Reflections by Ronee – How to Enjoy Riding A Mardi Gras Float

By now you all know that my favorite event in the entire world is Mardi Gras (I mean, c’mon, just check out my costume this year)!  I love everything about it, especially the colorful, flamboyant and outrageous floats.  Mardi Gras floats are elaborate works of art and the krewes that operate them are passionate beyond belief.  This is not just a partying event to them – it’s a lifestyle, a proud history, and an annual presentation of cultural heritage.

Years ago I had the pleasure to be one of the lucky people to join a krewe on a float and holy cow… it was the ride of a lifetime   One thing I definitely remember was the massive pile of beads.  We had so many that by the end of the parade we were literally throwing bags of beads into the crowd just to get rid of them!

Perhaps this year you are one of the lucky ones to be invited aboard and if that’s the case, I’ve got a few tips for you:

Get In Cheerleader Shape

Riding a float is exhilarating, but it’s also hard work.  Standing and throwing beads for hours on end is no walk in the park. Plus, you have to wear masks, which by the middle of the parade, you are ready to pull off and throw in to the crowds. Be smart and get in shape before your parade debut.  The classic route is to hit the gym and take some runs.  You could also engage in activities similar to your tasks on the Mardi Gras parade float, such as dancing at the club or rooting on your team at a sports event.  Find your inner cheerleader and channel all that energy for the big day!

Connect With The Crowd

The crowds are the best part of Mardi Gras.  When riding the float, feed off the crowd’s energy to connect with those around you.  Make eye contact, give a big smile, and wave enthusiastic hellos.  Keep your body moving, and inspire everyone to continue cheering long after your Mardi Gras parade float has wound past!  People also love props and there are plenty of options besides the usual bead toss.  Dazzle the entire crowd with multi-colored biodegradable tissue confetti from 14” Corkscrews Confetti Sticks or stun them with a sparkling spectacle of Metallic FETTI Strips from 18” Airless Launchers.   Step it up a notch by launching pound after pound of confetti through a “Baby” Gerb Continuous Flow Confetti Blower and create a magical Mardi Gras scene that will ignite pandemonium!

Remember The Kids

Despite its reputation, Mardi Gras is not all about beads, breasts, and booze.  It’s truly a family-friendly affair and generations of family members from grandparents to grandkids line the streets in anticipation.  Besides the wild Bourbon Street portion, most of the parade route runs through historic neighborhoods and residential avenues.  That means your parade float behavior should always remain respectful – so be kind and keep that mask on!  Otherwise, feel free to point to someone in the crowd and throw well-aimed bead tosses at them.  It is after all the most wild and exciting party of the year!

Whether it’s your first time on a Mardi Gras float or you’re a grizzled veteran, the experience is always worth the ride.  Just get in shape, keep it PG, engage with the crowd and the rest is easy.  I hope to see you out there!

About Flutter FETTI®: Flutter FETTI is an innovator, manufacturer, and worldwide distributor of confetti and streamer products.  Our mission is to bring excitement and joy into every special event in your life.  Contact one of our confettiologists and we’ll make the right product recommendation to add the “WOW!” effect to your Mardi Gras celebration.