Happy Marty's Something

After last year's apocalypse bating convergence of a city wide election and a Saints Superbowl championship right in the thick of Carnival season, I gotta say I'm digging the late Mardi Gras this year. Although it's exciting in early seasons to see the grandstands go up in front of Gallier Hall during December, the value of time to decompress after the holidays should not be underestimated.

Plus the warmer (but not yet too hot) weather is more... well... Carnival-like. Not to mention foggy.



If the fog sticks around tonight it can only add to the atmosphere at Krewe du Vieux. Night time fog in the Quarter is one of the coolest things about this time of year.

Of course the late parade season does have its drawbacks, bigger crowds and more spring break assholes being the first two that come to mind. But there will plenty of time for bitching once things get going. For now... cause for optimism. The following (including the all-cap emphasis) is cut and pasted from a NOLAinfo alert that was sent to subscribers yesterday.

Owners of property along parade routes are reminded that this Mardi Gras ordinance also prohibits the erecting of stands or platforms on the sidewalk, street and/or medians. The CHAINING OF LADDERS to public property, light standards, utility poles, and/or to each other, IS PROHIBITED. ALL LADDERS used by parade spectators should be structurally sound. No ladders, chairs, ice chests, chaise lounges, etc. should be placed in intersections, on medians or between curbs of public streets. The rule governing ladders is: LADDERS SHOULD BE PLACED AS MANY FEET BACK FROM THE STREET CURB AS THE LADDER IS HIGH.

MARDI GRAS is a show enjoyed by millions, and the New Orleans Police Department will utilize all resources to assure that it is as safe as possible for all to enjoy.

Will this be the year we finally get the ladder problem under control?