By the time this is automatically posted (about 6AM Fat Tuesday), Mardi Gras Mobile 2011 (mardi gras schedule) will start its final day with Fat Tuesday. This is the Mardi Gras day of all Mardi Gras days. Of course, few know this, but Mobile, AL is the oldest Mardi Gras since Mardi Gras was originally started in Mobile, AL. Most people assume it was started in New Orleans. Not so. New Orleans people will tell you that they have the biggest Mardi Gras. I can't argue that. But, not many New Orleans folks will argue when you bring up who started Mardi Gras.

Joe Cain is the man credited with reviving Mardi Gras in Mobile in 1866. Cain declared himself to be a Chickasaw chief named Slacabamorinico and rode a charcoal wagon through the streets as Union soldiers occupied the city. The rest, as the story goes, is history. Sunday was Joe Cain Day in Mobile AL. The crowds seem to be about average for a Mobile Mardi Gras. Last year many estimated the crowds were down by as much as 25%. It does seem to be better this year by all reports. That's good news for Mobile, AL merchants. Mardi Gras and Christmas are what most merchants live and die by each year.

Personally, I have no use for Mardi Gras. I have not gone to a parade since I was a kid. But, to each his own. I understand that many people do enjoy Mardi Gras. I just am not enamored with fighting crowds all day long and night. I also don't understand the logic of killing someone over a piece of rock candy that cost a penny. That has happened far more times than it should have in the past. Thus far, there have been no reports of deaths during this Mardi Gras season. Hopefully, this will continue for Mardi Gras Mobile AL 2011. Oh, we have the usual fights and pushing and shoving. You are going to have that when you have people consuming alcoholic beverages all day. Personally, I just don't see the fun in that any longer. But, that's just me. If you reading this post, I hope you have a pleasant, but safe Fat Tuesday to end Mardi Gras Mobile AL 2011.