Druhan Howell
Midtowner Druhan Howell gets extra fired up about Fat Tuesday. The allergist and immunologist starts planning her parties, parades and attire early. “I love hats and fascinators, and my newest came from Fleur De Paris in New Orleans. I went and designed it with the milliner, so it is one of a kind!” Look for her Downtown in the festive creation come Mardi Gras day.
“I start feeling the Mardi Gras spirit On Twelfth Night! Christmas decorations come down and Mardi Gras decorations go up and all the events and parties start.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of choice
Bloody mary’s and screwdrivers are the only way to start Joe Cain Day. Our cousins Danielle and Allen Williams have the most epic bloody mary bar for the day. Otherwise, a good coffee from NOVA for those early day parades is the way to go! Then, during Mardi Gras balls, my go-to drink is gin or bourbon and ginger ale (when you can find it).
2. What to Wear
I go for comfortable but fashionable for parade-watching. Think trendy jeans and fashion sneakers. You are going to be outside, so dress according to weather for sure. We are real Mobilians (aka we don’t like the cold) so hand warmers have become a must-have on those really cold parade nights.
3. Snack Time
There is only one answer to this question — A&M Peanut Shop for a bag of fresh roasted peanuts. It is my go-to parade snack. It brings me right back to being a kid at Mardi Gras. Also, I always feel obligated to have at least one funnel cake during the parade season.
4. Bag your Loot
We bring our reuseable grocery bags, but our pro tip? A carabiner can secure your bag to the barricade so hands are free to catch more throws.
5. Good Company
We watch most parades with the kiddos and grands. Joe Cain is an adult-only endeavor always watched at Moe’s BBQ or The Bike Shop with long-time friends and out-of-town guests.
6. Favorite Throw
I love to throw what I love to catch, so all the light-up things. I also love to throw things that match the year’s theme. The best is having a stuffed animal or trinket and seeing a kid’s face light up and want it so bad and throwing it directly to them. THE BEST!
7. Favorite Spot
We almost exclusively watch parades at Bienville Square. I grew up watching parades at my family’s florist (Demeranville’s), and it has just stuck as a tradition. We mostly watch from the Athelstan Club now. (Bonus, it has drinks and bathrooms!)
8. Don’t Miss
I love the MOTs because the dragons are always entertaining, and KOR is our Fat Tuesday favorite!
9. Parade Tip
Go early and stake out your spot. Pack drinks and snacks because everyone inevitably ends up hungry and thirsty, even if you ate before the parade. Make friends with those around you. Give the kids all the stuffed animals!
10. Mardi Gras Memories
As a kid, Mardi Gras was more of a family event than even Thanksgiving or Christmas. I miss a few things about the parades of my childhood, like no barricades. It was so cool to walk right up to your family on the float as they went past. Now it is a gamble to throw to specific people in the crowds. I also miss peanut butter MoonPies and snapping pops.
11. Ride or Die
I am in two women’s organizations, and my husband is in two organizations as well. You know what they say about secret societies … they are secret.
James V. Corte
Fairhope’s James Corte loves Carnival. You know because he changes the message on the sign in front of his veterinary office to reflect the frivolity of the season. He participates in festivities on both sides of the Bay but says crawling under barricades for trinkets is not his style anymore. “I could break a hip down there,” he laughs.
“After epiphany, I start wearing my silver parade and ball shoes around to get them broken in and ready.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of Choice
Spicy bloody mary in the morning, ice-cold Miller High Life during the day and a properly made old fashioned in the evening.
2. What to Wear
I wear a button-down shirt, blue jeans and boots with a classic navy blazer. This outfit is comfortable, yet durable enough for abrupt weather changes. The boots offer protection, as well as good traction and throw stompability.
3. Snack Time
When traveling from across the Bay, it’s great to stop at The Bluegill for some oysters (raw or flaming), and the mini shrimp loafs are the best.
4. Bag your loot
I use a monogrammed canvas bag to hold my throws that was a mystic society favor years ago.
5. Good Company
I watch parades with my family, even though my kids aren’t kids anymore. (Corte is pictured at a recent Mardi Gras with his daughter, Genevieve, above left.)
6. Favorite Throw
I love long beads that are thrown properly — by the bag or by the dozen only, except to smaller children. Then I just loft three or four gently. I also love full-size Chocolate MoonPies, which are the only real MoonPies.
7. Favorite Parade
I love to watch them all, especially when the maskers seem to be enjoying themselves. But there’s nothing worse than a wagon of drunk mannequins rolling past or the idiot with the one giant teddy bear that teases everyone with it.
8. Parade Tip
Get there early, dress appropriately, and most importantly, have a positive attitude. If you are looking to have a great time, chances are that you will.
