Chilly, wet weather didn’t dampen the fun Saturday at Vicksburg’s 10th annual Mardi Gras parade.

About 1,000 spectators, down from 4,000 last year, lined Washington Street to see the 42 floats in the lineup. A total of 29 floats rolled in the 2010 parade.

“We were really pleased with the turnout,” said Kim Hopkins, director of the Vicksburg Main Street Program, which sponsors the downtown event, called Peace, Love and Mardi Gras this year. “Considering the weather, we had a really good parade and everyone seemed to have a good time.”

The rain that had been headed in from the west all week fell most of Saturday in Vicksburg, with a few sprinkles along Washington Street at parade time, 4 p.m. The temperature hovered in the 50s, down from the mid-60s earlier in the day.

The forecast calls for sunshine today and a high around 60.

Some folks traveled from as far as Monroe, La., to participate in the parade.

Richwood Riding Club, an ATV enthusiasts group out of Monroe, brought 13 four-wheelers. They came ready for rain, many donning matching ponchos.

“We came prepared,” Richwood member Aaron Davison said. “Come what may, we will be ready.”

Steve Mainous of Grass Masters Landscaping of Vicksburg said the weather was a concern, but not enough to stop him and his crew.

“We were going to come, regardless,” Mainous said. “We see it as a privilege to come out here, and it is a way to give back to a community that has supported us.”

Three-year-old Keegan Blount, the son of Dustin and Samantha Blount, came decked out in a pirate rain coat, ready to catch some beads.

“I like the floats,” he said.

Awards are presented each year, and the winners will be recognized at a City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting this week.

Receiving awards:

• Krewe of Danny Hearn Trucking, Best in Show.

• The Home Depot, Best Business.

• Westside Theatre Foundation, Best Nonprofit.

• Krewe of Galla-Ators, Most Original.

• Vicksburg ABATE Motorcycle Club, Best Motorcycle Group.