SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
Two of the biggest parades in Shreveport are on the same day this year.
"It's nothing we haven't dealt with before," says Shreveport Police Public Information Officer Bill Goodin. "We're going to have officers posted along the parade route. And we're going to do everything we can to provide a safe and fun environment for everybody."
At 11:00 Saturday morning, the African American Parade Celebration will roll through downtown. It was moved from last Saturday because of rain.
"There are so many wonderful things that have happened with African Americans to show that we are steady moving in a direction where we can be proud of the direction we're going in," says Rep. Barbara Norton. She's organized this parade for 24 years.
And at 4:30, the Krewe of Centaur begins its new route, starting at East Kings Highway and heading down Clyde Fant Parkway.
Randy Vice staked out his spot in Shreve City around lunchtime Friday.
"We wanted to set up. We didn't know how many people were going to be here, so we wanted to get a little spot."
There will be about 300 law enforcement personnel roaming the parade routes. It's a collaborative effort between SPD, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Wade Correctional Center to make sure everyone remains safe and follows the rules.
"Typically what we see for the most part are violations involving alcohol-minors in possession or people who have had a little too much to drink and get out of control," Goodin says.
One rule that Goodin urges parade goers to keep in mind is no dogs.
"Clearly that parade is not the appropriate venue to have your dog. It's against the law to have a dog on the parade route, with the exception of if it's a service animal."
Glass bottles are also prohibited on the route. And he adds that everyone should remember to be courteous as they're finding the perfect spot to enjoy the parade.
"Treat others like you'd want to be treated. If you stake out a spot there on Clyde Fant Parkway, there's no legal recourse that you have if somebody comes and sits in your spot."
The last rule: have a good safe time.
Copyright 2012 KSLA-TV. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and KSLA, a Raycom Media Station.
