Grand Prairie Mardi Gras addresses new rules

GRAND PRAIRIE - The Grand Prairie Mardi Gras Association is working to keep the tradition of rural Mardi Gras runs alive and attempting to prevent accidents, so it’s cleaning up the run with new rules and regulations for participants this year.

The association also must adhere to new regulations with law enforcement in St. Landry Parish, so deputies from both Evangeline Parish and St. Landry Parish sheriff’s offices will be on the run to enforce these new rules.
All riders will have to be 18 years of age or older, provide a picture identification card at registration and be in full costume. When riders approach homes, they must be masked. Profanity or vulgarity will not be permitted. Any rider, determined by the Capitaine, to have consumed too much alcohol will be asked to ride in the patrol car.

There will be no doubling on horseback; only one rider per horse. Riders must observe safe riding practices. No racing and acrobatic riding will be allowed. Riders will not be allowed to ride their horses on the lawn of any homeowner.

All trailers entering the ride must be decorated, be equipped with sides, three-feet in length in the front and on the left and right sides of the trailer, and the rear of the trailer may be open. Riding in the back of any vehicle will be prohibited.

All participants will participate at their own risk. Registration fees are $20 per person. All participants will be issued a bracelet by the association, and anyone caught without the bracelet will be removed from the ride. Registration will be Sunday, February 22, at the old W.D. Grocery Store in Grand Prairie from 6 to 9 a.m. The ride will leave at approximately 9 a.m.
Capitaine is Brock Vidrine and co-capitaine is Shane Trahan. As the ride progresses, the Mardi Gras Association states other rules could be enforced if leaders believe they are in the best interest of the “run” and the community’s well-being. Any questions, please call Vidrine (831-5963) or Trahan (831-2879).