Mobile, Ala. — To help make the revelry of Mardi Gras parades accessible to everyone, the non-profit Special Needs Assistance Station For You (SNASY) will be partnering with the City of Mobile to offer reserved parking and rest stations for individuals with special needs and their families.

Based in Georgia, SNASY provides accommodations for families with special needs at events around the Southeast to make sure that families are not just able to attend but feel welcomed and cared for.

Starting with the first parades on Jan. 30, SNASY will have a designated tailgate area in the southeast corner of Mardi Gras Park near Colonial Fort Conde. It will include a custom 24-foot trailer with a fully ADA-accessible bathroom, including an adult changing table. SNASY will also provide a climate-controlled tent along the outside of the trailer with tables, chairs, and light refreshments.

Participants can preregister for free, reserved parking at Fort Conde, and SNASY volunteers will be available to help families cross the street to Mardi Gras Park. The stations, parking options, and tailgate area will be available prior to every scheduled parade throughout the season.

SNASY is asking those bringing paradegoers with special needs to register in advance at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a90c02dc/XHmlEvgIzkCEPV55qEkFuA?u=https://snasy.vip/. In addition to those with special needs, SNASY says its sites will also be open to serve the elderly as well as any paradegoer dealing with mobility or medical issues.

“Many times, families caring for someone with special needs feel it’s easier to stay home than face the challenges of attending large public events,” Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said. “We want all Mobilians to feel welcomed during Mardi Gras, and we are thrilled to have a phenomenal partner like SNASY working with us to help make these festivities more accommodating to these families.”