by Hunter Dawkins
Despite the potential tornado warnings and serious weather issues, the legend lives on that “it never rains during the Pass Parade.” Although, roughly five minutes after the last float passed E Second Street finish line, downpour and rain escalated.
St. Paul Carnival Association hosted the 88th Annual Pass Parade to celebrate Mardi Gras the Sunday before Fat Tuesday. Joey Niolet of Pass Christian was crowned Friday night as King Christian LXXXIV while Shelly Hanson of Pass Christian received her crest as Queen Christiana.
Early Sunday morning at 8:45, the parade was moved to 12pm sharp to eliminate any possibility of heavy weather during the storm. Pass Christian Mayor Leo “Chipper” McDermott welcomed Long Beach Mayor George Bass at the step of city hall as the Long Beach Carnival Association and the St. Paul Carnival Association have participated in community events for the second consecutive year.
Even with a large estimated crowd of 40,000, not many problems with only one adult arrest made during the parade, according to Pass Christian Police Chief Timothy Hendricks. After the parade, an arrest was made on an alleged assault and disorderly conduct.
“We would like to thank all of our public safety partners for making this event so successful,” said Police Chief Hendricks.
