Local law enforcement urges safety this Mardi Gras

Law enforcement agencies in the Tri-parish area may have different ways to display their parade rules, but they all have the same message … safety first.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said Mardi Gras is a season for everyone to have a good time. He said the local law enforcement agencies are not trying to limit the fun parade riders and viewers have, but rather help keep them safe while enjoying the festivities.

A number of parishes have a uniform set of guidelines to promote safe Carnival parades, according to the sheriff. But in Lafourche Parish each year, sheriff’s office captains are responsible for supervising parades.

“Each captain supervises two to three parades,” Webre said. “For those parades, they have to submit an operations plan where they coordinate with the Carnival krewe captains on rules and regulations for each parade. This way we can make the parade safe while accommodating the needs of each krewe.”

The current system, the sheriff said, appears to be working.

“Making a list of parade ordinances is an act for the parish government. If in coming years, they [the parish government] decided to formulate a continuous parade ordinance, then [the sheriff’s office] will be happy to enforce those rules for them” Webre said.

Likewise, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office works with the krewes to reinforce laws currently on the books. Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said he is asking parade-goers and riders to use common sense during the parade season.

Nicholls State University has issued its own set of rules for the Mardi Gras parades in Thibodaux. Officials said visitors will be allowed to park on the university’s campus in parking lots along Audubon Avenue with few restrictions.

NSU University Police are asking that parade-goers adhere to normal parking courtesies, such as observing handicapped zones, no parking zones and reserved parking spaces as some Nicholls employees work after normal business hours. Visitors may not use any restroom facilities or university utilities, according to the University Police.

Visitors planning to park overnight will be allowed to do so between 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, and 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11; and between 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Also, all university buildings will be closed to the public during parade times. The university is officially closed Monday, Feb. 19, and Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The Houma Police Department is also reminding the public that it will strictly enforce laws to ensure safety.

Public Information Officer Lt. Todd Duplantis said, “We ask people to follow these rules because they will protect them. Violators will be arrested or issued a summons.”

The following rules, comprised by the Houma Police, are to be followed by float riders participating in carnivals parades in the Tri-parish area:

• Float riders are required to be in full mask and costume during the entire parade.

• Riders should not move from their assigned positions except in case of an emergency.

• The police will remove any rider riding on the very top of a float.

• Drinking should be held to a minimum on the floats during the parade or before the parade, unless you are a king and queen returning a toast.

• No smoking on floats.

• Float riders should throw trinkets in designated throwing areas.

• Do not throw to those near bands, drill teams and horses; aim toward the back of crowds.

• Riders should not add nails or other sharp object to floats to hold trinkets.

• Do not throw objects that could harm the crowd.

• Float riders are not allowed to wear obscene articles of any type.

• A parade permit does not allow you to throw boxes or plastic bags from the float n all trash is to be removed from the float in the disbanding areas.

• Float riders must be on your float one-hour prior to the start of the parade.

The following rules are to be followed by parade viewers in the Terrebonne-Lafourche parishes:

• Parade viewers shall stay on the proper side of the barricades, and when there are no barricades viewers should stay at a safe distance from the floats and parade marchers.

• To provide safe viewing of parades it shall be unlawful for any person to hold a child or adult over the age of six in his/her arms, on his/her back or his/her shoulders with 10 feet of a carnival float or other parade viewer.

• Parade viewers should not intentionally destroy a float.

• Any one caught throwing objects at float riders will be charged and arrested for battery.

• No loud or profane music.

• People who are not members of a carnival organization or contracted participants cannot follow a float or a band during the course of a parade.

• Glass containers are prohibited within 500 feet of a carnival parade route two-hours prior, during and one-hour following a carnival parade.

If anyone sees anybody driving while intoxicated, call the Houma Police at (985) 873-6371 or the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 449-2255.