GALVESTON, Texas -- People took to the streets in 40-degree temperatures to celebrate the first night of Mardi Gras in Galveston Friday. The party was set for weekends through March 4.
"It's really cold," said Malicia Kerrin. "This is the coldest I've ever been when it's here."
The low temperature was expected to be around 36 degrees Friday night. There was an increasing change of rain for Galveston throughout the day Saturday with a high temperature of 49 degrees and a low temperature of 46 degrees. The rain chance lingered Sunday, but temperatures should increase.
See more for the weather forecast here.
The two-weekend festival will feature significant traffic and parking restrictions, particularly affecting the historic downtown district and Seawall Boulevard. Cars parked on the Seawall are required to remain parked through the day Saturday until after the night parade, city officials announced in a news released Tuesday.
The city increased fines to $250 for illegal overnight parking on the Seawall between February 17 and February 20. This is a significant increase from the usual $50 fine for overnight parking violations during the rest of the year.
The first weekend will see major street closures in the downtown area beginning Thursday, February 20, with the area from Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street, 20th to 25th streets becoming pedestrian-only by Friday afternoon. Similar restrictions will be in place for the second weekend, starting February 27.
Additional restrictions include a complete ban on glass beverage containers within the Mardi Gras Entertainment District and along Seawall Boulevard.
The city has also prohibited drones and fireworks during the festivities, with violations subject to fines.
For visitors planning to attend, Island Transit services will be suspended during the main event days of February 22 and March 1. Festival-goers are encouraged to check the official Mardi Gras Galveston website for complete information about tickets, concert schedules, and parade routes.
Officials are urging attendees to "see something, say something" regarding suspicious behavior.
Organizers of many large events were making adjustments to policies and safety after a man attacked the crowded Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year's Day. Fourteen people were killed.