Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade 2023

Going to the Annual Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade is starting to become a tradition for us "if" I am in town.  This year --- no February quilt retreat and, thus -- no conflict.  Making the trek down a bit early in order to locate a parking spot has us checking out Hola Cafe for some coffee.  It's good and with a warm cup in my hands, I'm ready to explore a bit.  There are several areas of Oak Cliff that we visit - one being the Bishop Arts District, which is super close to where we are today.  This is just a few roads over and the area has so much character that I'll share a few images.

Mister had to back up and check out the window for a second look.

The parade route goes right down Davis street and Davis Street Espresso is usually not open on Sundays, but today they have the window open and are serving beignets.  Why not?  It IS a Mardi Gras parade so we might as well get as much "New Orleans" out of it that we can.

Let the parade begin - I'll just share images with few comments - 

The ZOO!!!!!

and they picked a dinosaur??  Goodness.

Girl Scouts and cookies - 

This band was a ragtag and they looked like they have a blast together.

This little one was just so cute as he watched everyone go by.  He was across the street from us.

Here come the Minions!!!  Love it so much.

Hey, it's Gru.

The Sheriff's Posse - 

Oompa Loompas

At this point the older couple next to us (who REALLY wanted beads as they had never done this before) were about to leave, so a quick selfie for us and then all of our beads went to them.  We continued watching and collecting and had another chance to make two small children smile.  They arrived near the end of the parade and the bead throwing was about done.  It's fun to collect them and just as fun to give them away.  Another parade in the books and we're off for more day together.  Keep on smiling.