Krewe of Kolosse prepares for 9th annual Mardi Gras parade in Downtown Dothan

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Krewe of Kolosse volunteers spent the Friday afternoon preparing for the big fun day ahead tweaking the decorations on their float to make it look different, testing the sounds, and ensuring all of the lights were working.

“Parade day brings stress but it also brings happiness once we get to that day it washes away we look forward to the turnout it has grown every year,” says Float Lieutenant Chris Lee.

Last year, the parade saw over 30,000 people and they hope to see 50,000 this year.

This year Mardi Gras parade will start on Girard Street, traveling multiple downtown streets, will feature over 30 decorative floats giving out candy, beads and music entertainment.

This year they will have some live fine tunes to go along with that.

“We got three marching bands we are excited about Tuskege University and I dont think the people are ready for what they have to offer,” says Lee.

Lee says with Mardi Gras parades nearby like in Mobile and Panama City, they strive to keep people from traveling.

“Our parade is a little different we try not to copy something that was already done we put it our own southern flavor to a parade style,” says Lee.

With thousands expected to attend the parade, the KOK crew also strives to keep people safe.

“We need to make sure no children are dashing out in the street just stand back we will throw you beads, our friends at the police departments will be on bicycles, and in cars it’s a full press on behalf of the city,” KOK Tim Comerford says.

The parade will begin at 3 p.m. and wrap up on Foster Street between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. where they say the party truly begins.

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