A massive party is taking place in the Big Easy and across south Louisiana on this Fat Tuesday. Rex the King of Canrival has the key to the city…
cut 6 (09) “…day and night”
There are also parades all day today in Lake Charles and Lafayette. Down on the bayou, there’s a parade in Thibodaux at 1 PM and a nighttime parade in Golden Meadows.

Law enforcement warns revelers to be aware of their surroundings in an effort to keep from becoming a victim of pickpocketing. State Police Lieutenant Nick Manale says make sure to keep your belongings minimal.
Cut 13 (10) “…those thieves too.”
Over the course of the past weekend, troopers have made numerous arrests and recovered thousands of dollars in stolen items nabbed by pickpocket suspects.

The votes are in for the 5th Annual King Cake Snob Competition. This year’s competition saw nearly 2,500 cake reviews from more than 500 different cakes from 170 bakeries across the Bayou State. Andrew Alexander with King Cake Snob says last year’s overall winner Manny Randazzo fell short of defending its crown.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…to be exact”
Fremin’s Food and Furniture in New Iberia won for Best Presentation with its Pecan Praline and Cream Cheese king cake.

In southwest Louisiana, the Iowa Mardi Gras Run continues today. Run captain Rodney Victorian says a parade rolls through town with floats, horses, and four-wheelers, looking for contributions to be put in a big pot of a gumbo.
Cut 7 (13) “…of the donation.”
Gumbo will be served to the riders from two to four PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall.