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Mardi Gras Time on the Alabama Gulf Coast !!!

Every year the Mardi Gras parade takes place down Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach at night.

This Gulf Shores / Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade was presented by the 'Mystics of Pleasure'. The organization's name comes from the local name for our area -- "Pleasure Island". The group defines itself on the doubloons that were some of the 'throws' from the floats as "A Mystical Drinking Society". Wonder what a 'Mystical Drink' is?

The slightly chilly weather probably felt great to those on the floats and the marching bands.

Mardi Gras Photos 2005       Mardi Gras Photos 2007

Many of the floats were actually decorated boats.

Some of the float decorations were more convincing than others !

Many local rock bands played from flat-bed trailers. The drummers were usually in the caboose position.

The upheld hands all belonged to the parade watchers as they called out 'Throw me sumthin' mister'. In the Alabama Mardi Gras parades, Old fashioned snack Moon Pies are a popular throw.

Many decorated motorcycles paraded too.

We didn't get a photo of the Current Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Queen, but this car held the 'Past Queen' :o)

Maybe they should refer to her as the 'Former Queen', or '2002 Queen', but I guess her time is past.

Marching Bands are such a fun and uplifting part of any parade.

The perfect spot for watching the parade with an early supper and a cold beer was Ruby Tuesdays in Orange Beach. The bartenders were all decked out and the customers were having a ball. Check out the size of these girl's drinks !

This float had electric palm trees and pink flamingos. It was our favorite. Most of the floats were pulled by vehicles representing local businesses and a good time was had by all at this family event.

The Beach Highway, is the main thoroughfare for the coast, so some local traffic was allowed to pass the parade route, but slowly.

Now look at the cute tiny stuffed squirrel (about 4 inches tall) that was thrown to me from one of the floats. He loves it at his new home and even gets into the Mardi Gras party mood himself !

Mardi Gras Photos 2005       Mardi Gras Photos 2007