Nicholls hosts sales competition
February 23, 2017
Johnny Sanchez
February 24, 2017
To S.P. LaRussa, captain of the Hercules parade that rolled Saturday night after the Krewe of Aquarius had passed through Houma’s streets, the measure of parade is in its trash.
Numbers were not yet ready Monday, but to the long-time Carnival club leader, the visual said everything he needed to know.
“This year was a great success, it’s the biggest crowds I have ever seen,” LaRussa said. “I looked at the trash on Barrow Street and that said it all.”
He estimated the crowd overall at 100,000, with parade-goers standing 10 and 12 deep in some places.
Saturday was indeed a super-Carnival night. The night before, rainy weather halted plans for Hercules to roll, the reason the krewe paraded instead on Saturday after Aquarius.
But authorities also noted what such a long Saturday night – Hercules extended past 1 a.m. Sunday – can mean to
public order. Additional alcohol consumption by krewe members as well as spectators are cited as the reason for a number of complaints.
“You’ve got people drinking all day and then they’re drinking all night,” said Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, who said that nonetheless, none of the problems he was made aware of were considered major. “If we can go all the way through Tuesday with no major incidents we are lucky.”
Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman said that the two parades combined on Saturday lasted a total of 7.5 hours. City officers handled 12 parade-related complaints that included disturbing the peace by fighting, disturbing the peace by intoxication and people throwing beads at floats. A total of 10 misdemeanor summonses were issued.
At least one incident could have resulted in more serious issues. At Morgan and Main streets police breaking up a fight recovered a stolen Ruger 9-mm semi-automatic handgun.
“As a result of the investigation, Tyrese Arcement, 17 yearsold of Thibodaux, was arrested for DTP Fighting, Inciting a Riot, Illegal Carrying of a Firearm on a Parade Route, Illegal Possession of a possession of a stolen firearm and resisting an officer,” Coleman said. “He was transported to the jail and booked on the aforementioned charges. Others involved in the altercation were issued misdemeanor summons.”
Two parades rolled on Sunday, Hyacinthians and Titans, commending at noon.
City police handled seven parade-related complaints Sunday that included disturbing the peace and a medical call. Only one misdemeanor summons was issued.
Larpenter said his deputies were kept busy with calls concerning children separating from their parents but that all were reunited shortly after initial complaints were made.
“Deputies responded with Acadian Ambulance to a few medical related and alcohol related incidents which were not serious,” said Larpenter, who reported six arrests for the weekend on charges that included misdemeanor marijuana possession, disturbing the peace by fighting and entering and remaining in a place after being forbidden. Two of the six arrests were on warrants for failure to appear in court on theft and parole violation.
“I don’t know what it is, maybe the bad economy, but there seems to be more fighting and people being meaner,” Larpenter said.
He confirmed that one woman suffered an injury after being struck by a police motorcycle on the route of one parade. Witnesses told deputies that the woman had backed into the street and may have had a hearing problem. The motorcycle, driven by a deputy, was reported to have been traveling in a straight line near the shoulder of the road, and was not engaged at that time in performing looping circles or other stunts.
There were complaints of bad behavior by float riders as well, including allegations that one or more had thrown beer from a float at children. Deputies investigated but were not able to find evidence of the disturbance.
“If we catch them breaking the rules they will be removed,” LaRussa said.
Comments surfaced on social media among some locals Sunday and Monday concerning riders on Hercules floats not wearing costumes, but rather unadorned street clothes, and not wearing masks.
LaRussa said it was understandable that some might shed their festive garb, after hours of waiting to ride in a parade that had originally been scheduled the night before.
There were also some complaints of beads being thrown too hard by riders. Riders said it is sometimes difficult to gauge how they throw. At times they may be throwing harder and farther to reach friends and family members along the route.
Riders on floats in the various parades said the experience is unparalleled, and that they are proud to be part of the greatest free show in Louisiana.
“I felt like a rock star,” said Chad Smedley, who rode on Float Number 16, his first time, he said, doing so. “I enjoyed handing stuffed animals to little babies, seeing their smiles and their waves. I am so grateful to S.P. LaRussa for his leadership. Mardi Gras runs in his blood.”
Officials said they do everything they can to help ensure safety, but that parade-goers must be aware of their surroundings and be watchful, as parades continue this weekend and into Fat Tuesday.
Chief Dana Coleman said people should be sure to park in well-lit areas and not place valuables in vehicles where they are visible.
He also had the following tips, advice and warnings:
* Have a specific meeting place for family members in the event of separation.
-Underage drinking will not be tolerated. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for individuals underage consuming/possessing alcoholic beverages
-Do not throw any objects at float riders, band members or parade participants
-Do not block intersections with vehicles because it delays emergency response times
-Law enforcement officials will be stationed at each corner to assist in the case of an emergency
-Parade viewers should stay on the proper side of the barricades in a safe distance from passing floats
-Exercise extreme caution when placing young children on shoulders when approaching floats
-Loud profane music will not be tolerated.
Drinking and driving, he said, will not be tolerated.
“Anyone with information on any illegal activity is encouraged to contact the Houma Police Department or Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433. Tips can also be submitted using the Tip Submit Mobile application or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org,” Coleman said. “Tipsters will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash if the information given leads to an arrest.” ∙
Authorities said there were only minor incidents at the parades this weekend, and they want the same for the rest of the season.
