Clarendon Parade Still On Despite Rain

The Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade is still on tonight despite the rain and despite Mardi Gras having happened three weeks ago.

The parade is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. on N. Barton Street. About 30 floats and assorted groups are currently expected take part in the roughly half-hour-long event, which will run up Wilson Blvd to N. Irving Street.

Last year the parade was postponed due to a snowstorm, before being cancelled altogether due to another snowstorm. This year the parade was originally scheduled for Feb. 17, but was again postponed due to snow.

Matt Hussmann, executive director of the Clarendon Alliance, which organizes the parade, said that he’d rather march in some rain than chance another parade-less year.

“It’s not raining hard,” he said. “What are the odds that if we postpone it again that it’s going to be any better?”

Hussmann said the parade has received a handful of cancellations from scheduled participants, including the beloved Ballou High School Marching Band. Still, Hussmann was optimistic for a good turnout and said the cancellations wouldn’t rain on his parade.

“It’s going to be a good crowd and we’re hoping as many people come out as [possible],” he said. “It should be fun.”

Arlington County Police say they’re planning the following parade-related road closures tonight:

• Wilson Boulevard from Veitch Street to Barton Street will be closed from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Adams Street and Wayne Street, between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard, will be closed from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Wilson Boulevard from Barton Street to Irving Street will be closed from 7:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.