The Elks Mardi Gras Parade tradition continued in Ocean Springs Saturday

The good times rolled in the City of Discovery as the Elks kicked off its annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday.

Mardi Gras lovers packed the streets with friends and family, filling the air with excitement and joy.

The crowd and parade featured first-time participants as well as long-time paradegoers.

The parade started at Front Beach and Porter Avenue and ended at Holcomb Street. It was a trek for the Keesler Air Force Honor Guard, but the experience was unmatched. Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard Program Manager TSGT Rockey Locke said, “It was a long walk, but it was fun. We really enjoyed seeing the people out there. Them yelling from the crowd, trying to break our military bearing, but as an Honor Guard member, we’re trained not to do that. So, it was a great time.”

It was the Honor Guard’s first time marching in the Elks Parade. The parade has been a tradition in the community for 47 years.