Weather doesn't keep revelers away

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Revelers lined the streets on a rainy Monday night for a Mardi Gras parade.

The Order of Venus Parade took to the wet streets with the usual throws, tossing beads, MoonPies, and stuffed animals into the crowd.  Fun floats turned the place into their personal playground. 

Just as there’s a story behind every unique float, all in attendance have their reasons to join in the revelry.

“It’s part of Mobile. It’s part of our heritage," said resident James McGugin.  “I'm here to catch some beads, take some pictures for the people who can’t be here to let my friends who have never experienced it experience it for the first time.”

If you ask Nancy Lindamood, Mardi Gras is the best tradition in Mobile.

"I was born and raised here, and I bleed purple, green and gold," Lindamood said.

It hasn't been all fun and games for those downtown this Mardi Gras, however.  Vendors told FOX10 News sales are drastically down. Some said they have seen as much as a 50 percent decrease in profits.

Tuesday, the Order of LeShe Parade rolls through downtown at 6:30 p.m.