JEFFERSON -- Saturday's Mardi Gras events saw Jefferson turn from the antique capital of East Texas to a purple, gold and green mass of fun.

It came complete with outrageous costumes and pounds of beads along with a New Orleans-style party that reportedly lured guests from as far away as Boston and California.

Riders in the motorcycle parade dressed the part for the celebration.

"It's an awesome crowd," said Lindsey Lebell, manager of the filled-to-capacity Jefferson Inn. "The owner (of the inn), Miss Marie, said she's never seen crowds like this.

"We've had people from California, a fellow from Boston," Ms. Lebell continued. "But a lot of people are from around Texas."