NEW ROADS, La (BRPROUD) – On Fat Tuesday, thousands of people flocked to the family-friendly Community Center Carnival Parade in New Roads.

“It’s very family oriented as you can see,” said parade goer, Laurice Harrison.

Bands, floats and throws were only some of the fun to be had at the annual event.

“Just enjoying time with the kids, we pack a lunch, bring some games, we do artwork with the chalk on the sidewalk,” said parade goer, Gaeanne Gravois with her children by her side.

People of all ages enjoyed the event, including 73-year-old Mary Jarreau who said she attends the Community Center Carnival Parade every year and has just as much fun as the kids.

Jarreau, surrounded by her grandchildren and grinning from ear to ear, told BRProud, “I am not going to miss this, because this is my bucket list.”

Even one of the granddaughters of the parade’s founder flew in from out of state to enjoy the legacy her grandfather created.

“My grandfather started the parade, Jimmy Boudreaux, 101-years ago,” said Gloria Boudreaux. “This is fantastic! It’s different from the horse and buggy that he had all those years ago.”

In addition to the festive atmosphere, great food was readily available on nearly every corner. From food trucks to barbecues, no one was going hungry.

Tommy Manning said, “I have my child. So, once I had a child, I didn’t go to New Orleans… we come here and kind of hang out. Tailgate.”

At the end of the day, there was only one last thing to say, and Jarreau expressed it best, “Happy Mardi Gras, everybody!”