Mardi Gras comes to South Louisiana with a Shout! It reverberates, pulsates and stirs the soul. Here in a small town neighbors and strangers walk the streets and push good naturedly to grab a few gee gaws , trinkets and beads to the tune of, "Throw me something Mister."

These pictures were taken on Whitley Drive in Des Allemands, Louisiana during the annual Mardi Gras Parade, March 5, 2000. Our grandchildren each caught two shopping bags of beads and toys. Rachel reported to Grandpa that she even, "caughted one with her head."

These shots were taken at the very beginning of the Parade. It continues for another two miles to the center of town and back. The crowds and major crush of onlookers are near the center of the trek as the parade winds its way through town.

The interesting fact of Mardi Gras is that this is repeated over 80 times in the small towns surrounding and the metro area of New Orleans. It is truly the world's largest free show!