Mardi Gras parades in Jefferson Parish this year will head east — instead of west — along Veterans Memorial Boulevard, returning to their traditional route after several years.

According to the Jefferson Parish website, each parade will follow a 4.87-mile route heading east on Veterans Boulevard. The parades are set to start on Veterans Boulevard near the Clearview City Center, head down Veterans Boulevard to Severn Avenue, make a U-turn at 18th Street and end on Veterans Boulevard at Martin Behrman Drive.

Be on the lookout this Mardi Gras for a little extra star power in New Orleans as Shaquille O'Neal, "True Blood" star Rutina Wesley and others reign as celebrity monarchs in parades. Why it matters: Some will throw custom doubloons and swag.