Folks revel in the rain on Fat Tuesday

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Fat Tuesday began under threatening skies in Mobile, but amid good spirits for both riders and parade-goers alike.

And, despite the rain, thousands turned out and lined downtown streets for Mardi Gras Day festivities.

STOCKING UP ON THROWS

 Members of the Order of Athena weren't going to let rain stop them from having a good time, and stocking up on goodies to throw to the crowd.

 The riders, of course, don't identify themselves, but they did talk about what they liked to throw.

One said, "I have a giant stuffed bear that has a Valentine's Day theme, because it is Valentine's Day, and it also has beads around its neck, and I can get all the kids excited about that.  It’s a real excitement-like piece."

Another said, "We do a lot of peanuts, and we do stuffed animals, things like that."

Still another said, "I'm choosy about who I throw the stuffed animals to.  I look for little kids, little babies, that, I think would like it."

A LONG WAY TO VISIT

Garland and Ruth Lloyd were hoping to get some good throws. 

They travelled a long way to get to Mobile.

Garland Lloyd said, "We're from Montpelier, Virginia, just outside of Richmond.  I wanted to come to Mardi Gras for at least once in my life."

Ruth Lloyd said she loves "the beads.  And some moon pies:  got to catch some moon pies."