Mother Nature dealt a sudden cold, wet blow to Acadiana. The streets of Lafayette, usually lined with expectant Mardi Gras lovers emptier than usual for the start of Queen Evangeline’s Parade.

Then again, there is that saying, let the good times roll, which for meant for several people, it was just as simple as putting on a few extra layers and grabbing an umbrella.

“It’s like Christmas, Mardi Gras only comes once a year, ” said one parade-goer.

It’s the third year in a row, where Lundi and Mardi Gras have been plagued by less than favorable weather. Still, rain and a sharp drop in temperatures couldn’t stop the determined few.

Megan, a Mardi Gras enthusiast said, “I took off work so I was coming no matter what.”

With a smaller than normal crowd, it allowed for a larger haul for the soaked souls.

“I mean, I’m excited cause I was thinking if they do through stuff I’ll get bombarded with them all, so it would be better if it were warm but I’m not afraid to get wet,” said Megan.

In the end, roughly less than 1,000 people were present during Monday’s only Lafayette parade.