Most Krewes are men's social clubs. Having a parade and a ball is their reason to exist. Krewes all have balls at which young women are presented to society. Carnival season begins on Twelfth Night on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany or the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. You can get a king cake at any corner bakery.
Most offices have weekly king cake parties.
Everyone has their favorite bakery and if you work in a large office you get to try lots of them. Mardi Gras has NO corporate sponsorship. No floats are allowed to have any type of advertising on them. This Heartland version thrives on sponsorship from local and national corporations. Krewes seek sponsorship from companies who supply trucks on which to build their floats and funds for the decorations and throws.