The 5 Best Places to Set Up for the Krewe of Centaur & Krewe of Gemini Parades
"Always be prepared" is the Boy Scout motto. It's also a good motto to have for life in general. It's better to have a plan than to not, especially when it comes to Mardi Gras in the SBC.
So we want to help you get ready for the big parades by telling you about the prime spots on the route!
First things first, you should know the roads are going to be shut down at 3 p.m. on both parade days (Saturday, Feb. 22 for the Krewe of Centaur and Saturday, March 1 for the Krewe of Gemini). Make sure you're where you need to be for the parade no later than 2 p.m. Even then, you'll likely have slim pickings. The smarter thing to do would be to wake up bright and early and tailgate all day long.
With all that said, where should you set up along the parade route for the best view and shot at beads?
Here are the 5 best spots.
5) The very beginning or end of the parade
I've been lucky enough to ride on floats before and let me just say how much fun it is. You get the most enthusiastic about throwing beads at two places: 1) The beginning of the parade and 2) at the end.
The beginning, because it's all 'Oh man, I've been waiting all day to throw beads!' and the end because you're like, 'Oh man, I still have a ton of beads to throw out or I'll have to restock them for next year!" Either place is a solid place to set up.
4) Along Clyde Fant Parkway
If you have kids and don't want them around people who are drinking, you should set up on Clyde Fant specifically between the railroad tracks overpass and Stoner Ave. Those are alcohol-free zones!
Other than that, I love being on Clyde Fant a good 100 yards from any intersection so you don't have to worry about people being in your space. Though I have seen people stake out three acres worth of ground. Not cool man, not cool.
3) Shreveport Barksdale Hwy near the Super 1
If you want to be in a spot that's pretty choice, I have a hard time not loving Shreveport Barksdale Highway near East King's. It has ample parking, easy access (especially if you have a friend who lives near by) and a Super 1 is nearby for all your last-minute tailgating needs!
2) Shreveport Barksdale Hwy near Shreve City
If you're looking for THE party spot, look no further than Shreve City. You'll have easy access to great bars and restaurants (like The Office), plus Walmart is not too far away in case you forgot something essential for tailgating. Minors, beware -- cops are on the lookout for you here, so behave!
1) All of East Kings
This one takes some forethought and planning, because you either have to have a friend who lives on East Kings or book and pay for a space before January. What makes this so great is you have your spot, guaranteed -- no muss, no fuss and no worrying about people encroaching on your space. Just set up a port-a-potty and you're in business!
Well, that's it! Let us know if there's a better space in the comment section below. All this writing about Mardi Gras makes me want to do some shots.
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