BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Beads fly through the air, brass bands fill the streets, and neighbors line the route shoulder to shoulder as Mardi Gras rolls through Mid City Baton Rouge.
But for many along the parade route, this celebration is about more than colorful throws and lively music; it’s about connection, tradition, and feeling at home.
For first-time paradegoer Charlie Springer, the experience feels personal.
“I have been here a few times, but like, the parade is very new for me,” Springer said…