What’s In Your {Mardi Gras} Wagon?
- Ladder – Check
- Kids – Check
- Ice Chest – Check
But what else are your must haves on the Mardi Gras parade route this season? We asked a group of New Orleans moms, “what’s in your wagon?” and compiled a list of Mardi Gras essentials. From the obvious items to the not-so-ordinary items, our wagons are always filled to the brim. Follow along, as some items may surprise you! And, to make this more fun … we want to see what’s in YOUR wagon, too.
Post a picture of YOUR Mardi Gras wagon (and its contents) anytime between Friday, February 14, 2020 and Fat Tuesday on Instagram. You MUST tag New Orleans Mom, and you MUST use the hashtag #WhatsInYourMardiGrasWagon to enter {note :: we cannot see private accounts!}
New Orleans Mom will choose FIVE lucky moms to win a lagniappe swag bag filled with some of our very favorite products. We will ALSO choose one grand prize Mardi Gras Wagon winner who will receive 4 general admission tickets to the 8th Annual Egg Hunt {a $100 value}.
Fine print :: winners must pick up their prize in person in the greater NOLA area. This is an Instagram contest run by New Orleans Mom solely on Instagram (i.e. Facebook and email images are not entered or considered). This contest is in no way endorsed by Instagram. You must be 21 to enter.
Stay Clean
- Antibacterial sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Extra change of clothes for the little kids. We recently were with a toddler who had a blowout, so pack some extra clothes; trust us.
- Plastic bags / ziplock bags. Dirty diaper? Wrap it up in a plastic bag to contain the smell. Wet clothes or muddy shoes? Throw ‘em in the plastic bag.
- Paper towels (although baby wipes can serve double duty)
- Toilet paper
Stay Hydrated and Well Fed
- Ice Chest filled with water, sports drinks and adult beverages of your choice
- Fresh fruit and vegetables. Keep them cool in your ice chest.
- Snacks << our step-by-step guide
- Popeye’s at least one day on the route
Mark Your Mardi Gras Spot
- Bring a tarp or blankets to mark your spot. It’s always best to lay something down before you or the kiddos sit down. Be respectful of others who have already done the same
- Camping chairs and/or ladders
- Step stools work well for giving children height at parades, too
Keep the Kids Entertained
- Balls (football or any sports ball to pass time)
- Card games (use your ice chest as a table)
- Bubbles
- Sidewalk chalk
- Silly string (via Party City ahead of time)
Things That Are Easy to Forget
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Sunglasses and hats
- Cash (we love to rock fanny packs at parades)
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker. You can play our Mardi Gras Playlist from your spot on the route
- Portable phone charger
- Extra bags to carry beads and loot
Did we forget anything, moms? Let us know so we can add it to the list! Now please show us, what is in YOUR wagon? #WhatsInYourMardiGrasWagon
