City officials in Indianapolis considered it bad karma to plan a season-ending parade before the season was over, which tells us all we need to know about Indianapolis and karma. New Orleans city officials, Mardi Gras krewe captains and Blaine Kern Studios planned a parade win or lose for this afternoon at 5 p.m. in the C.B.D. and Warehouse District (see parade route here).

from MonstersAndCritics.com

Saints players and staff will ride floats made for Mardi Gras krewes with more than a dozen area marching bands in the parade. The Ying Yang Twins will be at Gallier Hall for a performance of “Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk).”

Because of the parade, much of the city is shutting down early. Tulane University closes at 1 p.m. and Jefferson Parish employees will be off at 3 p.m. to give them time to get to the parade.