The biting wind couldn't keep the crowd away from Havre de Grace's annual Mardi Gras party Tuesday evening.
People ready to celebrate Fat Tuesday lined up on the sidewalks of St. John Street. Several came dressed for the occasion — colorful beads and glitter masks.
One person dressed in a gorilla costume and was led through the crowd by a leash — a sight that would look strange out of context of the holiday.
Even though the parade made a late start, as soon as the floats came rolling down the street, pulled by decorated pickup trucks, the crowd went wild as beads were tossed.
People scurried into the street to grab any remaining necklaces, quickly placing them around their necks like trophies.
Married couple Sally and Darryl Leonetti, of Havre de Grace, were excited for their first time at the city's Mardi Gras parade, though Darryl Leonetti isn't a stranger to Havre de Grace events — he's a member of the city's Winter Wonderland Committee.
Darryl Leonetti wore novelty glasses with flashing lights, while his wife held a lit up wand, most likely purchased from a vendor along the street who was selling the items to parade-goers.
With the start of Lent coming the next day, Darryl Leonetti had a lofty and very admirable goal for his yearly sacrifice.
"I'm thinking about giving up all sweets," he said. "You [have] to give up something."
Bel Air resident Karen Cage came to the parade with family. She said she tries to attend the parade every year, since Mardi Gras is one of her favorite holidays.
Cage proudly wore a T-shirt commemorating her trip to New Orleans in 1992 for the festivities.
When asked if she, too, would be giving up a vice for Lent, Cage first said "no." After thinking for a few moments, she changed her answer to "sweet tea."
Cage said she figured if she hadn't had it the last three days, she could probably abstain for the next 40.
Joe Kiple went all out for the parade, coming in his Mardi Gras best.
During a trip to New Orleans, the Forest Hill resident had purchased a gold robe with green and purple beads and embroidery, as well as a matching crown.
Kiple said he stumbled upon a garage sale held by a New Orleans Mardi Gras float crew and couldn't pass up the opportunity to own a real piece of tradition.
It was Kiple's first time at the Havre de Grace event, saying he "got dragged into this" by his wife, who was also attending along with a large group of friends.
He was prepared to have fun, regardless. Kiple said he was looking forward to "a good time with a lot of good friends, and afterward we're going to have a good dinner at a nice restaurant."
Cindy Herbert and Tom Gunn, of Street, both festively dressed, were bundled up under a Ravens blanket and sat in folding chairs beside the curb, as the parade passed.
Herbert said she works for the city and had only heard about the parade last year. It was both their first time attending.
Wearing Mardi Gras-colored glasses, Herbert said this was "absolutely" her favorite holiday.
"It gives us a chance to dress up like crazy people," she joked.
While Herbert said she wouldn't be giving up anything for Lent, Gunn said he'll keep up his tradition of giving up chocolate.
He said he's been pretty successful in the past, but sneaks a piece now and then.