I heard that there was a certain amount of strangers-spanking-strangers going on behind our float, with spectators interacting with members of our group, but we weren't able to see what was going on *behind* us.

The faux-spanking exhibition *on* the float, however, was all in the family. I had a paddle in each hand and clapped them together *near* Mama's plastic tush, making no contact at all but playing a nice loud percussion part along with the band.

Drumming, singing, and wearing those big ostrich plumes ~ it was about as close as I'll ever get to the experience of being a Big Chief on Mardi Gras Day!

PS: Since the starting time was 7 pm, the sun wasn't shining ~ but the sky was clear and the almost-full moon was quite beautiful.