Mardi Gras in Acadiana is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the courir de Mardi Gras in the countryside to the family-friendly parades rolling through Lafayette, Broussard, and Youngsville, Carnival season brings our communities together in celebration. But between the crowded streets, beads flying through the air, and the occasional king cake run, your vehicle can take a beating.
As your trusted auto body shop in southern Lafayette Parish, we’ve seen our share of post-Mardi Gras repairs over the past 40 years. Here’s how to keep your car looking its best throughout the festivities—and what to do if it doesn’t.
The Hidden Hazards of Carnival Season
You might not think of Mardi Gras as dangerous for your vehicle, but Broussard and Youngsville drivers know better. Here’s what can happen during the festivities:
Parade-Related Damage
• Flying beads and throws – Those heavy bead strands can chip paint and crack windshields when thrown with enthusiasm
• Crowded parking – Door dings and minor collisions spike during parade season
• Street debris – Broken beads, cups, and other items on the road can scratch your undercarriage
• Float and ladder contact – Accidentally getting too close to parade equipment or spectator ladders
Food and Beverage Mishaps
King cake icing, crawfish boil splatter, and spilled drinks are Mardi Gras traditions—but they’re not great for your car’s paint. The Louisiana sun can bake these substances into your finish, causing staining and even etching if not cleaned quickly.
Increased Traffic Incidents
More people on the road means more fender benders. Whether you’re navigating parade traffic on Johnston Street, heading to a family gathering in Youngsville, or finding parking near downtown Broussard, the risk of minor collisions increases during Carnival season.
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle This Mardi Gras
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how southern Lafayette Parish drivers can minimize the risk of vehicle damage during the celebrations:
Choose Your Parking Wisely
✓ Park away from parade routes when possible
✓ Avoid parking under trees where beads get tangled and fall
✓ Look for well-lit areas with plenty of space between vehicles
✓ Consider using a garage or covered parking if attending parades in Lafayette
Prep Your Car Before the Festivities
✓ Apply a fresh coat of wax for an extra layer of protection
✓ Clean and treat your windshield with water repellent
✓ Check that your wipers are in good condition
✓ Keep microfiber towels in your car for quick cleanup
After the Parade
✓ Remove beads, food, and debris from your car as soon as possible
✓ Wash your vehicle within 24-48 hours to prevent staining
✓ Check for any new dents, dings, or scratches
✓ Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes
Local Parades Near Broussard and Youngsville
Planning your Mardi Gras festivities? Here are some popular parades and events near our southern Lafayette community:
• Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival and Parade – The big one, drawing crowds from across Acadiana
• Children’s parades – Family-friendly options throughout Lafayette Parish
• Krewe parades – Various krewes roll through the area on different days
• Courir de Mardi Gras – Traditional Cajun celebrations in surrounding communities
• Local neighborhood celebrations – Smaller gatherings throughout Broussard and Youngsville
No matter where you celebrate, driving through Broussard, Youngsville, and the greater Lafayette area during Carnival season requires extra caution and awareness.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Gets Damaged
Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. If your car suffers damage during Mardi Gras season, here’s what to do:
1. Document everything – Take photos of the damage from multiple angles before cleaning or moving your vehicle
2. Contact your insurance company – Many Mardi Gras-related incidents are covered under comprehensive or collision coverage
3. Get a professional assessment – Some damage isn’t visible to the untrained eye
4. Choose a trusted local shop – Work with an auto body repair shop in Broussard or Youngsville that knows the community and stands behind their work
We’re Here for You After the Beads Stop Flying
For over 40 years, we’ve been helping Broussard and Youngsville families get back on the road after vehicle damage of all kinds—including the unique challenges that come with Carnival season in Louisiana.
Our collision repair services in southern Lafayette Parish include:
• Dent and ding repair from parking lot incidents
• Paint chip and scratch repair
• Windshield and glass damage
• Full collision repair for more serious accidents
• Insurance claim assistance to make the process easier
We work with all major insurance companies and provide free estimates. Whether you need minor touch-ups or major collision repair in Youngsville or Broussard, we’re just minutes away and ready to help.
Laissez les bons temps rouler—Safely!
Mardi Gras is a time for celebration, family, and embracing the unique culture that makes Acadiana so special. Don’t let vehicle damage put a damper on the festivities.
If your car needs attention before, during, or after Carnival season, contact your neighbors at our family-owned auto body shop. We’re proud to serve the Broussard, Youngsville, and southern Lafayette communities—and we’re here to help you get back to the celebration.
Happy Mardi Gras from your trusted collision repair partner since 1984!