MARDI GRAS FACTS

* Where did Mardi Gras begin in the US?

Most people would answer New Orleans, but the correct answer is Mobile, Alabama where Mardi Gras is still celebrated in grand style today -- Visitors to Mobile can view dazzling Mardi-Gras costumes as well as other Fat Tuesday historical memorabilia, year round, at the Museum of Mobile located at 355 Government Street (334-208-7569).


* Where else is Mardi Gras celebrated in the US?
New Orleans, of course, but you can also find parades and festivities in most of the towns that dot the gulf coast in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, like Mobile, Alabama, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or Biloxi, Mississippi. Families will especially find some the smaller celebrations more appealing than the wild debauchery of New Orleans.


* What’s so different about a Mardi Gras parade?
They're interactive and you get stuff. Masses of screeching parade enthusiasts, arms outstretched like beggars clamoring for a last meal, beseech Krewe members to throw barrels of trinkets -- colorful plastic beads and imprinted aluminum doubloons. CAUTION: Mardi-Gras parades can cause temporary insanity and people will do things for a worthless piece of plastic that defy reason. So, be prepared to be somewhat aggressive if you want loot! Oh, so you won't look like a tourist, the proper Mardi-Gras parade cheer is "Throw me Something Mister!"


* How does Mardi Gras differ for locals as opposed to tourists?
Mardi Gras is actually the height of the Southern Social season. It is accompanied by endless rounds of formal balls, proceeded over by elaborately costumed courts. Each ball is sponsored by a "Krewe" which also foots the bill for a parade or float in a larger parade, depending on the size and budget of the krewe. The word "krewe" was supposedly chosen to give an "Old English" feel the clubs.


* Can I go to a ball?
Sorry Cinderella, Mardi-Gras balls are private affairs and by invitation only. However, you could get lucky and meet someone in the krewe who might just invite you. Your chances are increased significantly depending upon your sex. Many balls follow the 5-1 ratio tradition. In other words, if it's a men's krewe, each male member invites five%2