Big Mardi Gras Fun on the Bayou

In Louisiana it is once again Mardi Gras time. On Friday February 5, 2010 Hercules starts off the parade season for Mardi Gras 2010 in Houma. They are followed the next night with the all female Aquarius. This year's festivities are going to be extra special because of the New Orleans Saints are in Miami to play in their first ever Super Bowl. There was some concerns among the locals and the krewes as to if they should go on as planned with the parades or postpone them until either the next Sunday or on Mardi Gras Day. They decided to go as planned since the parades would end no later than 5PM giving the Who Dat Nation a chance to get home in time for kickoff or if they are in one of the de facto camps set up, somebody should have televisions with a satellite connection to be able to watch the game and many of them would probably hospitable enough to allow some folks the opportunity to huddle around the TV to see the big game.

The majority of the parades in Terrebonne Parish will take place on the West Side route. This route is a simple route and can easily accommodate people. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores along the route that will either stay open until just before the beginning of the parade or close just prior to the start. These stores can provide parade goers with sup[plies and food needed. Several organizations, like some local youth sports travel teams and civic organizations will operate concession stands to raise funds. This is something that you can to help better the community and the people these groups benefit.

Many Krewes will hold their Mardi Gras balls the week prior to their parades. These events are by invite only and if you receive an invitation, it is considered a great honor to be considered admission to these exclusive soirees. Many of these balls are formal occasions and formal attire in the proper festive colors of purple, green, and gold (with any krewe colors) are the rule and not the exception. In Terrebonne Parish, these balls are frequently held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Local Law enforcement, including Houma Police, Terrebonne Sheriff's deputies, Louisiana State Police, and officers from surrounding communities and parishes will lend a hand to make sure people arrive and go home safely.

Further down the Bayou, there are parades in communities like Chauvin and Montegut and in Lafourche Parish that you may want to attend as well. In an article called "A Family Friendly Mardi Gras", there is a list of parade schedules there. you can also go to http://houmatoday.com to find out what route these parades run and you can also contact the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce at (985) 223-0001 for more information.

Many people, groups, and businesses will set up designated areas so people of their ilk can have a place to go and celebrate with their families and friends and provide a safe spot for the children to celebrate. These are also private parties and you should ask for permission or be given an invitation before entering. Along the parade routes are many homes. Some of these people will allow limited parking and some will have [parties going on at their homes. Respect for other people's property is demanded of every person attending a parade. If you get invited to a soiree or party, don't be a prude but attend unless you cannot attend. If you cannot attend, please politely do so and if you feel it is important enough give them a reason why. If it is a valid reason, they will understand but if it is not a reason that they are buying, be prepared to have some mandatory fun. Mardi Gras is a season of celebration and we in Louisiana make sure that everyone gets a chance to celebrate. Louisianans for the most part have a Joi de vive despite the recent and past hardships we've had to endure and there's a saying here "les seiz le bon temps rouller" (let the good times roll that tells you how we love to celebrate. After having to endure hurricanes, bad seasons in the seafood industry and oil field, and having a football team that we have been loyal to for over 40 years that has had a long history of bad luck, we still find something to be happy about and celebrate. Now that the Saints are in the Super Bowl, we are anticipating a very joyful Mardi Gras and if they win the big game on February 6, 2010, we will be making this Mardi Gras a time to remember.