Laissez le Bon temp rouler

Parade watchers wait for beads to be thrown from the Mardi Gras floats on Washington Street Saturday. (The Vicksburg Post)

Five-year-old Frances Thames throws beads from one of the 32 floats that paraded down Washington Street Saturday. Frances is the daughter of Lee Thames and Chloe Thames. (The Vicksburg Post)

Weather doesn't put a damper on Mardi Gras fun....

We had overcast skies and cool temps but that did not dampen the spirits of the thousands of revelers who flocked to downtown Vicksburg Saturday afternoon for the city's eighth annual Mardi Gras parade.

About 16,000 people were estimated to be at last year's parade, said Harry Sharp, chairman of the Vicksburg Main Street Program. He said the weather had likely scaled that number back slightly this year but the crowd "seems to be a lot happier and more enthusiastic this year."

Just as the last float rolled past, a steady rain began to fall. Bob and I were not able to make it this year, but have in the past. Three of my grandchildren were able to go with their parents. My Dad was born in New Orleans and when I was young we would go back to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras parades. The last one I attended, which was about 18 years ago, I saw Dick Clark as Rex, King of the Carnival. I'm so glad that we have Mardi Gras parades here in Vicksburg. It really brings back a lot of fond memories and saying...throw me some beads mister!

Also, the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation's held it's seventh annual Mardi Gras ball following the parade Saturday evening at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. Festivities close out with Mardi Gras MS River cruises aboard the Sweet Olive. A fun time was had by all! Charming, Just Charming!