[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.

[cincinnati_Steve]

I fully agree, the parades don't do donuts around the Quarter, they do have fairly lengthy routes. I've always had a good time in Nawlins, and I've never had any trouble (expect getting my car broken into and having all of my beer stolen). However, I'd never be naive enough to be in the Quarter all night and not expect to witness weird stuff. Transvestites, gays, and nekkid women abound, and that's part of the 'show'. And the police give quite a bit of latitude, but when it's over, it over, and you'd best skeedadle, or risk a boot in the back (I've had two--from horse-mounted policemen). Fun's fun, but it doesn't last all year.

[Illbay]

Thanks for that insight. I guess I don't know enough about N.O. to know that some (all?) of the parades pass through residential areas as well.

[Ulysses]

But please don't assume that just because it's happening in the Quarter, it's happening in the rest of the city.

Exactly, geaux! We lived in New Orleans for a couple of years while I was in seminary. We carried our then 2-year-old to some of the "out of the quarter" parades for Mardi Gras and had a blast! Real family fare, for sure! Man, we miss those days!

Even to this day, if my wife hears Satchmo sing "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" she kind of gets a little misty! (And to think she actually despised the place when we first moved there!)