The Order of LaShe’s Tuesday parade night drew one of the biggest crowds so far in Mobile’s 2023 Mardi Gras season. See the accompanying photo gallery for images of the event.

The Mobile police department estimated a turnout of 25,344 for the event. The estimates for only two parades have been higher: The Conde Cavaliers drew 59,136 spectators on Feb. 3, a night that also featured a Senior Bowl parade and a free Nelly concert; and the combined procession by the Maids of Mirth, the Order of Butterfly Maidens and the Krewe of Marry Mates on Saturday, Feb. 11, attended by an estimated 27,800 people.

Police also reported that they issued 30 parking citations and that 19 vehicles were towed Tuesday evening.

At least one other potentially big night, the Order of Inca on Friday, Feb. 10, was hampered by rainy weather, and the forecast for Mobile’s next parade night – Thursday, when the Mystic Stripers Society is to roll – doesn’t look good. Rain with a chance of thunderstorms is predicted, with the potential for some of the storms to be severe.

On Friday, Mobile enters the period known by some as “Deep Gras,” with parade activity ramping up throughout the region as the run-up to Fat Tuesday commences. The Crewe of Columbus rolls in Mobile at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The full schedule is available here.

For continuing coverage, visit www.al.com/mardigras.

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What to know before you go to Mardi Gras in Mobile; tips and what to avoid

How Mobile plans to make Mardi Gras ‘a safe event’

With fifes, drums, ‘Star Wars’ and a little disco, Mardi Gras dances through the raindrops