My 10 Must Have Mardi Gras Items

Our family on St. Charles for Krewe of Iris.

For our family, Mardi Gras is the best time of the year. We try to get to as many parades as we can during the parading season… even on school nights. Going to the parades for so many years I have a few items that are on my must have list and I am going to share them with you.

For those of you that aren’t from here I will fill you in a little. Mardi Gras Day is February 21, 2023. For the three weeks prior, there are parades all over New Orleans and surrounding areas. Starting the Tuesday before Mardi Gras Day there are parades every night and all weekend long. We really enjoy getting to see our city explode with excitement.

Mardi Gras parades are packed which means there can be long lines for food and drinks. There also may be waiting time before or between krewes. I love having everything I need, and I am sharing my must haves with you!

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Ladder

We sold our big Mardi Gras parade ladder several years ago because the boys were really getting too big for it and getting them in and out was a struggle. My friend had these ladders, and the kids can just stand on them. A lot less of a struggle to bring to the city and easier for the kids to go up and down. Justin and I can even stand on them comfortably if we need to get up high.

Light Up Laces

The kids love them, and I can see where they are. Two birds, one stone. I have seen a lot of people on the route with these laces and also the shoes.

Bead Bag

Mardi Gras riders are generous and kind. They are going to load you down. You have to have something to bring all the goodies home. I just saw this bag at Loula’s and it is perfect.

Wagon

We use this wagon for sports, festivals and Mardi Gras. It folds up easily so we can get it in and out of the car but it is so helpful with bringing things down to the route.

Ice Chest Backpack

This is my newest addition to this post. I purchased this for the beach last year, but it is become one of my favorite items. It keeps your hands free, and it will keep your drinks cold all day.

Wipes

Mardi Gras is fun, but it is also dirty. You are always going to have sticky or wet throws, there isn’t always toilet paper in the port-o-potties, and you are going to want to clean your hands before you eat. Believe me, of all the things I listed this is the most important.

Entertainment

Obviously, the parade is the main attraction but what if you have to wait? Sometimes we get to parades 2 hours before they roll and there is always wait times between the parades too. I always have a ball or something in my bag for the kids. Last year I saw a lot of families bring chalk and decorate the roads. Anything you can think of to keep everyone entertained.

Emergency Items

I have this first aid kit on me at all times. It easily slips into my purse, but I bring it to sports events and all the parades. It never fails that someone gets their hands stepped on or scrapes a knee. Also, a garbage bag or a few. I don’t like leaving trash on the route even though that sounds ridiculous because there is so much left behind. It’s just a personal thing so we collect all of our trash and bring it home to throw away. Another thing I use them for is wet throws. We have gone to several parades in the rain, and it is great to have something to put all the wet things into.

Fanny Pack

Keep your valuables close to you. Yes, there is always a chance that someone can steal something, but you can also drop things in the crowd. I keep everything important as close as possible. I have two options for you.

Justin bought this for me for Christmas and it is pricey, but I use it so much already. There are smaller options that are more affordable but I decided to get all the options on this one so I could carry everything.