9. Mardi Gras Memories
I used to spend the day driving my grandfather on his parade day — driving from Tommie’s Terminal, then to the float barn to check on the floats and several other places to grab last-minute throws, then over to the auditorium where they would dress and load up on the floats. Always the best day for me.
10. Ride or Die
Of the parades I ride in, each is special to me for different reasons.
Ronald “Rocky” Horner
Rocky Horner participates in a number of organizations, parades, balls and events during Carnival season. This lifelong Mobilian and graduate of LeFlore High School and Alabama State University is now an educator in the Mobile County Public School System. When asked what he wears when the bands start marching, Horner pulls out a photo of himself wearing a sash that says “Mardi Gras Mayor” with The Port City Secondliners. He was a MAMGA Knight in 1999, and his brother’s kingly regalia is on display in the Mobile Carnival Museum.
“Our Christmas tree quickly turns into the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green, and our festive jesters sit on our mantel.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of Choice
My personal drink of choice is vodka and cranberry juice with a splash of orange juice. During a brunch setting, it may be a mimosa.
2. What to Wear
What I wear to the parades depends on our weather. I have been to a parade where I have only had to wear a light jacket, but I have also stood in cold weather layered up in thermal pants, a pair of jogging pants and comfortable jeans on top. I do a thermal shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, and my MAMGA (Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association) letterman coat with a scarf, gloves, and cap to cover my ears. In all of this gear, I am still able to catch anything thrown my way!
3. Snack Time
Best place to eat before a parade is the food vendors! I always go for the Chicken on a Stick, nachos and French fries.
4. Bag your Loot
The bag I bring depends on the organization and if I know people riding in that particular society. Now if it is one of the younger or newer organizations, you may only need a plastic grocery bag or a bookbag. But if it is a big organization that’s been around for a minute, or you know someone on each float, then you may need one of those giant laundry bags made of tarp material.
5. Good Company
I like to watch the parades with my wife, Sabrina, my brother Jonathan, my dad, Ronald Sr., and Aunt Yvonne. It takes me back to being a kid again.
6. Favorite Throw
I love to throw boxes of Oatmeal Creme Pies or Honey Buns. To see a child catch their very own box when I toss it to them is priceless!
7. Favorite Parade
My favorite parade to watch is The Mystic Stripers Parade. Their floats are always so colorful and vibrant.
8. Favorite Spot
Standing across the street from the Mobile Carnival Museum on Government Street, you eventually get to see the parade twice. Once when it goes down, and once more when it comes back to go to the Civic Center to disband.
9. Parade Tip
Get there early, and always try to stand in the same spot. Some people I only see during Mardi Gras season, and they have been standing in the same spot on the parade route for almost 20 years now.
10. Ride or Die
My favorite parade to ride in is the Conde Explorers Parade. We work all year to make sure that the night goes off without a hitch, and then we get to enjoy hearing the people yell for you to “Throw me something, Mister!”
Bixler Cunningham
Real estate agent Bixler Cunningham says Mardi Gras is by far his favorite holiday. Born in Mobile, he graduated from Fairhope High School and then attended the University of Alabama. This avid New Orleans Saints fan parades in two secret mystic organizations, throwing beads to his wife Ashley and their family and friends. This year, 1-year-old baby Isabelle will get her first taste of the boom boom! Enjoying the spectacle and celebration is a family tradition for the Cunninghams.
“I get in the Mardi Gras spirit as soon as the Dauphin island parade rolls.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of Choice
A screwdriver to start the day on Mardi Gras day, followed by water, Miller Lite or Maker’s Mark.
2. What to Wear
Whatever keeps you warm while the wind swirls in downtown Mobile.
3. Good Company
I always watch with my family and friends at “the spot.” I am also excited about introducing my baby girl to her first Mardi Gras this year.
4. Favorite Catch
I reach for beads, footballs, doubloons and Mayfield ice cream sandwiches!
5. Favorite Throw
My throws are silver bells (Hershey Kisses) in honor of my grandfather who would dump them on us during his parade. I also love footballs and bags of popcorn.
6. Favorite Parade
I enjoy watching the MOMs, MOTs, Joe Cain Day, IMs and Comic Cowboys. So pretty much everything.
7. Insider Tip
Always stand close to somebody who knows somebody on the float. You’ll get bombed.
8. Out-of-towner Tip
I feel everyone should visit Joe Cain’s grave on his day to watch the Merry Widows and then enjoy the People’s Parade.
9. Decorate
We pretty much go all out. I have Mardi Gras wreaths on the door, we decorate the mantel, turn the Christmas tree into a Mardi Gras tree and have a Mardi Gras flag flying during the season.
10. Mardi Gras Memories
When I was a kid, before barricades, I remember running up to the MOTs dragon floats, Verna, Dean and Vernadean, and then running away after they started blowing smoke.
