Mardi Gras Parade, Scott, LA

Last Sunday was a beautiful day for one of the largest parades celebrating Mardi Gras. The population of the small town of Scott grew exponentially for that day, as people from many miles away came to wave and catch beads and other trinkets thrown from the krewe* floats.

*A krewe is a social club organized for the purpose of celebrating the Carnival season. Most krewes have an annual ball, where their monarchs and debutantes are presented. Some krewes organize their own parades, while one krewe may partner with two or three other krewes to form a parade.

Our group parked in the small city park near the end of the parade route and found space for our folding chairs along the side of the road. Don’s sign drew lots of attention from people on krewe floats.

Celine and Jean Paul got lots of attention too.

Several convertibles carried princesses, some of whom started the traditional bead tossing.

This is one of several dance school student groups.

There was even a train!

After the princesses, bands and dancers passed by, the floats came and beads really started to fly!

Notice how many beads are hanging on this float! And we were near the end of the parade, so there were still lots of beads to be tossed.

Peggy got some attention because of her Texas sign. This unique necklace has tacos and sombreros on it.

The definition of “float” seemed pretty liberal!

Even the porta-potty on the back end of this float was decorated.

In addition to beads, other items were tossed. Celine got a bright hat.

A giant stuffed banana was tossed into the crowd across from us!

Several toys were handed directly to small children, especially if they could reach up high.

Exhausted!

When the parade ended, we joined the traffic jam inching toward the onramp to I-10. There were lots of krewe parties at the end of the route. It was surprising to see so many cars parked on the overpass and shoulder of the freeway, including next to the “No Parking” sign.

What a haul! Most of the beads we caught were later donated as decorations for the Mardi Gras Ball, and the toys will also be distributed. But it was fun to participate and catch so much!