Tips & Tricks for seeing Mardi Gras Parades

Links and packing tips below!
In this video, Andrew and James share some ideas for how to prepare for a parade, including information to look for ahead of time, options for where to watch, and what the elements of a parade are. We're specifically focusing here on float parades - walking parades have different locations, smaller crowds, and fewer throws, but you can still find information about them by the means listed in this video.
Parade tracker app:
Apple - apps.apple.com...
Android - play.google.co...
Non-app source for routes, times, photos, and history:
www.mardigrasn...
A comprehensive and visually rich guide available in print in New Orleans (and in a more limited form online):
www.mardigrasgu...
Grandstand seating:
www.mardigrasp...
ITEMS TO CONSIDER PACKING
CLOTHES - obviously wear clothes (much of what you've heard about Mardi Gras is exaggerated!), but things to aim for in particular are:
1) comfort, because you'll be out for a good while and probably moving a lot;
2) weather adaptability, like a layer you can add or subtract, because the temperature changes fast this time of year; and
3) flashiness - a lot of people like to wear costumes to parades, and if you want to catch a lot of throws, you need the riders on the floats to notice you! It's all about the upper body here - that's all the folks on the floats can see.
GLOVES - if your hands are cold (and holding a cold drink counts), catching a well-thrown string of beads can HURT.
SNACKS - being hangry ruins the fun, and it's gonna be a high-calorie day.
DRINKS - water at least, and alcohol optionally - if not for you, then for barter (offering a float rider a drink can get you some good throws). Cans rather than bottles if you can help it.
SPARE PHONE BATTERY AND CABLE - obvious reasons.
TOILET PAPER OR OTHER SANITARY ITEMS - obvious reasons if you use your imagination.
CASH - a lot of curbside stands pop up during Mardi Gras and some are cash only, plus you may want $1s to tip the flambeaux.
EMPTY GROCERY BAGS - for throws or trash.
. . . and whatever you carry your supplies in, leave a little room - thanks to the throws, most parade watchers leave carrying more than they arrived with.
BONUS POINTS - you'll see people along the route holding posters, which can be a fun tactic for catching attention - you can use a poster to tell the float riders if it's your first Mardi Gras or if it's your birthday (not the most creative options, but workable), or make a joke on the theme of the parade, or just write "Hey Jamie" - there's bound to be a Jamie on one of the floats. Glitter helps.
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