Mardi Gras Parades and Neptune's Daughters Mardi Gras Ball 2002     

Mobile, Alabama

"Call-Outs": After all the members of the krewe are introduced (left), the Queen of the ball descends from the "sky" on her seahorse and is escorted to the dance floor (right). The ball was held in the Mobile Civic Center. This picture was taken in the nose-bleed section of the stands. A few thousand people attended this ball alone.

Christina in the hotel room getting ready for her first Mardi Gras Ball (left). Men must wear tuxedos with tails and women must wear gowns. Our friends who invited us to the ball (right). Members of the krewe must be disguised at all times during the parade and ball. Every parade float group has a different costume (hers was pirates).  In addition, I am not allowed to reveal her name.

Dan and Christina on the dance floor (left). Dan and Christina outside the several rooms filled with food.

As you can see, Mardi Gras floats are very big and elaborate (Above and Below). 

You can barely see the krewe members throwing beads. Throwing and catching beads and moonpies is so popular that they are thrown at every parade throughout the year... Christmas parades, 4th of July parades, etc.

A very simple float from one of the afternoon parades. Look close enough and you can see the Out-House and the hillbillies playing their banjo's. Yep, this is Alabama.