Ocean Springs Mardi Gras Night Parade

Hundreds of people cover the streets of Ocean Springs for the Mardi Gras night parade.
The parade kicked off around 7 this evening on Front Beach near the Yacht Club. People of all ages lined the streets of Porter Avenue, Washington Avenue, East Government Street and Holcomb Boulevard as early as 3 o’clock this afternoon. The parade ended at Holcomb Boulevard around 10 p.m.
Parade goer Kim Perston said, “We come every year. My husband’s from Mississippi. I’m from Alaska originally. I think it’s just a safe parade and a lot of fun.” Parade goer Kaileena Draper said, “I think it’s really fun how you catch beads and everything and it’s just a time to celebrate tonight and just stay up late.”
Safety remains a major concern as decorative trucks and colorful floats ride throughout the city. The Ocean Springs Police Department increased the number of officers working the parade and brought in even more officers from neighboring agencies.