PHOTOS BY BRYCE ALBERGHINI 12 MARDI GRAS in ASHEVILLE Horns and marching drums echoed through the streets of downtown Asheville as Mardi Gras celebrations kicked off with a parade down Coxe Avenue. Parade participants danced on the back of homemade floats wearing both traditional and non> traditional attire. Despite rainy weather, spectators lined the streets to watch the parade and receive beads and candy from the marchers. This year’s theme was “Ashevinage People” prompting some to dress as the members of the band Village People. Floats were hosted by local businesses and organizations such Blue Ridge Pride, Mountain I Fairy Hair, Conundrum escape adventures and even the Flying Spaghetti Monster. '.Jv’ 'A JWAn p #■'3 IS ^ - -■ ■■■iaaMhiiL. 'a / I ■