After the clowns with shopping carts selling balloons and cotton candy, the police on motorcycles, the scouts, a marching band come the cars carrying visiting royalty and other important people of the town, such as the mayor.
They always ride in convertibles, but if it is a sports car, so much the better.
What makes this part a hit with the crowd is they always throw candy. Free stuff, Yay! I’ve been in parades where I’ve had to sit in a car and trust me, if you do not have a sack of bubble gum or Sweetarts to throw, the only people who will give you any attention are the little old ladies who clap for everyone.
Floats. Love ‘em. The one above is a beach scene. The girl in the gown would most likely be a visiting queen from another festival such as the Crawfish Festival. Visiting royalty are spread out over the rest of the floats.
The above is so badly damaged (a Polaroid), I almost didn’t put it up here, but I like the queen waving with her gloved arm. And that clown riding the unicycle beside the float just rocks.
And wow, look at those seahorses.
If you missed the beginning of the parade, you have to go see it, that’s where the crazy cars are.
Come back tomorrow, I’ll have some floats in color.
I like seeing the people on the sidelines too…
I like that part too, Francis. This in unusual, this spot they were in because those parades were so crowded. I have some more photos coming up with bigger crowds.
Very impressive and interesting old pictures. I like the float with the seahorses.
Those seahorses rock.
I really like looking at those old pics.
Thanks James and Michele, so happy to have you in the crowd.
I’m throwing Reeses today. Catch!