Parents, teachers and preschool students braved Friday’s cold temperatures for the Picayune School District’s Early Head Start 14th annual Mardi Gras parade.
More than 220 people rode in floats, trailers and motorized cars armed with brightly colored beads, stuffed animals and candy.
Spectators lined Rosa Street to catch a glimpse of the toddlers and catch throws.
The parade route also included a visit to Southside Lower and Upper Elementary schools.
This year’s grand marshal was Brennan Jones and the 2016 king was Alexander Ford Jr.
Early Head Start Director Pam Thomas said this event ensures that parents are involved with center and community activities.
“It’s that time of year for Mardi Gras and we add a little twist to it,” Thomas said.
The age of participating children ranges from six months to three years, Thomas said. All Head Start classes participate as well as the students from Nicholson Early Head Start and PreK-3 classes from Southside and Westside.
“The parents help make the floats,” Thomas said. “We have about 50 this year, which includes go-carts, motorbikes and wagons.”
Charmaine Ducre’s granddaughter attends Early Head Start and Ducre filled in for her granddaughter’s mother, who couldn’t get the day off work.
“I love the parade, it’s a lot of fun,” Ducre said. “It’s very important to be involved and her mom works hard. It was important for us to have someone here for these events.”
Jessica Davis’ children used to attend Early Head Start and she participated in the parade for six years. Her son Liam wanted to attend the festivities Friday.
“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “It’s good that the parents can help out.”
Alexander Ford Sr.’s son was this year’s king and said it feels good to be part of something special.
“This school has been a blessing to my family,” he said. “The support system, from the top to the bottom, is very strong. If we need help, they come through for us. We want to be active in our child’s life and everyone should take advantage of it. The key to being a successful parent is knowing your child. Take an hour a day, sit with your kids and understand them. You will do a lot better as parents as the kids grow.”