Have Fun, But Play It Safe At The Lafayette Mardi Gras

There are still three parades yet to roll in Lafayette as part of this year's Mardi Gras celebration.

While Mardi Gras is a time for fun and frivolity, it's also can be a dangerous time if you don't follow the advice of the Lafayette Police Department.

There are several things/items that are not allowed at any Mardi Gras parades in Lafayette.  The Lafayette Police Department says they include the following:

• Any product that is manufactured for the purpose of being thrown against a hard surface or stepped on to make a popping noise: such as, snaps, pops, and cracker balls
• Silly string
• Animals.  They want you to leave all your furry friends at home.
• Roller Blading
• Whips are prohibited at Lafayette Mardi Gras parades.
• Glass containers
• No flashing (exposing oneself)
• No throwing items back at float riders.
• Entering the barricaded areas during the parades is not allowed and strictly enforced.
• Do not drive impaired.

The Lafayette Police Department also has a suggestion for moms and dads who will be bringing their children to parades. Kids can get distracted with beautiful beads and all of the excitement of Mardi Gras, and before you know it, they are not right next to you.

They want you to know that they will have officers stationed down the entire parade route, and that any lost or found children should be told to find an officer, or if you find a lost child, you are requested to do the same.

Lafayette Police also suggest that parents put a note securely in their child's pocket that has the name, address and telephone number of someone to contact in case your child gets separated from you.  They suggest that you include the name and number of someone who is at home and not at the parade with you.  Finally, you should also include your cell phone number on that note.  You can pin the note inside the child's pocket.

Today, King Gabriel's parade will roll starting at 10 a.m. followed by the Lafayette Mardi Gras Association parade at 1 p.m., and finally, the KADN/KLAF (Independent Parade) rolls at 2 p.m.