Rule #1 for Carnival season, don't do anything stupid. Now that we've got that out of the way, Happy Mardi Gras! Lafayette City Police, Sheriff's Department, Louisiana State Police, and every other law enforcement agency in Acadiana wants you to be safe before, during, and after the festivities.

Lafayette City Police has a comprehensive guide for Mardi Gras Information and Safety. Some of the highlights are below, but it really is worth looking over before you head out to the parade route this weekend through Tuesday. Be safe, y'all, and have a wonderful Mardi Gras!

Official Command posts are located at:

  • Fire Station #1 at Vermilion St. and Lee St.
  • Fire Station #5 at Johnston St. and St. Julien St.
  • Lafayette Police Command Bus at Johnston St. and S. College Rd.
  • The 911 Bus will be located at Cajun Field

Lost and Found Children: Can be brought to any police officer along the parade route, or to any of the command posts

Residents who need to get to their homes or businesses after the barricades have been set up can call Lafayette Police Department at (337) 291-8600 for any assistance they may need in negotiating the parade route

Handicapped viewing - The Command Post at the corner of St Julien and Johnston St., in front of Fire Station #5 has been designated as a handicap viewing area.

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; rollerblading; whips; glass containers; No flashing (exposing oneself), and throwing items back at float riders. Entering the barricaded areas during the parades is not allowed and strictly enforced.

No parking will be allowed along the parade route, on the streets or sidewalks. The city parking garage on Vermilion Street will not be open on Mardi Gras Day. Parking at Blackham Coliseum (inside the fenced area) will be limited to floats and people picking up band members and other parade participants.

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