The Journal

Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Opinion/Editorial

Shawn Dooley

Beads for boobs, beads for butt, beads for whatever a man or woman could want. This was a bigger, better, more outrageous Mardi Gras. The meat market was officially open. No money needed - just a neck full of beads and the bartering began.

The floats were less shabby, an improvement from previous years. The paint looked fresh and the concepts of the floats appeared to be re-energized. Each year, the themes of the floats are typically movies, but the same floats I tend to see each year changed. The people on the floats fit in with the theme of the float, unlike past years when random people were present on the floats.

The portable toilets were plentiful, but not enough for the constant liquor consuming of some - liquor makes you go like a water hose. The toilets were on every corner. The lines were long, but they moved quickly. There were those who chose to pop-a-squat or go on the side of the building, hoping not to get caught.

The weather was slightly cold and the wind was gusty at times. The weather didn't stop many, because street after street was full of people. People were on rooftops, balconies, and coming out of windows. The crowd was huge.

I think the biggest change from previous years was the aura that filled the air. People were ready to have fun. Before I hit the entrance, I had a feeling this was going to be a good day.

Mardi Gras is the party holiday when all inhibitions come out of the closet. The streets were lined with peep shows and waiting crowds. From a distance, much can be seen; get closer and some things weren't meant for all to see.

The sponsorship was hard not to see. Bacardi, Bud Light and Captain Morgan were everywhere. Even new sponsors like U.S. Cellular were in on the fun, providing temporary cell phone towers.

With all of the sponsors on site, there was no shortage of hurricanes, pitchers of beer or food. It was the neighborhood block party of block parties.

Thousands lined the streets. The smell of grilled onions and brats filled the air, and bass from the music booming from house after house shook the ground.

Just observing what is going on around you could have garnered an eyeful. An older man climbed a tree to reveal his hairy beer belly. Just across the street, an obviously inebriated young man climbed as high as he could in a tree only to drop his pants and underwear to reveal, well, you get the point. Both were worth a laugh.

In a time when Janet Jackson's bare breast can cause "nipplegate," there was plenty of coverage in the form of digital cameras and camera phones to freeze the moment. Some of these girls better not run for public office as they officially have skeletons in their closet.

In the end, St. Louisans got the Mardi Gras they have been waiting for. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, St. Louis had something to gain. They took advantage and showed why we have one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country.



Shawn Dooley, a junior journalism major, is a staff writer for The Journal.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools