This is at 4PM. Parade doesn't start until 6PM but people begin showing up early to make sure they can get a park and good spot to watch the parade.
More after the jump....
Part of the fun of Mardis Gras is catching the beads, cups, and other trinkets they throw from the floats. And as you can see some people take their bead catching seriously.
Had a couple enterprising individuals walking the parade route prior to the parade selling snacks. This guy is selling some cotton candy to people waiting for the parade to start.
Since the parade passes through some residential areas, some people take the opportunity to cook out for their friends and family. A few people even bring grills in their trucks and cook out along the side of the road.
More people show up as the time for the parade draws closer.
Local police begin blocking off the parade route.
Officers on horseback, and motorcycle prepare to lead the parade from it's start in West Monroe, to the parades end across the river in Monroe. The horses actually have flashing lights on their saddles in case they need to pull someone over.
This guy had huge beads.
Some of the video I took during the parade.
What kind of local celebrations like this do you have in your region?
