Tossing “throws” out to spectators from the bed of a Mardi Gras float is an art form I learned while riding in this year’s Krewe of Dionysus Parade in Slidell, Louisiana. Our procession of 18 floats rolled for several hours through the city’s downtown, each float decorated with colorful displays showcasing Batman, Elvis and the California Raisins, accompanied by marching bands, festival queens and more. Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, some sitting in chairs simply waiting for the next bead necklace, commemorative plastic cup or custom-printed drink koozie to sail their way. Others approached the float sides to grab the freebies, which also included cheap sunglasses and mini bottles of hand sanitizer. Small kids and adults with toddlers perched on their shoulders all beckoned for the festive prizes with their wide eyes. It’s a balance, for sure. With the constant cries of “Throw me something!” ringing in the air, no parade participant wants to be left with a ton of extra throws at the end of the ride, but you don’t want to be the float that runs out of them, either.
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