Mardi Gras is back, baby! The bead-filled fun has been going on for weeks, culminating this year on Fat Tuesday, March 1. While there is a plethora of Krewe parades to attend, the Northshore boasts some of the most enjoyable in my opinion. Here are three upcoming ones sure to please.

Krewe of Bilge (Slidell) – Saturday, February 12, noon

I love a parade, and even more so when it is on water! For over 40 years, the Krewe of Bilge participants have paraded around on boats from the middle of Slidell waterways. The route begins at Phil’s Marina Café. One of my favorite spots to catch beads (and for great people-watching) is at The Dock. Wherever you choose to mark your spot, do so early!

Krewe of Push Mow (Abita Springs) – Saturday, February 19, noon

With the theme of “A pandemic, a hurricane… what’s next for Abita,” how can you not have a blast? Float suggestions, which include aliens invading to Santa coming to town again, are sure to make this one heck of a spectator’s delight. The family-friendly parade route starts and ends at Abita Springs Middle School, with much of it on Main Street. If you have yet to attend the Push Mow parade, be sure to make plans for this year. The decorated push lawn mowers are worth the trip alone.

Covington Lions Club and Krewe of Covington (Covington) – Tuesday, March 1, 10 a.m.

On actual Mardi Gras day, you get two parades for the price of one (free)! First up is the Covington Lions Club, with close to 20 floats expected, along with antique car clubs, mounted horses and more. The route begins at the intersection of North Columbia and Jefferson Streets. Immediately following is a second parade, presented by the Krewe of Covington. The krewe was founded over 70 years ago, and it knows how to put on a show. Once this parade is over, more fun awaits at the Covington Trailhead, with live music, kids’ games and scrumptious food.

For a complete list of 2022 parades, click here. New Orleans may be more famous for Mardi Gras, but for those of us on the Northshore, we like to parade around our towns!