Crowds Jockey For Prime Spots On Mardi Gras Route

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The stakeout is on for prime spots along the Mardi Gras parade route in New Orleans.

Legions of Carnival die-hards woke up early on Monday so they could reserve the best places to vie for beads thrown from floats on Fat Tuesday. On grassy areas along the route, they set up folding chairs, ladders and tents

and prepared for an overnight vigil.

Audubon Zoo employee Kim Boyer says she volunteers to work Christmas and other holidays so she can take off several days during Carnival — and stake out her favorite parade-watching spot.

Lundi Gras features its own parades to entertain the crowds. But the day also offers a preview of Tuesday's festivities, including a meeting of the monarchs of the Zulu krewe and Rex, the King of Carnival, and his queen.