Mardi Gras kicks off in Daphne

DAPHNE, Alabama (WALA) - Beads were flying in Daphne Friday. The Apollo Mystic Ladies rolled out kicking off Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore.

The Apollo Mystic Ladies rode down Main Street and set the tone for Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore.

When Jim Ceaser Heads back to Wisconsin, he says he will have a lot of beads and a hard time explaining to his northern buddies

"Its hard to describe back home that people are so excited and so happy about Mardi Gras," Ceaser said.

He was one of many snowbirds enjoying the parade in Daphne.

One couple has been coming to the Gulf Coast to celebrate Mardi Gras for years and have perfected the art of bead snatching.

"See I got my bag tied up and see I got my grabber so if something goes under I can catch it," the woman explained. "Jump the fence and scream as loud as you can."

They weren't the only ones that came prepared.

"Oh, I know I'm gonna run," said one parade-goer. "It's like a mass exodus"

Along with the veterans, there were a few first timers.

"I just hope she doesn't get hit by the beads. That will be good," explained the newbie.

"I have a mask, I guess I'm supposed to put it on?" asked another parade-goer.

Regardless if you were a veteran or a newbie, the Apollo Mystic ladies set the tone for Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore.

The parade is the first of seven that will be on the Eastern Shore.

For all of your complete Mardi Gras coverage, click here .