(PHOTOS) 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras

By Richard Phillips, contributor
The fifth annual Mead Rd. Mardi Gras Parade made a splash on Saturday as revelers strolled in the rain.
“Decatur may be known for its schools, restaurants and overall funky vibe… but it’s also known for its growing Mardi Gras tradition,” Mead Rd. Mardi Gras spokesperson Emily Berg said. “Mead Rd. Mardi Gras is a homegrown carnival festival and fundraiser that raises money to fund music and arts grants in City Schools of Decatur. Since 2014, we’ve raised $20,000 that has bought instruments for the Renfroe and Decatur High School band programs.”
The rain held off during what was dubbed the “Muddy Gras” parade. Everyone had a great time marching down Oakview Road and onto Mead Road. They gathered at the Imperial Oakhurst afterward for food, beer and fun.

A whole bunch of excited children are happy to be the lead off banner for the parade Saturday in Decatur.

Amanda Minton says it’s great to be marching in the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade with Krewe of Glenwood.

Westchester Wild Things proudly marching with their banner during the 2018 Mead Rd Mardi Gras parade.

The Voodoo Doctor, alias Tim Embry, offered everyone in the crowd curses or releases at the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade in Decatur

Cast members of Grease from the Decatur High School Arts Theatre march in the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade

Members of the Fave African Drum Students Krewe hand out beads and cups to bystanders at the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras Parade

Deborah Turner is having a great time marching in front of the Seed and Feed Marching Abominables at the Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade

Mary Agar-Jones is one of the lead members of the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band at the 2018 MRMG parade

Ship wrecked from the islands, this Krewe was proud to make drinks and hand them out at the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras Parade

Feed and Seed Marching Abominable dancers light up the party held at the end of the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade.

Feed and Seed Marching Abominable dancers light up the party held at the end of the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade.

These folks kept playing and playing for the crowds at the end of the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras Parade.

Deborah Turner, left, celebrates with Mary Agar-Jones at the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade in Decatur.

Have boots, will wade through the deep waters at the end of the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade in Decatur.

Vijay Maka and Stella Helms give a hardy cheer to everyone attending the 2018 Mead Rd. Mardi Gras parade. Aye aye, Captain.