Early birds get the beads at Mardi Gras

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - EARLY BIRDS GET THE BEADS

For some people the line between Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras is a blurry one. Up all night Monday, then back up early Tuesday morning. Local Musician Herb B was up before the squirrels in Bienville square. He's a man who loves nothing more than playing the sweet sounds of Mardi Gras on his sax.

"It's a pleasure just to be a participant in it. It's hard to put into words. You have to see it, to feel it," Herb said.

Most people were feeling the cold. But temperatures below freezing didn't stop families from getting an early start to get a prime spot.

"This is an every year tradition. Even though it's cold we had to be here. It doesn't matter how early it is. We got up at 3:00 this morning and left," Tara Mosley told FOX10.

THE GRILLS START AT DAYBREAK

That sleep deprivation gives the early birds a leg up on their favorite patch of ground. Then they can set out their tables, the grills, and of course, the food. Gary Goodwin had a grill full of sausage going as the sun came up.

"Right now this is some Conecuh. Were going to do the sausage early, then my friend has some ribs were going to throw down on later," Goodwin said.

Those who don't like to cook were covered too. Vendor Ruby McCardy fired up her grill at 6:00 a.m. and prepared for a crazy day filled with sausage, corn dogs and funnel cakes.

"It will be busy. It will be busy. Real busy," McCardy added.

And it wouldn't be a true Mardi Gras if it wasn't.