Mardi Gras crowd puts best face forward

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Mardi Gras masks and colored balloons decorated the lamp posts and street signs
of downtown Mount Pleasant Friday.

“It’s like a harvest street festival. The highlight of Mardi Gras is
the parade,” said Brass Cafe and Saloon Owner Susan Pyecroft, Downtown Business
Association treasurer. “This is a family oriented event and a chance for
downtown merchants to show off.”

The downtown streets closed to traffic at 4 p.m. for the DBA-sponsored event.

Various groups, organizations and businesses set up booths for the public.

The Brass Cafe and Saloon, 128 S. Main St., has a tradition of serving caramel
apples in a cup for the event. It also served Andouille sandwiches in honor of
Mardi Gras, Pyecroft said.

Someplace Special, 115 E. Broadway St., handed out beads and masks to anyone who
stopped by.

“We’re just bringing some cheer and celebration,” said St. Clair
Shores senior Julie Kurzawa, Someplace Special employee.

Central Assembly of God, 2245 S. Lincoln Road, organized a children’s program,
complete with songs, puppet shows and singing children. It also had a moonwalk,
face painting and balloon animals.

“The greatest thing is seeing the community out,” said Katie Cowlbeck,
Warren junior.

“It’s cool to see little kids again, too,” said Jessica Madsen,
Holland junior.

Several people commented on the children’s costumes.

“I like the costumes. They’re fun. I also like being able to get beads
without having to flash anyone,” said Krissi Bittner, Almont junior.

Vision Studio of Performing Arts, 1809 S. Mission St., entertained people for
hours with dancers before the parade began.

Residents completely congested the sidewalks just before 6:30 p.m., vying for
an open viewing spot.

The parade opened with a single police car flashing its lights, followed by two
fire trucks sounding their sirens.

Other highlights and participants in the parade included the CMU Marching Band,
the CMU wrestling team and the Mount Pleasant High School Band.

Child and Family Enrichment Council, 402 S. University Ave., built a float for
the event.

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch carried six children in “pumpkins” behind
a John Deere Gator.

Retired CMU Professor Bill Miller, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch owner, said it was
the business’ first time in the parade.

“The kids see me and holler ‘Hey Papa’ and I love it. It fires
me right up.”