We’re in the beginning of the biggest weekend of the Carnival season. Are you prepared? If you’ve paraded before, you know that being stranded on the route without those key items can be miserable. This week, the editors and staff at Renaissance Publishing compiled a list of their must-have items when hitting the parade route. For inspiration, or something you may have missed in your own parade route bag, we’ve got you covered.
- Bobby pins
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Cash in small bills – for bathroom passes and snacks
- Portable phone charger
- Tylenol***
- Water bottles
- Your own version/type of toilet paper
- Granola bars – or other snacks
- “We bring sleeves of prepackaged peanut butter crackers and or peanut butter girl scout sandwich cookies for times when we need a little sugar and a little protein kick,” says New Orleans Magazine Editor Ashley McLellan.
- Baby wipes / sanitizer wipes
- Body glitter, sparkles and sequins
- Koozies
- “One beer, one huggy and some cash to pay for bathrooms if necessary. Nothing else,” says New Orleans 500 Editor Rich Collins.
- Travel-sized tissues
- Bandaids
- Ponytails
- Extra jacket if it’s cold, portable fan if it’s hot
- “If it’s cold, bring a t-shirt; if it’s hot, bring a jacket because the weather will change on a dime,” says Louisiana Life and Acadiana Profile Editor Reine Dugas.
- A fold up umbrella to use as a parasol or sun shade for younger kids
- Reusable bags for throws
- Trash bags for your mess
- Fanny pack to hold items
- Backpack – if a fanny pack isn’t your thing
- Wagon for little ones and/or parade haul
- “We try to pack light and come home heavy!” says Biz New Orleans Editor Kim Singletary
***In a note from a reader cautioning about the impacts of Tylenol and alcohol together, we reached out to pharmacist Dr. Alisha Reed who said, “Tylenol is metabolized by the liver, so technically it’s not the best BUT ibuprofen can affect kidneys, so… neither one is better.” Sounds like a lose-lose if you’re planning on drinking, but those not drinking – but just need some help with all the noise – should be good to go.
Dr. Reed also said she’s writing a full post about this topic soon on her website here.
Did we miss something? Have something to add to the list? Email kelly@myneworleans.com!
