What you should know before going to a Lafayette Mardi Gras parade
There's no doubt that Lafayette Mardi Gras parades downtown will be exciting and fun. But, in the rare instance that you might need special assistance, here's a quick reference list from the Lafayette Police Department.
Police Department command post locations along the parade route:
Fire Station #1 at Vermilion and Lee Street
Fire Station #5 at Johnston Street and St. Julien Street
Lafayette Police Command Bus at Johnston Street. and S. College
Lost or found children can be brought to any officer along the parade route or to one of the Lafayette Police command posts.
Leave a note: Parents are requested to secure a note in a pocket of each child with the child’s name, address, and telephone number of someone to contact in case the parent and child become separated. The number should be someone who will be home, not with the parent or child.
Medical Assistance - Acadian Ambulance Service will have ambulance units stationed along the parade route. Citizens needing medical assistance should notify one of the police officers along the parade route or go to the nearest police command post.
Parking – No parking will be allowed on the streets or sidewalks along the parade routes. The city parking garage on Vermilion Street will not be available to the public. Parking at the Blackham Coliseum, inside the fenced area, will be limited to floats and people picking up band members and other parade participants.
Parade viewing for those with disabilities – An accessible Mardi Gras Parade Zone will be available for citizens with disabilities attending parades in Lafayette. The zone will be located at the intersection of Johnston Street and St. Julien Street by Fire Station Number Five. The zone will be cordoned off and is specifically reserved for citizens with disabilities to enjoy the parades. Space is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Prohibitions – The following will be prohibited along the parade route: Any product that is manufactured for the purpose of being thrown against a hard surface or stepped on to make a popping noise: such as, snaps, pops, and cracker balls; silly string; animals; skateboards; whips; glass containers; No flashing —exposing oneself— or throwing items back at float riders. Entering the barricaded areas during the parades is not allowed and is strictly enforced.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Read this before going to a Lafayette Mardi Gras parade
