LEONARD GRAY

Let’s all be careful and enjoy Carnival

Yes, Mardi Gras may be around the corner, but Carnival is already here. What, you say? There’s a difference? Of course, there is! Mardi Gras is one specific day. Carnival runs from Twelfth Night through Mardi Gras, ending at midnight as Ash Wednesday arrives. Each year, the national pressm especially TV, keep making that mistake. This weekend, the carnival parades in the greater New Orleans area truly get cranked up and I may or may not drop by a parade. Likely not. Mind you, I enjoy the experience for the most part. My wife, on the other hand, really hates being confined in a crowd, especially if there’s no place to get away from it. Ideally, we’d have a place on a parade route where there’s a house with a kitchen, restroom and living room. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve been parade-tough for years. In the last several years, I’ve met my two older brothers in the French Quarter for some male-bonding stuff, which usually involves seeing the sights on Bourbon Street (NOT for children!) and just hanging out together. This year, I have guests coming from out of town and the four of us are planning to attend several parades, dine out at some nice restaurants and enjoy one another’s company for most of four days. That’s what I truly enjoy, since I think I’m a pretty good “tour guide” and I enjoy showing off this area. However, especially as we’ll be with “newcomers” to carnival, we’ll also show them how to be careful, advising them of all the usual precautions we locals all know, or should know. These are things like keeping a close eye on children – ours or anyone’s. No one should chase after a float or dart across the street between them. Parking is always a problem, and one should be aware of the neighborhood, never block a driveway, fire hydrant or bus stop, and never leave anything visible in the car worth anything. The basic survival guide for carnival also includes bringing a few bags to carry caught throws in, beads, doubloons and other stuff. Wear comfortable shoes and be considerate of the other people. Try NOT to stomp on doubloons and risk breaking some child’s hand. It’s not really worth it. Another good piece of advice is NOT to drink to excess, since nothing is more scary than trying to get out of wherever you parked, tanked to the gills and impatient to get out of traffic. That’s a total recipe for trouble and the New Orleans Police Department and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office have a low tolerance level for stupid, loud drunks. Just remember the whole idea is to have a good time, while being safe. Carnival throws are not worth fighting over – give some beads or a doubloon to a nearby senior citizen and watch their eyes light up with gratitude. In short, let’s all be careful out there and pass a good time! LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur.