New Roads reschedules Mardi Gras parades due to severe weather

NEW ROADS, La. (Louisiana First) – In New Roads, the Mardi Gras parades kicked off earlier than planned Tuesday.

Parade-goer Becky Sinclair says the city of New Roads handled the severe weather threat on Mardi Gras day without a hitch.

She says, “There was a lady standing right by me that came from Baton Rouge.  She said she woke up at 4:30 a.m. just to get here! Both parades collided together – and it worked out O.K.  It cleared up before rain started.”

According to the city, the New Roads Lions Club parade and Community Center Carnival Club of Point Coupee parade ran continuously, starting at 8:30 a.m., instead of later in the afternoon.

“At 6:30 a.m. I got here, and people were already here.  They had to come in because at 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. the roads were shutting down,” she mentioned.

New Roads resident Dana Blount says she’s used to rolling with the punches – just like her city did – regarding Louisiana weather.

“I was looking forward to having good weather and a good day, but it’s south Louisiana, so I’m not all that surprised. One year it was freezing with icicles – not a lot of people were out.  So, I’ve seen worse weather conditions,” she added.

Blount says she’s proud of her city and its leaders for handling last-minute changes.
               
She says, “My friends’ daughters always park at my house – and they were all here this morning.  Nothing would deter them.  They said, ‘It only happens once a year, we’re going!’”
               
Blount says Mardi Gras is a beloved tradition in New Roads, which is known as the “Little Carnival Capital” of Louisiana.