How to See the Elks Jefferson Parade at Mardi Gras

The Elks Jefferson parade occurs during Mardi Gras and is your opportunity to see all kinds of different trucks. This parade is put together by the Krewe of Elks Jefferson and run by the Lodge 30 of the New Orleans chapter of the Elks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jacket
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Folding Chair

See the Elks Jefferson Parade at Mardi Gras

1. Find the date of the parade. The date tends to change from year to year.

2. Remember the Elks Jefferson parade starts at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. depending on the year. The Elks Jefferson parade does not start until the Argus-Metairie parade comes to an end.

3. Learn the Elks Jefferson parade route. The parade starts on El Dorado and goes west, north to Veterans Memorial Boulevard and goes west, north on N Arnoult Rd, west on 12th Street, south on Severn, west on Veterans, north on Bonnabel, west on Nero, south to Veterans and west on Veterans to Martin Behrman, where it ends.

4. Arrive early to get a good spot to see the parade. Try to find an open spot on the corner of Veterans and Bonnabel or Veterans and Severn.

5. Keep your camera ready to take lots of pictures of various trucks as they roll down the streets of this 5.8-mile-long parade.

6. Carry your gear back to your car after the parade and make plans to see the Elks Jefferson parade at Mardi Gras the next year!

Tips & Warnings

• The entire family can enjoy the Elks Jefferson parade at Mardi Gras.
• Since this parade goes through lunchtime, you may want to bring a snack with you to enjoy during the parade.
• Get in place early, before 9:30 a.m., if you want to watch the Argus-Metairie parade before the Elks Jefferson parade.
• If you miss the Elks Jefferson parade, you can catch the Elks Orleans truck parade featuring many of the same trucks.
• Try to find a place to stand where the sun will be at your back. You'll want to face west instead of east.
• Even though the parade occurs in February, you can still be subject to sunburns when you are outside for long periods of time in the South. Put on sunscreen for the parade and consider wearing a hat.
• Bring a jacket in case there is a cool breeze in the air.

Resources

• The schedule for Mardi Gras parades at Mardigrasdigest.com