The enormous Krewe of Harambee Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Mardi Gras Parade rolls through downtown Shreveport each year at 1 p.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, beginning near Shreveport Municipal Auditorium and following a route that encircles the heart of downtown Shreveport via Milam Street and Texas Street. Shreveport-Bossier's earliest Mardi Gras season event, the parade is filled with marching bands, dance lines, ornately costumed stilt walkers and more.

One unique aspect of the Krewe of Harambee parade is the number of marching bands from area high schools and universities who participate in the event. Fans of marching bands will want to head to the front entrance of Shreveport Municipal Auditorium immediately following the parade, where a battle of the bands and traditional New Orleans-style second line parade are held each year.

For paradegoers looking to take home as many throws as possible, including candy, plush toys and other festive trinkets, great spots for viewing the parade include the 600-700 blocks of Milam Street, where the parade begins, and the area surrounding the old Caddo Parish Courthouse on Texas St., where crowds are largest.

For more information on things to see, do, taste and experience in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org or call (888) 45-VISIT.