Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

My First Mardi Gras Parade

Today a friend and I drove over to a town near here to take in my first Mardi Gras Parade.  Jeanerette is quite small but is a very friendly place - I attended church there this morning and had a wonderful welcome.  And the parade today was, despite the cold north wind that took my breath, lots of fun.  I came home with this loot that was thrown by all the people on the floats.
Throwing beads and candy it seems is a tradition for Mardi Gras.

I love small town parades - it seems almost as if more people are in it than are there to see it.  :)  There are beautiful floats:
And marching bands:

And dancing groups:
And beautiful cars:
And a high school ROTC group carrying our flag:
I think there must be a bit of child still alive in me - I can hardly wait until Tuesday when there will be another parade, this one here in the town where the mission is.  It brought back fond memories of the parades when I was a little girl...it all seemed so grand to me then. I watched the children on the sidewalk today.  Their eyes were big as saucers and they laughed out loud as they raced to pick up the candy and toys.  I love their innocence and their unbridled joy.  Do you love a parade?

15 comments:

Michelle said...

I love a parade, but I don't like crowds, so don't see many.

Charlene S said...

I am so glad that you got to see your first Mardi Gras parade. Now you need to see your first 'chicken run.'

Carol said...

Good to hear from you, Marlene. Yes, I love a parade. We have St. Patrick's parade (my favorite because of the bagpipe bands), Memorial Day (so sad),and Columbus Day parade. I think there might be a couple more small ones that escape my recollection. I'm glad you're enjoying your time away from home. Hope hubby is surviving without you!

Carol (NJ)

Josie McRazie said...

Oh, are you going to be there the following Tuesday for Fat Tuesady??? Noone does it better!! Have a great time!

Gail said...

I have never attened Mardi Gras...always wanted to.

I never missed a parade in town until the last few years, just doesn't feel the same anymore.

Glad you had a great time and got some loot...great items for crafty ideas.

Needled Mom said...

It looks like such fun. I love small town celebrations too.

Denise :) said...

I *do* love a parade -- very much!! I'm glad you had a great time! :)

Karen said...

I always thought it would be fun to attend one of the parades. But never have.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Absolutely LOVE a parade. Usually only go to the 4th of July parade....because it's freezing any other time of the year!

Grammasheri said...

A neighborhood we lived in years ago used to have a 4th of July parade and day-long party. The fire trucks would come and the kids would have their bikes/trikes/wagons/strollers all decked out, marching along haphazardly. Some of the dads had a precision lawn-mower drill team and there were decorated cars and Boy Scouts and a Sheriff car and whatever else we could come up with. SO much fun! Never went to a Mardi Gras parade though.

Marie Rayner said...

Who doesn't love a parade Marlene and small town parades are the best! My dad played in an airforce band when I was a child and we often went to parades at the weekend, where he would be marching with the band. Beautiful memories. xxoo

Di said...

Oh Marlene, what a simply beautiful, fun and heartwarming little parade. When I first saw your blog post title I was a little surprised that you were writing about a Mardi Gras parade because the only one I know here in Sydney is a gay pride event. Sad that we don't have a real Mardi GRAS parade.

Val said...

I LOVE parades but can't hardly stand the cold weather anymore!!! Thank you for visiting my daughters new blog. She is a great Mommy and loves life and I am so proud of her and her little family.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

How fun! Love all your loot!

Michelle said...

Looks like a lot of fun!