When Mardi Gras parades start rolling on this Sunday, January 29, Slidell parade-goers might want to think twice before they leave their cars, trucks or RVs parked along the parade route.
Citizens can park their vehicles 12 hours before a parade is scheduled to start, and has to be removed within 12 hours after the end of the parade. Any vehicles parked before or after the allotted times will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. This does not include private property along the route.
Chief Randy Smith would like to remind the public that Uniformed and Plain Clothes Officers will be out patrolling the entire parade route looking for any underage drinkers and those causing a disturbance. Anyone caught violating the law could be issued a summons or arrested. There will also be extra officers that will concentrate on looking for impaired drivers before, during and after the parade. The Slidell Police Department is also getting help from other St. Tammany Parish Law Enforcement agencies; these include the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Covington, Madisonville, Mandeville and Pearl River Police Departments. Officers will also be on the look out for anyone that throws an object at any participant in the parade or those trying to interfere with them.
Chief Randy Smith said” I want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the parades, but remember to keep in family friendly”
“Leaving a vehicle to claim your spot on the parade route is a thing of the past,” said Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan. “People used to park their vehicles along Front St. days before a parade would begin. Not only is this a hazard to citizens who drive on Front St., but it also tears up the ground and has to be repaired by the City.”
Mayor Drennan says that he is proud that many families choose to celebrate Mardi Gras in Slidell. “I ask that everyone be respectful and help us maintain a family friendly environment,” says Drennan. “It is important that we all work together to have a fun and safe carnival season.”
City ordinances prohibit the presence of animals along the parade route. The use of Silly String, streamers, fireworks and other explosive devices are also restricted. The city will also be checking that all vendors have the correct permits. For more information about vendor permits, please call (985) 646-4310 or visit the Finance Lobby on the second floor of the Slidell City Council and Administrative Center at 2045 Second Street.
2012 Slidell Mardi Gras Parade Schedule:
Sunday, January 29, Krewe of Claude, starts at 1 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Saturday, February 4, Krewe of Bilge, boat parade starts at 12 noon at Oak Harbor Marina.
Saturday, February 4, Krewe of Slidellians, starts at 1 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Sunday, February 5, Krewe of Perseus, starts at 1 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Friday, February 10, Mona Lisa and Moon Pie, starts at 7 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.
Saturday, February 11, Krewe de Paws, pet parade starts at 10 a.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.
Saturday, February 11, Mystical Krewe of Titans, starts at 6:30 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Sunday, February 12, Krewe of Dionysus, starts at 1 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Friday, February 17, Krewe of Selene, starts at 6:30 p.m. on Pontchartrain Dr.
Keep Slidell Beautiful is also looking for volunteers to help clean up after the parades. This is a great opportunity for students to serve their community and earn service hours for school. Families, church groups, civic organizations and school clubs who are interested in volunteering should visit Keep Slidell Beautiful’s website at www.keepslidellbeautiful.org for a list of volunteer times and locations.