Snow and ice didn't keep crowds from celebrating the eighth annual Muncie Gras like it was New Orleans.
Heated tents and downtown bars offered revelers a little warmth as they ducked between belly dancing and drag shows.
More than 15 bands performed at four packed locations, and a French Quarter tent was set up on Walnut Street.
Ball State University students and Muncie residents over the age of 21 came together to drink and share plastic beads and sequin-covered masks.
Attendance numbers are not yet known, but Cheryl Crowder, program manager of Downtown Development, said she expected a crowd of more than 5,000.
FM Music promotions director Kim Gillenwater designed all the advertisements for Muncie Gras this year, including 2,000 Mardi Gras bead handouts and more than 1,000 fliers posted around the city.
"It's a time to let loose and be who you really are, or you get to be someone else completely different," Gillenwater said. "You can be whoever you want at Muncie Gras."
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