Finding a parking place for Mardi Gras parades in Mobile is not always easy.
But this year, the city of Mobile has opened over 500 new parking spaces at GulfQuest, the Alabama Cruise Terminal or at the Civic Center overflow parking lot on parade days.
It's not free. The cost ranges from $10 to $25 dollars per spot, depending on how long you're there.
Premium Parking and Republic Parking will be handling paid parking lots around parade routes.
Of course, you should never park on a parade route (marked by purple and gold signs) or you will be towed. Towed vehicles will be taken to a temporary impound lot under I-10 off Monroe Street between northbound and southbound Water Street. The lot will be open until 11:00 p.m. each parade night. Vehicles not retrieved by that time will be moved to the permanent impound facility behind the Mobile Police Department Training Academy at 1251 Virginia Street. The cost to retrieve a vehicle from either of the impound lots is $150. Only cash, debit cards or Master Card and Visa credit cards will be accepted.
Photo: Mary