Clarendon Mardi Gras: Parade Brings Bourbon Street to Arlington

Arlington celebrated Fat Tuesday in what's become an annual tradition in Clarendon.

Thousands came out for Clarendon's annual Mardi Gras Parade. Matt Hussmann — executive director of the Clarendon Alliance, which puts on the event — said he thought the crowd was as good or better than last year's estimate of 3,000.

At times, the crowd drifted so far into the street near Wilson and Edgewood that the parade had to squeeze through. Participants said they gave out more beads this year than last.

"Well, I thought it was fun," Hussmann told Patch. "I thought the crowd was great. I thought the groups were great. There was a lot of energy. The weather was nice. So, we're happy. And from what I've heard — and I imagine I'll be hearing a lot more tomorrow — the crowd was happy, too."

The 15th annual parade featured about 45 participants.

Hussmann said next year he would try to recruit more volunteers for crowd control.

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Read more:

Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade Founders Celebrate 15th Anniversary

Photos: Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade 2012