Beads

• One of the most widely recognizable aspects of a Mardi Gras float are the beads that are thrown from the float to people lining the parade route. In fact, many people wait for hours, even days, to get good spots along the sidelines of the parade path. The tradition of throwing beads from a float is an easy task to hand over to children riding in the parade. The beads are inexpensive, plastic and come in large bulk quantities. Kids can have fun and participate in the event by throwing beads and necklaces to those watching the parade.
  
  

Music and Dance

• One of the cornerstones of the Mardi Gras celebration is the lively music and dancing that accompanies the event. Though loudspeakers pump music in to the surrounding areas of parades and side events, many floats have their own sound systems and speakers right on board to keep things interesting. Children can be a part of the music portion of the float by dancing around ro the rhythm of the music being played. Safety must be taken in to consideration and children should be tethered to a solid portion of the float to make sure they do not fall off as the float starts and stops throughout the course of the parade.
  
  

Food

• Food plays yet another integral part of Mardi Gras, as the celebration of "Fat Tuesday" is centered around overindulgence. To tap in to this aspect of the event, place children in charge of throwing sweets and treats from the float as it makes its way past spectators. Toss miniature King Cakes wrapped in cellophane and tied with purple, green and gold ribbon from the float. Additional options suitable for children to toss include chocolate coins and wrapped hard candy.
  
  

Costumes and Masks

• Getting children involved in a Mardi Gras float can start long before the actual parade takes place. Children can design, create and decorate their own Mardi Gras feather masks to wear while riding on the float. To make this idea even more fun for children, have them make extra masks to toss from the float as the parade is passing by the crowd. Costumes also play an important role in Mardi Gras festivities, so allow children to take part in the selection and creation of the costume they will be wearing.