If you are going to Mardi Gras anywhere in Louisiana then two of the biggest questions you probably have are "How do I catch the best throws" and "How do I catch as many throws as possible"?

Mardi Gras parades kick off this Saturday in New Orleans. The first parade in Lafayette will be the Krewe de Canailles which will be held the night of Friday, February 2.

It can be hard to get noticed by people on floats, and that is the real trick to getting the best beads and other throws from those folks.

You may have your own secrets that help you get beads, and we have a few ideas we use to score more loot at Mardi Gras.

Man in Costume at Mardi Gras
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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Have You Got a Creative Costume?

It never seems to fail that people who have on cute, funny, outrageous, or outlandish costumes get the best, most beautiful beads and other trinkets!

If you have a costume that catches the eye of someone riding a float it's almost guaranteed that you will be pelted with beads.

The more outlandish the costume, without being offensive, the better your chances at getting loads of beads and the best beads from each float.

Children at Mardi Gras Parades
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Kids Are Precious & Revelers Will Throw to Kids

Mardi Gras is a time for all of us to celebrate with wild abandon before the beginning of Lent, but when you really get down to it, it should be about the kids.

When you find a way to get your child acknowledged by someone on a float it is likely that you and your child are the recipient of a massive amount of beads.

This is especially true in the Children's Parade which is traditionally held on the Saturday before Mardi Gras in Lafayette.

Krewe of Rio Parade 2022
Staff Photo
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How High Up Are You?

One easy trick to getting the best throws and beads is to be above the crowd. Many parents have ladders with chairs for their children.

We have also seen adults who find the perfect spot on the parade route to be on the balcony of a business or on top of a van. Float riders are looking to find a way to get the beads to you.

In order to score the most beads, you have to get creative!!!

Parade Barricades
Courtesy KATC
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Standing Back from the Metal Barricades Might Mean You Get Better Beads

Mardi Gras float riders can see everything including the people who are in the middle or in the back of the crowd.

They will likely be very willing to throw to you because they may know that other float riders are already handing out or throwing to people right up against the barricades.

It's also a plus being further back because that gives a float rider a chance to show off "their throwing skills".

Do You Have a Creative Gimick?

Whether it's a costume, a crazy dance or an amazing sign, you have to really work to get the attention of the people throwing the beads from the floats.

Float riders love to try to get beads or other throws into a basket contraption. If you have a funny or creative sign that makes them laugh they are going to throw the best beads right at you.

Just remember, whatever you do, keep it family-friendly in Acadiana because there are children everywhere.

We hope this helps you prepare for the upcoming Mardi Gras parades and we hope that you catch so many beads this year you can fill up the back of a truck with them.

Enjoy the parades and remember one thing, they are only plastic!!! Be good sports!!

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