Mardi Gras Tips

12 Apr

Mardi Gras Tips

Anytime hundreds of thousands of people all arrive at the same alcohol-fueled party in a city known for loose inhibitions, and signature cocktails, one thing is bound to occur: A good time peppered with accidents and injuries.

If you are one of the merry revelers celebrating the Carnival season in New Orleans, there are basically two rules that apply- Cut loose, but be safe. Because it’s sometimes hard to focus on safety and fun at the same time, these tips provide a foundation to guide you.

PARKING

When parking, avoid leaving anything of value in your vehicle. Lock important things in the trunk. It’s been said that the best place a thief can hide is right out in the open. And with so many people coming and going, it would be easy for a car thief to slip into your vehicle with nobody the wiser. The crowds may not necessarily be a distraction. In fact, they may be an invitation.

Also, make sure you don’t park in front of a fire hydrant or other restricted areas. These areas are generally prohibited because parking there could lead to some public tragedy. Would you want to be the one responsible for a tragic fire because firemen couldn’t reach the fire hydrant?

It may be best just to stay away from driving altogether. Finding a parking spot is very challenging. And if you’ve been drinking, it’s not a good time to drive. New Orleans is known for its public transportation. Take a street car, taxi, or a bus. Its cheaper than a ticket and safer than driving drunk.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Be smart. Large crowds can breed criminal actions such as pick pocketing, purse snatching and more. So don’t carry huge sums of money on your person. Woman should also wear their purses across their torso to ward off would-be purse snatchers.

Also, don’t become distracted by your cell phone. If you lose your friends, you may not ever find them.
Furthermore, stay in well lit areas where other people are around.

Never leave drinks unattended either. This opens up the possibility of being drugged. Speaking of drinking, know your limits. Getting sick will do nothing but ruin the experience. There is magic in the air during Mardi Gras. Don’t miss it by blacking out.

CHILD SAFETY

If you have a child, make sure they know their name, address, relevant phone numbers and more. It’s easy to get separated in the crowds. The worst thing that can occur is losing a child. Also, write down relevant information and stick in their pockets. This way even if they are lost, it’s more likely you can be reached when the child is found.

It’s also important to introduce your child to a nearby officer so they become familiar with the local police’s uniform. This also gives your child a resource to turn to in the event of an emergency.

Of course, never leave children alone. Keep a close watch out to who they are talking to, where they are, and more

Follow these suggestions and Mardi Gras may go off without a hitch for everyone.

Mardi Gras: Krewe of Endymion

12 Apr

Mardi Gras: Krewe of Endymion

When one thinks of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, images of cocktails, smiles, beads, parades and floats enter one’s mind. This year, partiers will no doubt experience the same festivities. However, this is one added bonus: Revelers can take part in history. The Krewe of Endymion will showcase the world’s largest float when the parade rolls Saturday, Feb. 9.

It’s one of the 2013 Mardi Gras’ biggest attractions. Literally. At 365-feet long, the megafloat built to the theme of “Pontchartrain Beach Then and Now,” tells a story of the local beach attraction that most of New Orleanians grew up attending. It’s complete with a lighthouse segment, dedicated to sunbathing at the beach, and will project sounds of a roller coaster and laughing clown. It will also emit smells of popcorn and cotton candy.

The $1.2 million-float is big enough to house 250 riders on 25 float segments. Because the riders add up to 1,000 pounds to the weight of the float, its structure needed to be outfitted with industrial strength material to hold up the weight. Additionally, a specialized heavy-duty tractor was located in order to pull the float. The tractor is capable of pulling 190 tons. A spare tractor will be on hand just in case the first one fails.

One of the biggest concerns of Captain Ed Muniz was navigating the tight turns on city streets as the float snakes through its usual parade route, tossing out unique throws (Beads and trinkets) to throngs of people along the route. Have no fear, Muniz said. With the help of the New Orleans Police Department, the float has already made a dry run with success.

The creators didn’t set out to build the largest float. It’s just that in New Orleans, people seem to always seem to make ordinary tasks bigger and more festive than before. Plus, to capture the true essence of Pontchartrain Beach, the float had to house a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, carousel and gigantic clown head.

Take part in history. Come out and see Endymion roll.

 

Mardi Gras Parade Etiquette

12 Apr

Mardi Gras Parade Etiquette

This year, Mardi Gras season is going to look a little different. With the Super Bowl in town, parade dates have been changed to welcome football fans down to the Big Easy for the big game! There are probably going to be quite a few guests in the city for annual Mardi Gras antics as well. Whether your a native or this is your first carnival experience, it’s good to keep a couple of things in mind.

If you’re heading out to parades Uptown, everyone is going to be staking their spot out on the neutral ground. As tradition goes, you can pitch your plot the night before after everything has been cleared away from the night parades, but plan on getting up early! Those spots are up for grabs for early birds. As long as you’ve got one person minding the space then you’re ready. If you do lose your spot, be cool. Most people, even if they’ve pitched camp in your spot, are willing to share. In fact, sharing is a part of the celebration. Whether your surrounded by neighbours or strangers, chances are someone is going to offer you beer or food. If you accept, it’s good etiquette to share back.

If you don’t know yet you will know soon that there are plenty of hands in the air grabbing for beads, boas, and more! There can be a lot of pushing and shoving and grabbing. It’s important to remember that it’s all in good fun! As New Orleanians say, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” Let the good times roll. Have fun!

Mardi Gras

12 Apr

This year, Mardi Gras season is going to look a little different. With the Super Bowl in town, parade dates have been changed to welcome football fans down to the Big Easy for the big game! There are probably going to be quite a few guests in the city for annual Mardi Gras antics as …

Mardi Gras Diet

Well, it’s just around the corner. The day you’ve all been waiting for (or dreading). With Mardi Gras coming, the parties have already started with food and drinks galore. But if you’ve been working on keeping the weight off from the last Mardi Gras, you might feel a little trepidation at the upcoming festivities. I …

When one thinks of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, images of cocktails, smiles, beads, parades and floats enter one’s mind. This year, partiers will no doubt experience the same festivities. However, this is one added bonus: Revelers can take part in history. The Krewe of Endymion will showcase the world’s largest float when the parade …

Anytime hundreds of thousands of people all arrive at the same alcohol-fueled party in a city known for loose inhibitions, and signature cocktails, one thing is bound to occur: A good time peppered with accidents and injuries. If you are one of the merry revelers celebrating the Carnival season in New Orleans, there are basically …