Biloxi, MS, Mardi
Gras Feb. 12, 2013
Husband Walter and I
had planned to forego joining revelers for Mardi Gras parades on Fat Tuesday
this year. We were both recovering from his gallbladder surgery. And neither of
us wanted to brave the rainy weather that was in the forecast.
We elected instead to
visit his mom, enjoy lunch at a favorite restaurant then get some walking in at
an indoor mall. I had been neglecting that part of my stroke-recovery rehab due
to recent cold and rainy weather.
When we headed home,
Hubby took a chance on a direct route east on U.S. 90. The westbound lanes of
the four-lane highway along the beach become part of parade routes during Mardi
Gras season. We thought the rain would mean reduced traffic on the eastbound
lanes we were traveling and maybe even the delay or cancellation of the day’s parades.
A small but
enthusiastic crowd braves rain in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Determined revelers
lined the westbound lanes, though. And traffic was slowed but not clogged in the east
bound lanes. Hubby graciously filled my request to take my point-and-shoot
Canon and document our unexpected opportunity for a sampling of Mardi Gras
festivities from the high and dry comfort of our van.
King d’Iberville
arrives.
Traffic lights slowed
our progress enough that we saw about seven of the 17 floats featured among
over 100 different entries in this year’s Gulf Coast Carnival Association
parade.
Red, white and blue
Walter stuck his arm
out and waved at the folks tossing beads, stuffed animals, doubloons and other
Mardi Gras trinkets from the floats. Some ladies with exceptional strength and accuracy sailed
beads right into his hand.
The four or five
colorful strands did not compare to the “haul” characteristic of past
up-close-and-personal parade experiences. And we didn’t see any of the extravagant, professionally designed
and crafted floats we have seen in New Orleans. But the fun, laughter and
hometown atmosphere we enjoyed in our brief drive-by Mardi Gras was pure Mississippi Gulf Coast merrymaking.
“Throw me something, Mister!”
Wow! Well, they say that some of the best things are unplanned. Is this the actual Mardi Gras? It kind of passed me by this year, I have seen or heard nothing about it. Love this shot of the white king float.
ReplyDeletegood job catching those treasures and i like that last photo..looks like you had a fun time.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you managed to get in on a little of the Fat Tuesday festivities! Those colored beads have always been a favorite of my grandchildren. Great catch, Walter!
ReplyDeleteThis is delightful tho damp stuff. Love every bit.
ReplyDeleteI love that you were able to see some of the activities anyway. Good catch for your Hubby too.
ReplyDeleteHope you are both back on the recovery routine.
Sometimes we have the most fun in an unexpected way. My sister's birthday is this week (age 69) and she always goes to Mardi Gras in her locale (Prairieville). Dianne
ReplyDeleteSometimes, those spontaneous events are the best! This one certainly sounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a good time, Linda. A friend gave me some Mardi Gras necklaces. They make great colorful gifts!
ReplyDelete