Aberdeen holds its seventh annual Mardi Gras parade

Aberdeen hosted its seventh annual Mardi Gras parade and festival downtown on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., an event that began as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Aberdeen Animal Shelter and now supports restoration of older downtown buildings.

Aberdeen held its seventh annual Mardi Gras parade and festival in downtown Aberdeen on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. The event began as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Aberdeen Animal Shelter, organized as the Krewe of FOTAAS. Volunteer Toni Reece said organizers now focus on raising money to restore older buildings in the downtown area. The celebration included food trucks, games, and a street party with a live band. Event details: - The parade and festival ran Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Aberdeen. - This was the seventh year of the Mardi Gras parade in Aberdeen. - The event began as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Aberdeen Animal Shelter (Krewe of FOTAAS). - Organizers now report the fundraiser also supports restoration of deteriorating downtown buildings, according to volunteer Toni Reece. - Activities included food trucks, games, color-changing "mocktails," and throws of beads, Moon Pies, and Ramen noodles. - Attendees enjoyed a live band and a street party after the parade, and many visitors came from out of town. Summary: The parade continues to blend fundraising with community celebration and draws visitors from outside the town. Undetermined at this time.