What many people don't realize is that there are many different Mardi Gras Parades. These take place throughout the Carnival Season. There are specific times and routes that belong to different Krewes. This is when they get to display their dazzling floats, bands, and enthusiasm to millions of viewers.
If you think that the big holiday parades that are televised nationally are spectacular....Then You Really Ain't Seen Mardi Gras Yet! These Mardi Gras floats are enormous constructions that can cost more than $700,000 to build. Some of the best-loved ones are updated and refurbished so that they can return and delight the crowds, but new ones always make an appearance.
The Krewes and their guests will ride on the floats and toss plastic cups, moon pies, candy, beads, or doubloons to the thousands lining the streets. People will try everything to capture the attention of those who are riding. Some women will flash the Krewe members, others come dressed in killer costumes, and some climb lampposts or perch atop ladders so they can be seen. Everywhere you look, you will see people dancing, jumping, waving, and shouting. A common plea that is heard is, "Hey, Mister...Throw me something."
Fat Tuesday is the official Mardi Gras Day and the climax of Carnival Season. This is the when spectators are treated to the biggest parades and floats. The Zulus and Krewe Rex are only two of the groups that take part in the day's festivities. There are many wonderful surprises in store for the crowds and they are anxious to see what new floats will be debuted by the Krewes.
Blaine Kern is the genius who creates the majority of the unique Mardi Gras floats. His masterpieces are all "one of a kind" masterpieces that take art and animation to new levels of excellence. He has created floats for almost all of the Krewes for many years. Every Mardi Gras, he manages to top the success and brilliance of his previous designs.
These Mardi Gras floats are often constructed to carry over 100 costumed revelers and all of the throws that will be tossed out along the way. Parades of the past have included those depicting King Kong, Queen Kong, dragons, whales, and gods. There was even one spectacular float that was designed to show the city of New Orleans. An enormous one-armed bandit was the most eye-catching feature, especially since it was paying off armloads of gold doubloons along the parade route.
This year, crowds are already anxious to see the Mardi Gras Floats and what the Krewes and Blaine Kern have in store for them.
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