Impromptu fun

Cape Girardeau had its first Mardi Gras parade last week, adding to the fun for revelers who turn out each year for the pre-Lent party that fills the streets in downtown Cape Girardeau.

The parade was small. No beads were thrown. As a matter of fact, the spur-of-the-moment effort may be what made walking on the sidewalk for a couple of blocks along Main Street all the more fun.

Mardi Gras fun-seekers clearly enjoyed the parade, and there's talk of another event next year. The only complaint heard about this year's march was that there wasn't enough notice.

OK. Next year there's likely to be another impromptu Fat Tuesday stroll. There. You've been notified.

And here's an observation: Organized Mardi Gras events in other cities have turned into problems. Some have even been canceled because they were out of control. Perhaps that's because they were overly organized with the intention of becoming something big.

Which means Cape Girardeau may have the best plan for a Mardi Gras parade, which is to say no plan at all. Just show up, if you feel inclined.

And stay on the sidewalk.