[DETAILER]

Too bad. When I lived in Mobile, over ten years ago, one of the attractions of Mardi Gras in the Azalea City was that it was still family fare, unlike what had taken over New Orleans.

Ten years ago? You should see (N.O. that is) it now. Absolutely sickeninggathering of filth, of every kind you can imagine. It's all there, out in the open. The police are out of it unless it gets physical like snatch and grab robberies and fighting.

No place for a family.

[cincinnati_Steve]

After the sun goes down, Mardi Gras hasn't been a "family affair" in the 20 years I've been going. The Quarter is wild pretty much nonstop during the late afternoon and evening. No surprise there, just as you shouldn't expect to have a wholesome family outing to Key West at Halloween.

[Physicist]

The police are out of it unless it gets physical like snatch and grab

Woah, now that would make for a raunchy video!

[geaux]

It's a shame to see that what goes on in the French Quarter is what people think happens all over town. Every year, we have kids ages 18 months - 13 years at our house for several days (with parents, of course) to watch the parades. We have never had a problem. If you want to see sex in the street, go to the Quarter. If you want to see kids on Dad's shoulder's having a great time, come to my house. But please don't assume that just because it's happening in the Quarter, it's happening in the rest of the city.