I rode on a Mardi Gras parade float in Biloxi. How it went & who got the most throws
It was finally my turn.
I had an opportunity to ride in a true Mardi Gras parade in 2023, but scheduling conflicts ruined my dream. I had to watch from the sidelines as my friends in the media joyfully threw plastic objects at strangers.
I hoped then that I’d get another chance to do the same. Last weekend I did. Thanks to the Beau Rivage and an experience guided by Liaison of Fun (public relations specialist) Sarah Liese, I rode in the Biloxi Night Parade hosted by the Krewe of Neptune.
It was a half-day affair jammed with music, food, beverages, beads and railway drama. The following is an account of my experience as a Mardi Gras float reveler.
There was a lot of waiting. There were three hours between arrival at the float and departure on the route. But this gave us time to take some of the floats that would be riding around us.
My favorite was the Hocus Pocus-themed float from the Krewe of Jus Giggin. Honorable mention goes to the float with the giant beaver holding a trident on the front.
The Beau Rivage had a strong showing with its float, too, but it mostly came in the form of vibes. We had a DJ that blasted club hits from the last two decades and led a singing of Happy Birthday for Karen. Happy birthday, Karen.
The float was loaded with food and drink, as well, including Cajun favorites like fried red beans and rice balls and tuna dip sandwiches.
Also, beads. So. Many. Beads. They were stuffed into tote bags that lined the entire float. They were overloaded on hooks on the inside of the walls and hanging from the ceiling. I thought it would be impossible to go through them all. I was wrong.
I went through my hooks and a couple of tote bags before I was made aware that we were only 10 percent through the route. They are easy to burn through.
This experience also gave me insight into the strategies of a thrower. If you’re one of many who aim to bring home as many beads and treats as possible, here are a few things you can try to maximize your haul.
1. Props
Bring props. Got a basketball hoop? I’m Kobe. Brought a target? I’m two-time world champion archer Brady Lee Ellison. Sticking with the Neptune theme, some kids brought tridents to hook the beads. It’s like a mini-game. I’m going to throw at your trident.
2. Bring children
Do not be afraid to dangle your small child as bait. They get all the cute stuff. Put them on your shoulders and watch the stuffed animals blot the sky like that one scene from 300.
3. Stand really far away
This seems counter-intuitive, but it works. When I see someone behind the crowd waving their arms, my eyes light up. I’m always looking downfield. I’m regular season Dak Prescott in the pocket. Maybe run a dig route?
It was a unique experience and I highly encourage anyone to take advantage of it if the same opportunity comes along for you. The only hitch in our ride was a 30-minute stoppage due to a train incident involving three parked vehicles.
That would be my only other tip. Consider not parking that close to the tracks.
This story was originally published February 13, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
