Did you know there is evidence that as early as 1867 Mardi Gras parades were held in Shreveport and local celebrations continued until the Great Depression. The Krewe of Gemini rolled the first parade in more than 50 years in Feb. 1990. Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras continues to grow each year! Major Krewes, Gemini and Centaur, offer no-alcohol family zones and the Krewe of Highland Parade is completely family friendly. Each parade promises to throw millions of beads and trinkets.

PARADE PARENT TIPS:

• Keep the kids busy while waiting for the parade. Bring games, bubbles and sidewalk chalk.
• Bring your wagon, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks. You don't want to carry cranky kids back to the car.
  
• Bring a bag to hold the throws. Mom is asked to hold everything anyway. Be prepared. Really, do they need more beads than they can wear and carry?
• Buy Mardi Gras extras before the parade. Bring Mardi Gras favors bought at the store before the parade so you aren't shelling out big $$$ for cheap trinkets from street vendors. It reduces the begging. 
  
• Select your parade route location with a bathroom in mind. Pots of Gold (porta potties) are all along parade routes but most are private. You'll have to ask permission to use one. Consider offering to contribute $ to the "Pot", so to speak. Potty keepers are more inclined to let you use it for a donation. Don't forget TP or wipes.

Krewe of Centaur Parade
Date: February 6 @ 4:00pm
Parade Theme is "As Southern as It Gets." Family-Friendly event.
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Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Pet Parade
Date: February 7 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Celebrate Mardi Gras with your four legged friends!
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Krewe of Cotton Country Parade
Date: Feb. 6 @ 1:00pm
Enjoy this family friendly parade nearby in Belcher, Louisiana
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Krewe of Gemini Parade
Date: February 13 at 4:00pm
Parade Theme is "Gemini Goes Fiction." Features large floats, marching bands and plenty of throws.
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Krewe of Highland Parade
Date: February 14 at 2:00pm
Parade theme is "Highland goes Green" Bring your wagons and get ready for the most interesting throws.
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Aesclepius Fat Tuesday Children's Parade
Date: February 16 at 6:00pm
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