Rain couldn’t dampen the Mardi Gras spirit Thursday afternoon in Spanish Springs Town Square.
Mike and Anna Cruz of the Village of Glenbrook arrived early to get a seat. They were surprised there were not more people, and said they were not going to miss it regardless of the weather.
The Villages Dixieland Band got things rolling. Some members of the band had umbrellas covering them and their instruments because of the light drizzle. The crowd began to grow shortly after they began.  By the time the Perseverance Brass Band strolled around the square the crowds were getting larger. Then the stiltwalkers showed up, and were very popular, especially with the children.
When the Aloha O’ka Hula Dance Troupe took over around the Gazebo all chairs were taken and there was standing room only.  The Village Gypsies followed and then the Villages Gem Stone Dancers.
Clown Alley #179 Clowns were around the square entertaining the children, making balloons and making them laugh.
You can celebrate Mardi Gras all over again Tuesday at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square.
