Although rain was in the forecast in New Orleans on Tuesday, Mardi Gras revelers made the most of it, cheering on glitzy floats and participating in family-friendly activities in the city's annual bash the day before Lent begins.
Crowds were a little smaller, according to the Associated Press, possibly because of the rain, but even as fog settled over the region, parades went off as scheduled.
New Orleans dealt with two large crowds over the past couple of weeks, the first for the Super Bowl, and the second for Mardi Gras. One major violent act occurred on Saturday night when four people were shot on Bourbon Street -- a suspect has been arrested -- but no significant problems have occurred since, police told the Associated Press. Police congregated in the tourist-filled quarter, where crowds started to gather in the early afternoon.
Many revelers had drinks in their hands before sunrise, according to the Associated Press. They donned tutus, beads and boas -- and some hadn't been to bed since last night's Lundi Gras celebrations.
"We'll be in the French Quarter all day," Bobbie Meir, of Gretna, La., with feathers in her hair and fingernails painted purple, told the Associated Press. "The sights today are jaw-dropping. It's a ton of fun and the best party in the world. Nobody does Mardi Gras like we do."
Costumes were plentiful and colorful -- revelers wore the traditional Mardi Gras colors, purple, green and gold. Cows, bees, pirates and jesters passed by, according to the Associated Press.
Parading started at dawn, led by 82-year-old clarinetist Pete Fountain and his Half Fast Walking Club, who wore garish red suits and feathered hats. This is his 63rd parade with the group, the Associated Press reported.
"This is my life," he said, referring to his 63rd parade with the group he founded. "We're going to make it before it rains."
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