NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Overcast skies and the threat of rain couldn't dampen the revelry of Mardi Gras as parades took to the streets Tuesday, showering costumed merrymakers with trinkets of all kinds.

The parades began around dawn, led by clarinetist Pete Fountain and his Half-Fast Walking Club. Later, the Zulu krewe and the parade of Rex, King of Carnival, rolled down stately St. Charles Avenue to the business district.

Along the uptown parade route, families camped out overnight to stake out choice spots to view parades.