In 2010, transplants missing their Louisiana roots and locals with a love of the Bayou State came together to form the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, a group dedicated to bringing the color and enthusiasm of the South to the Northwest. To celebrate the last indulgence before Lent, the Krewe leads the Mardi Gras parade down Mississippi Avenue every year, passing out their handcrafted signature mini-umbrellas (nimbus, get it) to merrymakers. Everyone is invited to dress up and dance in the streets; venues along the way typically have food and drink specials to mark the occasion and the revelry often extends post-parade into the night. by Shannon Lubetich