DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WPMI) Unseasonably warm temperatures helped usher in the Mardi Gras on Dauphin Island as thousands drove down for the first parade of the season in South Alabama.
The Krewe De La Dauphine took over Bienville Boulevard Saturday afternoon for their 21st parade. The theme this year was "Tell Me A Story."
A Dauphin Island Police Department spokesperson said the parade drew up to 35,000 people, which is a major increase, they said, from last year.
For island businesses, it is a much needed boost financially nearly five months after Hurricane Isaac ended summertime early for the island's beach-goers.
"We've been busier than normal," a Dauphin Island Chevron Station Employee said. "It's probably our fourth biggest weekend of the year."
Corey Moore said parade-day business at Dauphin Island BBQ is not as strong as last year, but all signs point to a great 2013.
"This is actually my one-year anniversary today," Moore said. I think we're going to probably be a little bit ahead of the game by the time spring break kicks off and the summer."
Dauphin Island will not have to wait too long for its next Mardi Gras parade. The Island Mystics roll Saturday, January 19th at one o'clock.
