Countdown to Mardi Gras: Celebrity sightings, parade changes & more

It’s the final countdown! Mardi Gras is just around the corner (March 4) and the first parades are warming up now, ready to roll in a little bit more than two weeks.

In other words, things are starting happening and there’s a lot going on. Here’s the latest parade news and updates.

The Good

In December, the Krewe of Orpheus announced that Fats Domino, the Rock-n-Roll hall of fame member would be their honorary grand marshal. Today, the added another legend to their celebrity lineup, this time from the movie world – the legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino will reign as the krewe’s celebrity monarch. Krewe of Orpheus will parade Lundi Gras evening (March 3 at 6 pm) along the uptown route.

In Metarie parade news, everyone’s favorite defensive coach, Rob Ryan of the New Orleans Saints will lead the Krewe of Argus as their celebrity Grand Marshall. The parade rolls on Mardi Gras day  at 10 am.

So that they’re not causing a total gridlock, the Krewe of Grela updated their parade route to limit the number of times it blocks the lower West Bank Expressway.

Mixed Reviews

The New Orleans City Council just passed these new Mardi Gras parade rules last week:

1 - There can be no ladders or other personal effects closer than 6 feet to the curb. This includes coolers and grills.

2 - Parking on Napoleon and St. Charles will be prohibited on BOTH sides of the neutral ground, not just the parade side, starting 2 hours before the parade.

3 - There is now a ban on roping off territory via chairs, tarps, or anything else, if you are in the public right of way. This includes neutral ground and sidewalks.

4 - There can be no private portable toilets in the neutral ground and other public property.

The Bad

Krewe of Atlas canceled their Metairie parade, citing fundraising difficulties. Hopefully they'll be back next year.

Stay tuned. We’ll keep you up to date on any and all Mardi Gras news in the upcoming weeks.

Getting close people! Getting close!