re: Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee

Don't go in via the Gramercy exit. Take Hwy 22 to Hwy 70, to Hwy 3125.
Also, don't go all the way into Gramercy. That's where the undesirable crowds gather.
Take any street to the right off 3125, park in one of the fields or on the side of the road in front of someone's house. Ask if you can park there first. They're friendly folks and rarely say "no". Hell, they'll probably ask you if you're hungry and offer you some food.
We usually end up on the Paulina side of Lutcher, and have never had a problem when bringing the kids.
It's just a few blocks of walking to get to the levee. Port-O-Potties, although dirty, are available. There are usually a few places selling food also.