How do you sort and bag Mardi Gras throws before parade day?

A big throw order arrives as stacks of cases. A rider on a float needs something else: one bag, packed for them, with their name on it. The work in between is sorting and bagging. This guide walks through it step by step.

Why sort and bag at all?

You could put the cases on the float and let riders help themselves. That can get messy. Some riders grab too much early, and others run short near the end of the route.

A bag for each rider fixes that. Every rider starts with a fair share. Everyone can see what they have left. And when the parade is over, you know what was used.

How many beads does each rider need?

That depends on your route, your float and your crowd. We will not guess a number here. The store’s guide to beads for a parade float helps you work it out.

Once you have your total, write it down. Then write down how many riders you have. You need both numbers before you start bagging.

What is the first step?

Open every case and sort by type. Make one pile for each kind of throw:

Short beads
Long beads
Specialty beads (the big, fancy ones)
Plush toys
Novelty throws, like cups, balls or toys

Count each pile. Write the count on a sheet of paper or on the side of the pile’s box. Now you know exactly what you have to share out.

Keep the specialty throws apart from the rest. Riders often save these for a special moment, so they are easy to lose in a big bag.

How do I split each pile fairly?

Take the count for one pile. Divide it by the number of riders. That gives you how many of that throw go in each bag.

If it does not divide evenly, put the extra pieces in a “spare” box. The captain or a float lieutenant can hand them out on the day. Do the same for each pile.

Write the final list on a card, like this: “Each bag: so many short beads, so many long beads, one plush.” Tape the card to the wall where everyone can see it. Now every helper packs the same way.

What kind of bags work best?

Pick bags that are:

Strong. A full bag of beads is heavy. Thin bags tear.
Easy to open. Riders wear gloves and costumes. A wide top or a big handle helps.
Easy to see into. Clear bags let riders find what they want fast.

Some riders also like a second, smaller bag for their specialty throws. Ask your riders what they prefer before you buy bags.

How should I label the bags?

Put the rider’s name on every bag. Use a thick marker or a big sticker. Small writing is hard to read on a dark float at night.

If your float has spots or numbers for each rider, add the spot number too. Then the loading crew knows where each bag goes. (See how to load a float for more on that.)

If one rider gets more than one bag, number them: “1 of 2”, “2 of 2”. That way no bag gets left behind.

When should we do the sorting?

Do it well before parade week. Parade week is already busy with costumes, float checks and family plans. Sorting in a rush leads to mistakes.

Pick a day soon after you pick up your order. That also gives you time to fix a problem. If a pile comes up short, you still have time to get more.

Store the packed bags somewhere cool and dry until the parade. Heat and sun can damage some throws.

How many helpers does it take?

That depends on the size of your order. A small group might finish in one evening with a few friends. A large krewe may need a team and a whole weekend.

A simple way to set up the work is like a line:

One or two people open cases and sort.
A few people count and pack bags, using the card on the wall.
One person labels and checks each bag.
One person stacks the finished bags by float or by spot.

Turn on some music, bring snacks, and make it a party. Bagging night can be part of the fun of the season.

What mistakes should we watch for?

Not counting first. If you bag before you count, the last bags come up short.
Mixing up floats. If your group has more than one float, keep each float’s bags in its own area.
Forgetting the spares. Keep the spare box. It saves the day when a rider runs out early.
Bags that are too heavy. If a bag is hard to lift, split it into two.

Where do we get the throws?

Order online and pick up at the store in Bridge City or Houma, Louisiana. You can browse throw beads by the case and add plush or novelty throws to fill out each bag.

Sort, count, bag, label. Do it early, and parade day gets a lot easier.