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Queen Shirley McShan and her husband, King Milton McShan, toss beads at the fifth annual Mardi Gras parade in El Centro on Saturday evening. (STEVEN ESPERANZA PHOTO / February 16, 2013) |
Fresh off its trip from the Big Easy, The Great Spartan Band returned home to open El Centro’s fifth Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival, here Saturday.
The event drew hundreds of community members of all ages who reveled in the music, food and lights provided by the nearly 30 parade entries.
“I think it’s great the city is bringing this to the community,” said El Centro resident Ana Romero. “It’s a really good time for the kids and adults. I think the city is moving in the right direction in bringing fun events like this to the Valley.”
For a majority of kids like Alexander Solorio, the prospect of catching a beaded necklace excited him most.
“Well I like all the lights because they are really bright and I like the beads, too,” said Alexander, a 10-year-old Calexico resident.
First-time attendee Jocelyn Palafox she said enjoyed the music and atmosphere of Main Street the most.
“I came to support my friends, because they are in the (Central Union High School) band,” Jocelyn, a 17-year-old El Centro resident said. “I think it’s really interesting and fun to see all the floats.”
For a group of young parade participants the chance to perform for the crowd was their favorite part.
“It was fun for us because when we were dancing everyone was cheering and clapping,” said Key’ira Carter, a member of the Desert Garden Elementary School drill team. “I liked this parade because we got to wear pretty lights.”
Key’ira’s cousin and team member Dayzanae Carter said she enjoyed the parade’s music.
“It’s fun because we got to dance to something other than ‘Jingle Bells,’” Dayzanae said. “I hope we come back next year.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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