How to See the Elks Orleans Parade at Mardi Gras

New Orleans is on the path to recovery after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Many of your favorite restaurants and hotels are open for business. The parades associated with Mardi Gras are set to take place once more. One of the more popular parades at Mardi Gras is the Elks Orleans Truck Parade. Many people line the streets to see all kinds of different trucks rumble through the streets of New Orleans.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water Bottle
• Jacket
• Hat
• Map of the area
• Camera
• Folding chair
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen

See the Elks Orleans Parade at Mardi Gras

1. Check the date for the Elks Orleans parade, because it can change from year to year. The parade usually occurs on Fat Tuesday.

2. Keep in mind the Elks Orleans parade occurs after the Elks Jefferson parade, because many of the trucks are in the Elks Jefferson parade as well. The start time of 11:30 a.m. is an estimate of the time the parade will actually start.

3. Choose a spot along the easy-to-follow Elks Orleans parade route. It starts at the corner of South Claiborne and Napoleon, then heads south on Napoleon, west on St. Charles, north on Canal and ends at the corner of Canal and South Claiborne.

4. Look for a spot to see the parade at the corner of Napoleon and St. Charles or St. Charles and Canal for a great view of the trucks in the parade.

5. Take photos of your favorite trucks to share with family and friends after the big event.

6. Make plans to come back to the Elks Orleans parade the next year.

Tips & Warnings

• Highlight the path of the parade on a map so you know where you are and where to find a good spot to see the parade.
• The truck parade of the Krewe of Elks Orleans is suitable for the entire family.
• Bring some water with you so you don't have to leave the parade to find a drink.
• Put on some sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun when you are outside for hours at a time, even in the wintertime.
• A cool breeze can blow into the city from the Gulf of Mexico, so you may want to have a jacket with you in case you get cold.
• Make sure you keep valuables secure any time you are in a large crowd.

Resources

• The Elks Oreleans parade schedule at Mardigrasdigest.com