Westside : Rain Fails to Dampen Spirit at West Hollywood Mardi Gras

Forget the rain--the party must go on.

The annual Mardi Gras festival in West Hollywood was still a go Tuesday night despite the inclement weather. The city’s party is patterned after the fabled celebration in New Orleans, complete with the traditional beads and wild costumes.

Entertainment, much of it held in spots along Santa Monica Boulevard near San Vicente Boulevard, included dance parties at clubs, a fashion show and special Mardi Gras menus at many restaurants.

In fact, most of the celebration occurred in about 50 bars and restaurants, so the rain was not a factor.

Still, organizers of this year’s event realized the rain might take its toll.

“The rain may dampen a lot of spirits,” said Bryan Carter, a special events manager for Absolut vodka, a major sponsor of the event. “But the way I see it, let the party begin.”