By VIVIAN AUSTIN
MOSS POINT – Fire Chief Clarence Parks had never before participated in a Mardi Gras parade until Saturday when the holiday procession rolled up Main Street.
“This is the first time dealing with Mardi Gras, really.” he said. I’ve never participated in anything Mardi Gras. Never.
Visit gulflive.com to see pictures of parade.
“I’m from Tupelo, way up there in north Mississippi. This is most definitely different.
Parks, who moved to Moss Point during summer last year, served as grand marshal. “It’s the first time I’ve been a grand marshal. Truly, it’s an honor to do this for the city. Anything we can do for the city and dealing with kids we are all for it.”
Parade marshal Gwendolyn Kennard, owner of Little People Learning Center, said that the children would attract her the most when tossing throws during the mile-long parade. She had a vehicle packed to the brim with candies, beads, stuffed animals, snacks, cups, and an assortment of other souvenirs.
“This is the first time being a parade marshal,” said the Moss Point native. “Normally I’m on the sidelines catching the beads. This time I’m throwing the beads.”
Toni Ryan and her three children ages 10 to 13 and a friend’s soon scrambled for the throws Parks and Kennard tossed their way. “It’s going good,” she said. “My daughter is in marching in it.”
Austin Ryan, 11, was excited about the mini Saints football and liked the parade best “when they threw the candy.”
Hayley Ryan was among ROTC students and Moss Point High School Marching Band and Tigerettes who marched from Southgate Shopping Center to Hancock Bank in Downtown Moss Point. The procession also included four floats, classic vehicles in the Old School Car Club, and two horse-drawn carriages belonging to the Freedom Riders. City aldermen Robert Byrd, Ruby Hill and Sherwood Bradford, and Mayor Aneice Liddell also joined the parade.
“They were excited about coming,” said Ryan. “They were bugging me all morning. They wanted to come out here at 6 o’clock and wait for it.”
Co-organizer Stephanie Hill said the parade included 25 units, but she wants more participation next year. “It’s good. Everybody is having a great time, but we just wanted more participation.”
Edna Finklea said she had a good time. "I enjoy parades. I don't care how small they are."
