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On Saturday, the Krewe of the Mask Mardi Gras parade returned to downtown LaGrange for a family-friendly celebration. The theme of this year’s parade was Catch 22: The Craziness Continues. The Krewe of the Mask King and Queen were Lynn and Steve Morgan from Service Master. The Grand Marshall was Carol Cain, while the Twin Cedars King and Queen were Alex Beall and Larhonda Elaine Bailey.

Robert Coleman, assistant manager for Zaxby’s in LaGrange, said he was excited to participate and see the festivities as he just moved here from Montgomery.

“It’s awesome because I’ve never been to one, and I would like to see how it goes … This is a beautiful town,” Coleman said.

George Cotton, who helped provide music and commentary for the parade, said it was wonderful to see it return to LaGrange.

“I got to become a part of this celebration two years ago when we were first called to come out and do the music for the event. It seems to bring good spirits to everyone. We liked seeing everyone come out, come together and have a good time in the midst of all we’ve seen in the last two years,” Cotton said. “It’s good to see hands up and everybody celebrating and feeling good in an outdoor setting where hopefully they don’t feel as at risk.”

Rose Rachor, a Troup County resident, said the event was a fun way to celebrate an event that holds sentimental meaning in her family.

“We all loved the Mardi Gras parade. The kids’ paternal family holds history down in Louisiana. The girls having grown up in Louisiana briefly, they got to experience that part of their history and chose to keep it as part of our family traditions. It’s nice to be able to have public events evolving such traditions to share with others,” Rachor said.

Katelyn Yoder and Wade Anderson, LaGrange residents, said they loved being able to celebrate the holiday.

“We enjoyed throwing trinkets and goodies to everyone and especially to the little ones! [We] hope we have more to throw to next year,” Yoder said.

Lindsey Foster said this event was family friendly and fun for everyone involved.

“The Mardi Gras parade is one of our favorite community events.  It is an event the whole family can be involved in,” Foster said. “Catching necklaces, duckies, or other prizes, it is fun to see the whole crowd smiling. No one leaves empty handed.”

As for the children of the event, they all had different parts of the parade they loved.

Bristol Cavender said watching the cars go by and getting a lot of necklaces was the best. Madeline Estes said catching necklaces was her favorite part, but Braiden Johnson said he liked eating the pizza.

Amy Warren, owner of Affair to Remember, decorated her storefront for the parade and said she loved being a part of the festivities.

“We have such a great community that comes out to celebrate holidays. We love watching parades and decorating our window for the occasions and causes that the community supports. LaGrange is a great little city,” Warren said.