don't worry, the police
are stationed all along the parade route.
If you are going to be taking food along for the parade,
please plan ahead. Foods that are precooked and require
refrigeration are not recommended. It is best to keep it simple.
Pack
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruits and bagged snacks
are good choices. Potato Chips are always an
easy snack to enjoy. Also don't forget that old standby
that EVERYONE enjoys.
"MY FAVORITE KING CAKE"
Some people try to get out on the parade route very early
in the morning (5-6AM) on Fat Tuesday. Others camp out
in motor homes or campers and tents. They also try
to "rope" off THEIR little area. Using ropes or other
such items to cordon off an area is against
the law.I promise you the Sheriff's Deputies will
definitely make you take them down. Spreading a
blanket on the ground and putting your survival
gear on it will usually do the trick and most others
will respect that area as yours.
Many parents try to provide their little children with a better
view by stationing them in seats atop of a ladder.
Keep it in mind that ladders can not be tied together
and must be stationed at least the length of the
ladder from the edge of the parade route. This is
also a good rule of thumb for lawn chairs so that
others won't be tripping over them.
Another little trick to help keep your little
ones happy and enjoying the parades, is to keep a
hand full of beads handy where you can get to them
so that you are able to drop them into your child's
hands or seat if they are having a hard time
catching throws. A small stuffed toy is also
real good for this.
On Mardi Gras, you will see a lot of people walking up and down
the street before the Parade starts. The police usually start closing
off Veterans Blvd. by Houma Blvd. about 2 hours
before parade time. If you decide to join the "walking" crowd,
like my wife and family do,it would be wise to designate someone to stay with your things to insure their
safety (like I do).
There are several hundred port-o-potties placed along the
parade route, but finding one is next to impossible
on Mardi Gras. Plan ahead for this.
PICK YOUR SPOT
A lot of times, children can get caught up
in the excitement and will throw beads,etc. up to
the floats. Besides being dangerous for the float
riders it is also illegal.
Finding on-street parking can be a serious problem during
the parade season. Your car will be ticketed, and
in some cases towed away, for parking along
a parade route two hours before or after a parade;
for parking in the wrong direction; for blocking a
sidewalk; for parking to close to a fire hydrant,
driveway, or crosswalk. PICK YOUR SPOT
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