The party lasted all day, Uptown, along the parade route.  Our Kenny Lopez went on a search for some of the craziest and fun costumes.

Even Mayor Landrieu lets loose during Mardi Gras! During a break in the Zulu Parade, the mayor dances with a few people in the crowd.

Mardi Gras action isn’t confined to just New Orleans! In neighboring Jefferson Parish, the Krewes of Argus, Elks Jefferson and Jefferson parade on Mardi Gras day.

WGNO’s Ed Daniels has some words of advice to anyone looking to enjoy these Metairie parades: get to the parade route early! Jefferson Parish parades always start on time, and a few floats have been scratched at the last minute (most notably the Budweiser Clydesdales) because of the threat of bad weather.

This year Argus XXIX is businessman Raymond J. Brandt, who brought his grandchildren along for the ride, and Queen Argus XXIX is Lydia Louise Netterville.

Gallier Hall, which served as New Orleans’ city hall for over 100 years, has continued to be a focal point during Carnival celebrations, including Mardi Gras day.

The kings of most of the Mardi Gras krewes – including Rex, King of Carnival – stop at Gallier Hall to toast the mayor of New Orleans, along with other gathered dignitaries.

“As King Zulu you brought us this beautiful weather, you look spectacular, and on behalf of the City Council and the people of the city we bequeath the streets unto you for you and your lovely queen’s reign,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu when King Zulu passed on Mardi Gras morning. “So if everybody will help me raise a glass and say ‘Hail, King Zulu!’ “

The King and Queen wished everyone a safe and happy Mardi Gras and thanked the public for adding to today’s celebration.

The mayor gave the King & Queen of Zulu keys to the city, and even joked that whoever gets to the city’s secret vault first can have everything inside.

NEW ORLEANS – There are two distinct groups of people you see on Bourbon Street the morning of Mardi Gras day: those who’ve been out all night long (they’re pretty easy to spot), and those who got up early in the morning to put on costumes for the big day of celebrations.

It’s been a particularly busy morning for the face painters in the French Quarter. For anywhere from $10 to $30 they’ll turn your face into a Mardi Gras mask that won’t wash off in the rain (just in case).

On the streets you’ll see everything from pirates to Pelicans – we found one man in an original 1955 New Orleans Pelicans baseball uniform! – in leather and tinsel and beads.

So far it’s been a calm start to Fat Tuesday, but don’t expect that quiet to last long on Bourbon Street. Crowds were beginning to thicken by midday.

Once the Rex parade finishes, expect to see huge crowds make their way into the Quarter, turning Bourbon Street into party city for about 12 hours. At midnight law enforcement from around the area will clean out Bourbon Street, signifying an end to Mardi Gras and the beginning of Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Fat Tuesday is known for plenty of festivities and fun on Bourbon Street.  That includes many outrageous costumes to get into the spirit.