Laura McLeod
Mobilian Laura McLeod has a long connection to Carnival, having served as Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association Court in 2001. Today, this mother of two girls keeps the purple and gold spirit active by parading and joining in on the fun at balls and barn parties. “Every year, I organize a casual supper for the Ladies of the 2001 MCA Court. It is a fun way to get in the spirit of the season a few weeks before the first parade.” This year, she’s ready.
“Hearing a jazzy number from the Excelsior Band always gets me feeling it! And after a 2021 season marred by canceled parades, this is sure to be a year like no other.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of Choice
During the day, I like a mimosa or screwdriver (for the extra Vitamin C of course!), and for a night parade, a canned beverage is easier.
2. What to Wear
I dress for comfort at parades — boots for warmth or tennis shoes since you may end up walking several blocks. Gloves are great in cold weather so that your hands are protected as you’re grabbing for MoonPies sailing through the chilly night air.
3. Snack Time
Joe Cain Café inside the Battle House Hotel is a crowd-pleaser with easy-to-order pizza and parade route access. Get there early to snag a table!
4. Bag Your Loot
Multiple bags are a must if you plan to catch a lot. Don’t count on shoving everything in one huge bag or you’ll be weighed down by the end of the parade.
5. Good Company
Gathering with friends and family makes parade-going special. There are also certain “Mardi Gras friends” that we don’t see regularly throughout the year but can count on visiting with on the parade route every season.
6. Favorite Throw
I love to throw cups, but they are too lightweight to go beyond the barricade if you’re throwing into the wind. I learned some tricks of the trade from my mom, an expert on this topic, and I put a MoonPie into a cup. Then it’s weighty enough to throw and get out into the crowd.
7. For out-of-towners
For learning about Mardi Gras, the Mobile Carnival Museum is a great spot to soak up the history and cultural significance. I’m not an out-of-towner, but I still learn something new about Mardi Gras every time I visit the Carnival Museum for one of its expertly curated exhibits.
8. Insider Tip
Keep your head on a swivel! If floats are close together, you can still be catching from riders on the back side of one float while maskers from the next float are launching throws in your direction, too. Beads to the face hurt exponentially more in very cold weather!
9. Mardi Gras Memories
In 2008 my husband and I decided to have a “Mardi Gras” wedding. We knew we’d have lots of out-of-town guests and what better way to show off our city?! The rehearsal dinner was at the Battle House and we left the ballroom to watch the Conde Cavaliers from the balcony. The next day we had the ceremony and reception, and later went to the Carnival Museum for an evening party where we continued celebrating and watched that night’s parades!
10. Ride or Die
I was fortunate to have the honor of riding as a monarch. Nothing ever has or ever will surpass that experience because it’s truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Betsy Greer
Most years for Mardi Gras, Betsy Greer can be found working behind the massive centerpieces at some of the most fabulous balls and events with her sister Julia Fobes as the duo behind Revelry Bloom. When she clocks out, however, she heads straight to the parades to join in the party atmosphere with family, friends and her fiancée, Tyler King. Greer says that as soon as the holidays are behind us, she gets that feeling. “Something extra special is right around the corner!”
“My fiancée has the most iconic MoonPie Hat from the first MoonPie drop in downtown Mobile. If I’m lucky, she lets me wear it! It’s a real crowd-pleaser.”
How I Mardi Gras
1. Drink of Choice
Jameson and ginger ale!
2. What to Wear
Normally I wear jeans and boots because you never know what you may be stepping in Downtown during Mardi Gras. And dress in light layers that can be thrown on or taken off. Once the Jameson hits, and the sport of catching anything and everything starts, you might have to ditch a layer!
3. Snack Time
I always love hot chicken from Squid Ink, but this year Reuben fries on the rooftop of the new Greer’s on St. Louis will be my go-to before the parades!
4. Bag your Loot
Greer’s grocery bags — always!
5. Good Company
I watch parades with my friends and family with a cocktail in hand.
6. Favorite Throw
I love to catch serpentine, and I love to throw serpentine. Serpentine all the time.
7. Favorite Parade
I never miss the Infant Mystics. I love those crazy cats. I watch them right by the Civic Center and head into the ball after!
8. Parade Tip
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled so you don’t get knocked out with something you didn’t see coming your way.
9. Decorate
We definitely fly a flag and do some Mardi Gras swag around our front door and hang a wreath. But last year we participated in Yardi Gras! That was awesome to see the city that founded Mardi Gras keep it rolling somehow.
10. Mardi Gras Memories
A few years ago, Joe Cain fell on my dad’s birthday, so we brought the whole family Downtown, just adults. We ate brunch together and spent the day walking up and down Dauphin Street. It was pretty fantastic.
