By Dee Grano

Many people know I am from Louisiana, but most probably don’t know that my career in public relations actually started when I was a junior at LSU (Geaux Tigers). By sheer accident I was hired to be a reporter at my college radio station, KLSU, and eventually advanced to news director. Upon graduating, I moved to London where I came to the very rude awakening that in most places outside of Louisiana, Mardi Gras is just a regular Tuesday. 

Upon my return to the Bayou State, I got a job as a news producer at WBRZ, the ABC affiliate in Baton Rouge, where I watched Mardi Gras parades from the control room with new appreciation. That experience in broadcast journalism prepared me well for a career in public relations. So did 23 years of king-caking and parade-going. 

Here’s what Mardi Gras taught me about PR:

Beads are not worth a fight, but cups and doubloons totally are.

When you go to a parade, the best things that get thrown from the float are the branded cups and coins, called doubloons. A skilled Mardi Gras-goer knows that scrambling on the ground for mediocre beads means you might miss catching the best stuff. Pick your battles, especially if it means winning a war.

Sometimes you get hit in the face with beads.

Once I sent an email intended to prepare a client with talking points for a tough interview to the actual reporter, instead of my client. Occasionally, I mix up the names of media outlets. “Hit” happens. The best thing you can do is take another drink and put those hands a little higher.

There’s always someone drunker than you.

You may not be the drunkest person watching the parade, but you’re sure as heck not sober. Stay humble and be honest. Help wherever and however you can.

Only tourists flash for beads.

You don’t need to watch “Girls Gone Wild” to know that some think the best way to earn quality beads is to lift their tops. I have never really understood the logic here, because if your shirt is over your face, you can’t see the beads that are being thrown to catch them. Showy PR ideas are fine, but if they’re not rooted in strategy, they usually miss the mark.

If you show up too early for the parade, you’ll miss most of it looking for a toilet.

You know I love a good plan, but if you’re not willing to be flexible, resourceful and realistic, then sometimes your plan is not worth the paper on which it’s printed.

Having lived in the Carolinas since 2004, it’s been years since I’ve been to a Louisiana Mardi Gras. When I look back, I cannot recall exact krewe names, parade themes or what I even caught. I remember the people I was with and the fun we shared. Similarly, what I love most about PR is sharing stories with people I care deeply about.

In the age of COVID-19, carnival season will look different this year. Louisiana’s streets will be quieter, and traditional parades will be replaced by walking tours of elaborate front porch displays (#kreweofhousefloats #YardiGras). As long as you’re with the ones you love, laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll). 

Happy Mardi Gras, y’all.