Great post Jude. I never really understood Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Lafayette. If anyone wants to see a real Mardi Gras run, come to Basile. I have been on their "run" every year since I was 14.(I'm 40 now)We have our own song we sing as we beg. It can be downloaded at www.lsue.edu/acadgate/basimard.htm
along with pictures from the last several years.