Mardi Gras Parades, Baton Rouge

 Mardi Gras Krewes of Baton Rouge ... 2010

 It's Mardi Gras.  Throw me somethin, mister!

In Louisiana, the holiday season doesn't seem to stop until after Easter.  Even though Mardi Gras Day is February 16, the Mardi Gras season starts with King Cakes.  They are already on the shelves of bakeries and grocery stores all over the city.  Parades and balls start on January 30.  So we have a whole month to put on the pounds.  Then we can lose them while jumping and running for beads at the parades or by dancing them away at the balls.

While Mardi Gras is historically a party season, the krewes in Baton Rouge are organized for more than fun.  They are very supportive of community and fund-raising activities. 

Krewe of Jupiter is the first night-time parade krewe in Baton Rouge.  This year's theme is "Jupiter Rocks the Universe."  The parade is scheduled for January 30, 2010, at 6:30 p.m.

Mystic Krewe of Mutts Dog Parade is sponsored by the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.  The parade takes place on North Boulevard, Sunday, January 31, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Krewe of Artemis is an all-female krewe.  Founded in 2002 it is fairly new to the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras scene.  The night parade will be downtown, February 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Krewe Mystique de la Capitale  is the oldest parading krewe in Baton Rouge.  The parade is family oriented and suitable for all family members, young and old.  It will roll on February 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Krewe of Orion, founded in 1988,  is aptly represented by Orion, the mythological hunter of the skies.  The parade will be held downtown on February 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Krewe of Southdowns rolls through the Southdowns subdivision on February 12, 7:00 p.m.

Krewe of Spanish Town parade has floats entered by numerous small krewes throughout the city, e.g., Wasted Krewe and Krewe of Roadkill.  The parade's mascot is the pink flamingo.  This year's theme is "XXXpress It."  The parade rolls downtown on February 13 at 12:00 p.m.

Krewe of Poseidon, the newest krewe, was formed in 2009.  The parade is scheduled for February 13, 4:00 p.m.

 COME OUT TO JOIN US FOR A FANTASTIC MARDI GRAS 2010

 Actually, this photo was taken in New Orleans, but it's my favorite.