Yep, Carnival season is upon us, and even though Mardi Gras is not until Feb. 24, we can’t wait to get started.

We are lucky to live in this part of the world where we can take the time to let off some steam and have fun catching beads and doubloons. But we also must remember that we also must be careful and safe when celebrating.

There are lots of children in our parish, and and they all love the parades, but parents should be alert and not let little ones go running off toward a float in pursuit of beads.

Those floats are big, heavy and a danger to little bodies. Parents, when taking ladders to parades, make sure they are anchored firmly, the tots are securely in their seats and an adult is positioned on the ladder to make sure some eager bead-catcher on the ground doesn’t accidentally knock the ladder over.

We know that alcohol is a big element of Carnival, so let’s remember that over-indulgence to the point of drunkenness can be irritating to those around you. It can also be dangerous at times. We remind people not to drink and drive. Parish law enforcement agencies will be on high alert for drunken drivers. Not only is it against the law, but drinking and driving can be fatal.

We don’t want to be party poopers. We love Carnival and Mardi Gras as much as anyone, but we also remind people that just because there is a party in the street, don’t forget our civic responsibilities.

Laissez les bon temps rouler, but do it safely, for goodness sake.