Although the Teche Area saw several Mardi Gras parade cancellations this year for various reasons, the Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade rolled Sunday afternoon with a huge crowd of people that filled up the unincorporated community to celebrate the annual event. 

Unlike other parades that roll in city squares or spacious areas, the Grand Marais Parade took place in the neighborhood around Mes Amis off U.S. 90, where thousands of people gathered to sit and enjoy the unique Mardi Gras event on a Sunday afternoon. 

Various trucks slowly rolled through the neighborhood with attached floats and trailers carrying parade participants who excitedly threw beads and other goodies to children and adults who attended the parade. 

The parade was in no hurry, as the vehicles slowly rolled or completely stopped at several instances so participants could chat and mingle with the crowd. 

The smell of barbecue filled the air due to lots of cooking along the parade route. Jared Olivier, who came to the event with his family, said the parade was one he regularly attended to be near to friends and family. 

“It’s a good time,” he said. 

The parade rounded out the Mardi Gras season in Iberia Parish due to the cancellation of the Papa Red Dog Mardi Gras Parade in Loreauville, which usually rolls on Mardi Gras Day but did not take place this year.