NEW ORLEANS — Even with rain expected in the forecast for Thursday night, tables, chairs and tents are already lined up and down the parade route Uptown on Saint Charles. Many people have been camping out since midnight, who all say they are ready to see krewes roll.
While it may actually rain on the parades, it's not stopping long standing traditions for loyal parade goers. Wayne Tuyes and his family brought out the table chairs and two massive tents.
Tuyes said, "We've been doing this probably 30 years or something since we were kids. Anyway, we came here about 4 a.m. and had it all set up and ready to go. It's New Orleans, it's Mardi Gras. It's what we do some people don't get it, but we get it."
Folks like Jill and Ryan have been holding down their spot since midnight. They are camping out for their friends, each taking a different shift to make sure they keep their front row seat to see The Knights of Babylon, The Knights of Chaos, and Muses roll.
"Yeah, it's the spirit of Carnival. It's what we do, you know this is how you Mardi Gras," said Jill. "I think it's one of the favorites of Carnival. I mean Muses who doesn't want to add to their shoe collection?"
They all collectively agree they will be holding down their spot rain or shine. However, that string of showers could push the start time back. That's something we won't know until it's closer to the start time. Right now, the krewes are set to roll at 5:30PM one after the other.
The pending rain has some people taking extra precaution like Bobby and his daughter.
"We got some rain protection, we got some tents, got some food, some gear and we're ready for the parade," said Bobby.
While they know the rain is coming, parade goers are hoping it's not a washout.
Tuyes said, "If it's going to be thunderstorms and lightning and high winds for sure it will mess up our tents and all."
New Orleans Homeland Security, and Emergency Preparedness Director said that they will parade in the rain and will only make adjustments to the parade tonight if there is lightning within 10 miles of the route and winds of 35 miles an hour.
Tuyes said a little rain is no problem.
"A little rain never hurt anybody on Mardi Gras," Tuyes said.