BEAUMONT, Texas — Many didn't know what to expect when it was first announced that Mardi Gras Southeast Texas was coming to Beaumont.
Four days later, folks are walking away from the festival with memories of a lifetime.
More than 700 volunteers helped put this year's event together, Tim Romero, chairman of the board, said.
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas kicked off the week with a ceremonial chicken toss on Thursday.
It was a long standing tradition from Mardi Gras in Port Arthur. Friday's cold weather didn't stop thousands from showing up and enjoying the Valero Krewe of Krewe Parade.
Downtown Beaumont was packed Saturday as people lined the streets for the biggest parade of the weekend.
The Total Majestic Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade brought out folks of all ages.
And you can't forget about the performances. Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc were among the many acts to take the stage Saturday night.
On Sunday, the last of the festival had some soaking up the last few hours.
Many enjoyed the tiniest parade of the festival, the Munchkin Parade.
Now that Mardi Gras in Beaumont has wrapped up, 12News wanted to know what everyone thought about the event.
As of Sunday night, a 12News poll showed viewers rated Beaumont's first Mardi Gras with an average of 4.2 out of 5.
The majority of people we spoke with this weekend say they preferred Beaumont's venue over Port Arthur's, which had hosted Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas for the previous 28 years.
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas 2020!
Most popular reasons being safety and space according to those who visited.
Organizers tell 12News they understand the event can't be perfect, being the first time in a new location, but the outcome of the weekend made them happy.
Tim Romero, chairman of the board, says more than 700 volunteers helped put this year's event together.
He says next month, organizers will begin to think about Mardi Gras 2021 which plans to remain at the Beaumont Event Centre next year.