FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – Mardi Gras festivities kicked off on Dickson St. in Fayetteville on Saturday (Feb. 14.)
Hundreds filled the city’s streets for the Fat Saturday Parade of Fools.
“The atmosphere is awesome, so is the weather. You can’t beat the weather right now,” said Chip Benedict, a parade attendee.
The event featured live music, vendors, food, and plenty of bead-tossing.
Ava Benedict was one of the many kids who were sporting their favorite beads.
“I like the purple ones. [Mine] has disco balls on it,” Ava Benedict said.
Many on Dickson St. were dressed for warm temperatures, wearing shorts and short sleeved shirts.
“You can’t beat this weather,” said Jason Lane, a parade attendee.
Those in attendance at the parade saw temperatures in the upper 60’s.
24 hours following the parade, it is expected temperatures won’t break out of freezing.
However, some who were in attendance at the parade say they would still be out on Dickson St. for the parade, even if winter weather made its way in to town earlier.
“What we are getting [Sunday (Feb. 15)] will be gone just as quick as it comes. It blows in, blows out,” Lane said.
Benedict says he’s just happy to be out in the nice weather while it lasts.
“[I enjoy] just being out here, good weather, good people, and family,” Benedict.