Early February has not historically been the most
interesting time to have a birthday. It’s the dead of winter, usually cold and
dreary. But there have been some notable birthdays. Like in 2006 when the
Steelers won the Super Bowl on my birthday. That was exciting.
This year, the peak of Mardi Gras festivities happened to
fall on my birthday weekend. As I have said numerous times, one of the greatest
revelations upon moving to Louisiana was learning that Mardi Gras is not a day
but a season, lasting a month or two, depending on the date of Easter. I have
been fascinated by the mystery and traditions of Mardi Gras since I arrived in
Louisiana. I’ve been to all the various parades, the gumbo cook-offs, even a Mardi
Gras ball. I've eaten more king cake than I care to admit. But until this past Friday, on my birthday, I’d never ridden on a
Mardi Gras float.
Let's get this party started!
I was privileged to embark on my maiden Mardi Gras float
experience with the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the
Lake Charles Merchants’ Parade. They ride a float painted with a big green alligator motif.
Me and Megan Hartman, my contact at the CVB
Participating in a Mardi Gras parade from a float is a
completely different experience than being a spectator. It’s a different perspective,
looking down at the throngs of revelers who call out, dance, and wave their
hands in hopes of catching beads and trinkets. "Hey, throw me somethin', mister!" I have no way of
knowing exactly, but I must have tossed a thousand strands of glittering green,
gold, and purple beads.
I’m all about experiencing Louisiana from as many different angles
as I can. This weekend, from atop a Mardi Gras float, I added one more to my
list.
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