Caught in the Act

Mariska Hargitay, Hilary Swank Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans

02/22/2012 at 11:10 AM EST

Forget about Law & Order – stars like Mariska Hargitay and Hilary Swank got into the Mardi Gras spirit this week in New Orleans, participating in the festival's traditional Krewe of Orpheus parade on Monday.

Decked out in bright, sparkling attire atop a decorated float, the actresses tossed beads and doubloons to the crowd gathered along the parade route.

Singer Bret Michaels, donning a bandana and sunglasses, also rode in the procession and tossed out beads to the throng of spectators.

The Poison frontman posted pictures of himself with both actresses on his Twitter feed. – Liz Raftery

Bret Michaels

Times-Picayune / Landov