Uncle John’s hounds: Mardi Gras parade brings good vibes

A groovy time was had in downtown Apalachicola on Saturday, as thousands gathered in Riverfront Park, clad in tie-dye and paisley print, for the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers’ annual Mardi Gras parade and celebration.

This year’s Grateful Dead theme inspired some spectacular costumes and floats in what many locals said was the largest parade yet.

Led by the Lofty Pursuits marching band, local law enforcement, brightly decorated golf carts, a band of dancing witches and scores of folks walking their dressed-up pooches wrapped their way around the block to the cheers of onlookers.

Organizer Caroline Ilardi said that this year’s parade was the largest in the event’s 12 year history. Proceeds, which Ilardi said exceeded $22,000, will go to the Franklin County Humane Society and the Florida Wild Mammal Association as well as funding the Apalachicola City Dog Park.

“It was a beautiful day, and there were more people, more dogs, more vendors, more music and more fun than I’ve ever seen there,” Ilardi said. “It was just altogether bigger and better than it’s ever been.”