We are deep in the middle of Mardi Gras season…
Several parades and Balls have already taken place…
Fat Tuesday, the culmination of all the parties, Balls, and celebrations of Mardi Gras, is just a few days away.
If you’re a float rider or a marcher in a parade, you have already signed that “Waiver” slip to ensure that the organization is covered in the event of an accident/disaster/etc.
But what about your own personal risk?
I have said this for years…Mardi Gras parades are the biggest open-container parties that take place on the Gulf Coast.
From Louisiana to Mobile, parade goers will arrive hours in advance of a parade to ensure that they have the best spot on the parade route and in most cases, the booze will start flowing early.
Parade participants will line up several hours before the parades begin to ensure that their beads and throws are set up on the floats and to hang out with fellow participants. This also means that their day will most likely also start with a few shots, toasts, and drinks.
I’ve been attending Mardi Gras parades since I was a toddler.
I’ve been marching in or riding in Mardi Gras parades since I was 13 years old.
They are amazing, fun, and memorable.
However, there is a dark side to Mardi Gras that you don’t always see on social media. When you mix alcohol and crowds, bad things can occur. I have personally witnessed fights, domestic violence situations, public drunkenness that results in bodily harm, and alcohol poisoning over the years. That was before and during a parade. After the parade, the issues can become even more dangerous.
Last Saturday, my husband and I ran to the law firm to check on the progress of a few projects. We carefully drove down Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs, as it was 3:30 pm. The same time that the Ocean Springs Day Parade crowd was headed home. As the cars drove by, I wondered out loud how many of those drivers were parade-goers driving inebriated. Just as I said that, flashing blue lights passed us, and pulled over a car in front of us.
DUI’s that will be written in 2025 for Mardi Gras could be easily avoided.
The old rules are always the best rules: designate a driver, limit alcohol consumption, call a friend for a ride home, call an Uber…just don’t risk it.
Ladies, back in college and even today, me and my girls had/have a plan in place before we left the house:
• There is always one person who is the “designated sober person” for the night. We keep that ratio at one sober person for every five women in the group.
• NO ONE goes to the bathroom alone.
• NO ONE leaves with anyone or goes outside the venue or leaves the group alone for any reason.
• NO ONE accepts a shot or a drink from a stranger.
• We keep our cups covered and in our hands at all times.
• We make sure that everyone, driven by that sober person, checks in with the rest of the group when they arrive home.
• When one person goes to the dance floor, we all go to the dance floor.
• There is strength in numbers, trust me.
Have a plan in place BEFORE the parade starts to make sure someone knows where you will be located before, during and after the parade.
Don’t assume
you’re sober enough to drive home.
Have a check-in person that you text or call after the parade to ensure you get home safe.
The biggest tip of the day is - If it feels unsafe or illegal, just don’t do it.
Let’s keep the beads and booze from turning into bad experiences, jail bars or bail bondsman calls.
Y’all stay safe out there!
Tina
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