By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Mardi Gras may be nearly five months away, but putting a parade together is no easy task, so LaPlace’s Krewe du Monde has already begun planning its 2012 parade.

The second planning meeting for the Feb 19 parade will be tonight at 6 p.m. at the main branch of the St. John the Baptist Parish Library on U.S. Highway 51. Interested parties must put down a $300 deposit tonight to be included in next year’s parade.

The rest of the meetings are scheduled for Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 and Jan. 18. All meetings begin at 6 p.m.

Half of the money from the mini-krewes that make up du Monde will be due at the November meeting. All mini-krewes must be paid in full by the January meeting. Early payment, however, is encouraged as only groups paid in full will receive a float position.

For more information, contact Melynie Wright at 985-651-8216.