Mardi Gras parades roll in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A group of preschoolers in Mobile celebrated Mardi Gras Friday, February 1 with a parade of their own.

It's a tradition that's been going on for 33 years.

THE MYSTICS OF ASHLAND PLACE

The parade is called the Mystics of Ashland Place. 

The walkers and riders are preschoolers from Ashland Place United Methodist Church. 

The themes depict lessons the children learn in pre-school, like nursery rhymes. 

One of the organizers of the parade, Chee Chee Street, said, "The 4-year-olds parade in box floats that they make, that we designed years ago. And then, the 3-year-olds are pulled in wagons. So, one parent pulls their child in a wagon, and they normally dress up, too."

THEMES INCLUDE NURSERY RHYMES

Glenn Kern dressed up to pull his son Parker in a decorated wagon.

Glenn said, "The theme for Miss Shannon's class was 'Nursery Rhymes.' So, he got 'Hickory Dickory Dock.'"

When asked what he liked best about the parade Parker said, “Throwing candy."

Lauri Lambert was pulling a truck decorated as, "London Bridge Is Falling Down."

It was big, but when asked if it was heavy, she said, "Actually, it’s not. It's foam cork, so, it’s very light. So, hopefully not too much of a backache tonight."

Eugenia Benton was dressed up as "Little Bo Beep," and her truck featured balloons painted like sheep.

A VERY FAMILIAR FACE

Among the parents pulling the wagons for their children was FOX10 News Chief Meteorologist Jason Smith, enjoying Mardi Gras with his daughter, Emma Krouse.

Jason said, "Their theme is 'Community Helpers,' and she's a baker. So, we made up a cake where it looks a little bit like a king cake, or a big doughnut, and she's going to be throwing out her moon pies and beads, and cooking up some treats."