Estimates of 25,000 to 30,000 were assembled in downtown Eunice on Mardi Gras day alone.  No telling how many came to Eunice for all the festivities beginning a week earlier. Visitors ascended upon Eunice from all over the place, from as far away as Canada, California, and Vermont.

   The weather decided to cooperate for the days festivities. A short shower and fog Tuesday morning was as bad as it got. The rest of the days weather couldn't have been better.

   The Courir (run) has never had so many beautifully decorated horses and riders in all its history. And let's not forget all the trucks and wagons that were also decorated showing the true Mardi Gras spirit this year on Fat Tuesday.

   The unofficial number of  Mardi Gras participants was over 2,000 registered with an estimate of up to 3,000 participating in the run. Never in the history of the Eunice Mardi Gras has there ever been so many horses and riders also with an estimate of 1,500 horses and riders. 

   The Mardi Gras parade with all the participants lasted almost 2 hours. The horses, wagons, walkers and trucks just kept coming and coming. 

   Eunice's population is around 11,400 with some 15,000 within a five mile radius of the city. You could say that the "Prairie Cajun Capitol" threw a party and everyone attended.

   There was music, food, refreshments and fun all day long. What more could anyone ask for?

   SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!