Rural Mardi Gras riders lead the Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade into town Saturday for the start of the annual parade. Despite the rain, this year's parade drew hundreds of decorated krewe floats, horses and covered wagons.

A Mardi Gras float salutes area veterans for their service Saturday during the 25th annual Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade. The celebration featured a countryside run with chicken throws, music and a parade with lots of beads, candy and other throws.

Mardi Gras revelers make their way along the parade route in the rain Saturday during the 25th annual Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade. The parade was followed by chicken throws in the park.

Members of the Passons Fou Krewe toss beads to parade goers Saturday during the 25th annual Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade. The rain did not deter crowds from lining the streets early to catch beads, candy, toys and other throws from the more than 100 parade entries.

Members of the Krewe de Bon Temp wave and throw beads Saturday as they roll through the streets of Lake Arthur for the town's 25th annual Mardi Gras Parade. Soggy weather did not keep eager crowds and parade revelers from turning out for the annual celebration which kicked off earlier in the day with a countryside chicken run.

Children shout for Mardi Gras beads and other throws as the 25th annual Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade rolls through the streets on Saturday. Despite the rain, a large crowd was on hand for the parade and an earlier countryside chicken run.