The Krewe of the Pearl rode on Monday night, as planned, in spite of chill and light rain.

People of all ages lined the parade route with outstretched hands attempting to catch the coveted beads and stuffed animals thrown from parade floats.

PRC Senior football player, Bryce Spence, was Krewe of the Pearl King and PRC 2013 Distinguished Young Woman, Jessica Smith, was his Queen.

“The Krewe of the Pearl parade was extremely successful. We were totally excited that so many came out in spite of the rain. Everywhere we looked were people with huge smiles which adds to our assurance that next year will be even better,” said Chamber Director, April Lovelace.

She added, “The riders on the floats really enjoyed it as well.”

Community response, post-parade, has been very positive.

Dusty Dearman said, “As a spectator, I enjoyed the variety of the parade. There were floats, bands, members of the roller derby and even a live monkey. You won’t see that kind of variety in other Mardi Gras parades.”

Sandy Houston, Chair of the CWC Christmas Parade, said, “It was nice to just go out and observe. You would not believe how many calls and questions I got on this one parade, with people thinking I had something to do with it; but, I pointed them in the right direction. For this parade I could just relax and be a spectator.”

Lauri Stockstill, Picayune Main Street Manager, rode with GPAC members on their float and said, “ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was my first time to ride in a parade and I had the honor of riding with a group of beautiful people who made it even more special.”

Sharon Schmidt, also of Picayune Main Street, said, “I attended the parade to watch my daughter and granddaughter in their float and it was a really great parade. The weather was cold and rainy but it still turned out to be a really nice parade.”

Some of the other riders on the Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC) float commented on how exciting it was to see all the people come out who were so enthusiastic about the parade. They all enjoyed riding on the float which was a last minute miracle of sorts worked out between Picayune Main Street, Inc. and GPAC.

The float was purchased and renovated with either donated funds or materials. The group was able to take care of everything needed to have it parade ready ahead of time and did it in under two weeks.

Carolyn Terry, president of GPAC said, “Our membership is made up of people who love life and enjoy a good time together— that goes for our newer members as well. We were proud of our accomplishment in achieving the goal of having our newly acquired float parade ready and we are equally proud that it was accomplished without having to touch our general funds.

“The parade ride was wonderful and it was full of laughter and fun. We loved that so many came out in spite of the weather and the joy on their faces as they caught their throws.”

Toni Farmer, of the Greater Picayune Chamber of Commerce, said the parade date for next year will be February 4, 2013 at 6 p.m.

For more information on the 2013 parade contact the Greater Picayune Chamber of Commerce at 601- 798-3122. For more information on GPAC contact Harriet at 601-916-0689.