Laisse le Bon Temps Roule

The rallying cry of Mardi Gras parades everywhere, "Laisse le bon temps roule", "Let the good times roll". Mardi Gras is big along the Gulf Coast, not just in New Orleans. Mobile AL held the first Mardi Gras parade in 1703, before America was even a country and before New Orleans.

It's very big in Mississippi also. Towns from Waveland to Ocean Springs hold them. Biloxi closes down for two days. Celebrations might not be able to be held in Waveland and Pass Christian because of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Biloxi and Ocean Springs are making plans. No word on Gulfport yet. One of the best family parades to go to is the one held in D'Iberville. It is traditionally held the Sunday before Mardi Gras, which would be February 26, 2006. One of the members of the North Bay Mardi Gras Association called last week and said it would still be on!! The company I work at usually has a float in the D'Iberville parade and the morning and evening parades in Biloxi. Biloxi's parades are held on Mardi Gras day, which will be on February 28, 2006.

I have even ridden on the float and it is as much fun to throw the beads and doubloons as it is to catch them! The upcoming parades will be very special because of the destruction all up and down the Coast. It will be very special in D'Iberville because more than 50% of this small town is gone or heavily damaged. But it's a symbol of getting back to normal. These parades are family events. People camp out before hand to reserve a good space.



Currently, this is what part of the D'Iberville parade route looks like




It will be cleaned up and the buildings either repaired or demolished and rebuilt. The buildings across the street from these are also heavily damaged from the storm surge. But the laundry mat has already reopened. These are on Central Ave about a mile from Biloxi Back Bay. The water mark from the water was around 4-5 feet.

So, "Lez se bon temps roule"!! We need these parades. We need some good times. I can't wait!