Our First Mardi Gras Parade

Liz and I got to go to our first-ever Mardi Gras parade while we were in Panama City Beach, Florida, a few weeks ago, Feb. 7th.

We've always wanted to go to one, but, alas, it is too cold here in the north lands. I was quite excited when I saw Panama City was going to have one along with a celebration with food, vendors, and a live Cajun band at a downtown city park. We drove the twenty miles from out motel to PC, stopping on the way at Wal Mart which had a huge collection of Mardi Gras stuff (something you don't see that much around here, must be more of a Southern Thing). Glad we did, as the vendors were a lot more expensive.

The park was located near the end of the parade route. Heavily-loaded people with beads and otherwise lined the street several deep. Cops were present, but very laid-back and more interested in blocking the side streets. There were lots of pets as well, some in full Mardi Gras attire.

The smells of all that good carnival food filled the air, but we didn't have any as we were planning to stop at Golden Corral afterwards. Stopped in a bar to await the parade as they were quite late getting to our area. It must take a long time to throw all those beads.

Gettin' Our Mardi Gras On. More to Come. --RoadDog