Party Gras responsibly this Carnival season

There’s nothing quite like shouting to strangers in the streets amid flying prizes, flowing booze and bumping bass to provoke the party mentality buried inside every one.

After all, that’s half the point. But that’s no excuse for transforming into an insufferable jerk. Don’t fight over the throws, don’t pour beer on a baby’s head or curse at children and please obey the rules of order issued by authorities.

Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis has asked that revelers follow these eight rules:

• Stay on the proper side of the barricades, and where there are no barricades, stay at a safe distance from the floats and parade marchers. Do not stand or sit on the barricades, and do not put your arms, hands or legs between the barricades.

• No silly string is allowed within 300 feet of a parade route within the parish on a parade day.

• It is unlawful for any person to hold a child or adult older than 6 years old in his/her arms or on his/her back or shoulders within 10 feet of a float or parade viewers.

• It is unlawful for any person who is not a member of a carnival organization or other participant to follow a float or band during the parade.

• It is unlawful to use or possess any glass container within a 500-foot distance of a carnival parade route two hours prior, during and one hour following a parade.

• Females should avoid carrying purses and wearing expensive jewelry.

• Loud profane music will result in an issued summons or an arrest.

Also, it’s still illegal for any person younger than 21 to purchase or possess an alcoholic beverage.

Alcohol isn’t for everybody. In Thibodaux and Houma, authorities have demarcated sober zones.

In Thibodaux, there are two “family friendly zones” for all Thibodaux parades this season: from front of East Thibodaux Middle School to Thibodaux Elementary School on East Seventh Street, and Chiasson Park on the corner of Jackson Street and West 10th Street.

In Houma, alcohol is prohibited in the area of a bus transit center near the corner of Barataria and Main streets.

Of course, there are the understood rules: Don’t throw items at the floats, do not engage in fisticuffs or other violent behavior, please wear shoes, and place trash in the proper receptacle.

And never drive while under the influence.

Carnival is two-plus weeks of fun. A large part of the fun is the partying, but we’d like to urge you to keep it civil and clean so as to not ruin the fun for those around you.

Authorities are asking the public to enjoy Mardi Gras, but to be mindful of parish rules and parade-going etiquette.