NEW ROADS - One of the state's longest running Mardi Gras traditions returned in full force on Tuesday.

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee parade and Lions Club parade are running back-to-back through New Roads starting at 11 a.m.. The parades run through New Roads' downtown district and are some of the largest Carnival celebrations in the entire capital area. 

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee parade, the second-oldest parade in the state, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022. The Lions Club parade celebrated its 78th.

Last year, both parades were reduced to drive-thru-only events because of coronavirus-related restrictions. But crowds once again swarmed Pointe Coupee Parish for the long-running celebration's return. 

"It's good to see all the people back great for the community bands going on," paradegoer Robert Hurst said. "We've been waiting on that for the longest. Glad we got that back."