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.

Krewe of Selene and Krewe of Dionysus will follow the traditional Slidell parade route, according to the Krewe of Selene website. The parades will start on Pontchartrain Drive at Spartan Drive, head north onto Guase Boulevard and end near the Midtown Square Shopping Center, according to the Krewe of Dionysus website.

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.