The Gras is always greener

When sweet old grandmothers stomp on scavenging hands for fallen beads, you know it’s time for tooth-cracking king cakes, anatomy-baring tourists and parades of high school bands that make Mardi Gras what it is.

We searched the state for the most unusual, interesting and must-see events of the season. Complete with Clydesdales, costumes and crazy shiners, here are 225’s picks for a Mardi Gras.

Mamou Courir

Tuesday, Feb. 20, music starts at 11 a.m.

It’s not about the beads in Mamou; it’s about the music, the food and costumed chicken chasers on horseback soliciting gumbo ingredients. Mamou Mardi Gras has that certain je ne sais quoi. Only the captain knows the parade route, so get to town early and follow the horses. With more than 250 riders, that’s sure to make a messy breadcrumb trail.

Drive time from B.R. 100 minutes

New Roads Parades

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

You won’t see any bead-snatching, foot-stomping or rowdy crowds at New Roads Mardi Gras. You will see children on shoulders, unique homemade floats and 85 years of tradition at two community club-sponsored parades. With all proceeds benefiting local schools, the Little Carnival Capital of Louisiana is guaranteed family fun.

Drive time from B.R. 40 minutes

Thibodaux

Sunday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Mardi Gras runs through the veins of locals in Thibodaux. With more than 40 units for the Krewe of Cleophas and other independent floats and activities, the “poor man’s parade” won’t leave you empty-handed. Wendy Vicknair, vice president of the Krewe, says the parade runs so long, “normally by the time it’s done, it’s dark.” Stock up on extra grocery bags for the kids and be prepared to duck.

Drive time from B.R. 75 minutes

Madisonville Boat Parade

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.

The Tchefuncte River is the true grand marshal of the Madisonville Boat Parade. Crowds of spectators line the banks as sun (and beer)-soaked revelers cruise New Orleans-style with small-town flavor. Krewe of Tchefuncte Captain Iris Vacante says the spectators of this parade will be “bombarded with beads” when the boats dock at harbors. Word is that no other event in the area will have as many throws.

Drive time from B.R. 60 minutes

St. Anne

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m.

Feeling spontaneous? Follow the costumed secret Societé de Sainte Anne as they roam on foot through the French Quarter. With more than 30 years of disorganization, the parade is still thrown together Fat Tuesday morning, the only requirement being you know about it. Papa Grows Funk’s John Gros says the procession is “on the adult side but without nudity and heavy-duty debauchery.” Enter anywhere you hear music and follow it to the river, where members sprinkle ashes in remembrance of the dead.

Drive time from B.R. 70 minutes

The pooch parade

(Route starts at: North Boulevard and Third, walking to about Eighth or Ninth, turns around and goes back down North. Bark in the Park is at North and Third.)

The Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade, sponsored by Capital Area Animal Welfare Society rolls at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, starting at North Boulevard and Third Street. The doggy march is to raise funds for humane education and spay/neuter programs. Here are a few mugs to look for.

Tbonage, aka T-Bone

7-year-old mutt • Parent: Nancy Jo Craig

Any special tricks? He knows when I spell W-A-L-K,

and runs to get his leash.

What’s his day job? He takes his job of stalking the brown truck (UPS) very seriously, and is extremely proud when it leaves the neighborhood. But the pesky thing keeps coming back so his job is never done.

Cane II

7-year-old English Lab • Parent: Todd Graves

Favorite food? Bones and Raising Cane’s chicken

fingers, of course.

If she could talk what would she say? Where’s my paycheck?

Prince Amador

18-month old Collie and Huskie mix • Parent: Julie Amador

What will he be modeling this year? He will probably be wearing the standard yellow, green and purple colors of the season.

Any special tricks? He is fantastic at breaking up catfights.