New Orleans does parades better than any other city in America, possibly the world. For Mardi Gras season alone there are more than 75 parades.
Making the props and floats for the parades is a big business. The largest company in this industry is Kern Studios.
In 1947 Blaine Kern was hired to make a float after someone had seen his work on a mural. From there the business took off, not only for New Orleans parades, but other cities, as well as Universal Studios and others.
Housed in a 300,000 square foot warehouse along the Mississippi River, the company produces amazing props.
It is here they come up with the idea, and with some creative construction methods, build their visions.
Today most are made out of Styrofoam, covered in paper mache.
From this base, and with talented artists they complete the huge pieces.
The final floats are massive. Because the Mardi Gras parades can last hours they even have porta potties hidden in the middle as the float participants can be on them for 5 hours +.
Below are some examples of their finest work.
Mardi Gras World is a fantastic photo op.
RDZ Photography 