I really think it ruins a public event when you show up, and all the public spaces are taken. Especially a Mardi Gras parade. Heaven forfend someone other than your small, close group of friends end up in your "area" on the route. Especially when your area runs from roughly the middle of the neutral ground all the way to the parade barricades. It isn't like these things are designed to be fun for everyone out there, just you and your group and the other folks who have the time to spray paint or cordon off their own personal property on the neutral ground four days in advance.
And Lord help anyone who wants to drive into the neighborhood on Wednesday. There is a parade on Saturday after all, so much of the the public, on-street parking is occupied by litter and various household items to denote "ownership."
Because it isn't about you having fun, as long as Bill and Tom have an excellent adventure on Endymion Day.
Luckily, you may take the neutral ground, but you will never take New Orleans' humor.
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