EC Mardi Gras Light Parade and Festival defies rain

Rain could not stop El Centro’s Tenth Annual Mardi Gras light parade and street festival on Saturday.

Mardi Gras Queen Monica Lepe Negrete said, “We’re hoping that the rain lets up, but, rain or shine, we’re going to go.”

And 32 brightly decorated floats and over a dozen school bands did go down Main Street for several blocks starting at city hall.
“This is a great family event. And to be representing the city and all of the families here today is a great experience,” Monica Negrete said.

Mardi Gras King Alfredo Negrete said no rain could stop him from doing his job.

“We’re here to help everybody have a wonderful time tonight. It is a beautiful night. I know it’s raining a little bit but it’s going to be a beautiful night,” Alfredo Negrete said.

The award-winning Heber Hawks drumline team defied the rain as well.

“Bringing the traditions from New Orleans to the valley is very important, especially having some local schools performing in New Orleans every so often,” Isaac Morales, Jr., said.

Kettle Korne Gene Ferguson was one of over 50 vendors at the festival offering tasty snacks.

“This is the finest you’ll ever eat. This stuff is the best one in the entire valley,” Ferguson said.

Other vendors promoted or raised funds for school programs.

Central Union High School Baseball Program Diane Flores said, “We’re celebrating Mardi Gras and trying to get out the word of the baseball here in El Centro.”

The king and queen were right. Hundreds of cheering spectators were not put off by the rain that continued throughout the street fiesta.

“Rain or shine the show must go on!” the king and queen and their court said.