Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Mardi Gras Parades (Part 3)

Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday, was still a day to celebrate Mardi Gras and in Houma, Louisiana they did so with TWO parades--a double header, if you will.

We ran a bit late getting there (only 1 1/2 hours early) and had to park a block away from Doyle's because they had already closed the street in front which was our access to the shopping center parking lot we had used two nights running. Still, we were in time to watch some of the pedestrian traffic as folks strolled up and down visiting friends or looking for a good (aka "Free") vantage point from which to view the parade.

The first parade was preceded by two great American traditions: A Shriners' Motorcycle Team and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

The Shriners' support trailer

They did their usual moving figure eight routine as they progressed down the parade route

They even had their own sound system. EVERYBODY had a sound system!

Following the motorcycles came a slightly older mode of transportation. Each huge horse was not just in harness, but there seemed to be a red-shirted handler close by--just in case.

An impressive quantity of well cared for horse flesh.


These guys are HUGE!
 
And a Dalmatian (the original coach dog) for good measure.

The Budweiser wagon was followed by a golf cart with a couple of big bins in the back and two guys with very large shovels. It was one of the few times we saw a krewe cleaning up after itself.

With the prelims out of the way, it was time for the main show. First the Krewe of the Hyacinths and then the Krewe of the Titans...but they will have to wait. I've gotten strangely thirsty and will have to take a short break before posting pictures from those parades.

1 comment:

Rev. Paul said...

Watch that "thirst" (heh) or you next post could be strangely incoherent.

;^)