Phunny Phorty Phellows kicked off the Mardi Greas season with its annual ride from the streetcar barn Uptown to Canal St. and back along the historic St. Charles Streetcar. The Krewe was followed minutes later by the Funky Uptown Krewe that took a similar route, but finished their route a tad shorter at Napoleon Ave., ending with a party at Fat Harry's on the corner of St. Charles Ave.
Hundreds of people packed the streets leading to the streetcar barn's open doors. The Storyville Stompers Brass Band kept the evening lively as revelers danced around them.
The countdown to Mardi Gras parade season began shortly before 7 p.m. so the Krewe could board streetcar 914 for their departure on the hour.
Shouts of joy filled the night when the streetcar curved toward Carrollton Ave. while the first throws of the season were tossed through the windows to eager children and adults alike.
The intersection outside Carrollton Station music club was filled with overflow from the venue's busy bar. The sea of people parted when the streetcar approached and the second followed on their way downtown.
Other parades downtown included Joan of Arc walking parade through the French Quarter and the Societe des Champs Elysee, another streetcar parade on the Rampart & St. Claude line.
