DAPHNE, Ala.—For Apollo’s Mystic Ladies, Thursday proved that second time’s the charm, as the nine-year-old mystic society rolled down Main Street six days after its original parade date.

Though the AML parade was pre-empted Feb. 13 due to inclement weather, parade-goers saw nothing but clear skies—though most people enjoyed the ladies’ procession wearing warm jackets and layers, due to cool, 49-degree winds.

About 6,500 people attended the parade, a Daphne Police Department spokesperson said.

The ladies’ theme, “Nightmare on Main Street,” may have lost some of its intended punch, since members dressed in kid-friendly, scary attire—with zombies, evil brides, vampires and witches—due to the parade’s initial, spooky date, Feb. 13; but parade-goers seemed unfazed as they scurried to catch beaded necklaces and large stuffed animals.

Rachel, of Orlando, said of the parade, “It is always a warm, fun, exhilerating experience.” She and her family annually trek to Daphne to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Travis Teal of Fairhope said  the ladies’ parade has become a tradition for him.

“Its really fun, and exciting.” he said. “We come every year. I know several people in the parade and I wouldn’t miss it.”

Queen Daphne IX (“Pam”) reigned over this year’s parade, though her white tafetta, strapless gown was anything but scary. The bodice was beaded with metallic embroidered lace that continued behind a pick-up style skirt with a bubble-hem. Her 11-foot train—handmade by her mother-in-law—was originally worn at Mobile’s Belles and Beaux Mystic Society Ball in 1981. Something of an heirloom, it was modified to fit  the Queen’s custom mantle white collar with 2-inch fringe of Australian crystals. The Queen’s royal blue velvet train, bordered with silver eyelash, featured scrolls and designs of silver sequins, rhinestones and Australian crystals. 

Grand Marshal Neil Grantham—brother of an AML member—of Montgomery led the parade.

“He was in a horrible head-on collision last year that almost took his life, so we are honored and proud to have him lead our parade,” one of the ladies said. Mystic society members representing their organizations don’t use their names publicly during the Mardi Gras season.

Honorary grand marshal was Cpl. C.J. Sutherland, who serves in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Seven floats featured vampires, Bridezilla, “Freaky Friday Girls,” “Ghost Riders,” “Law & Disorder,” “Superstitious Ladies” and “Witchy Women.”

Apollo’s Mystic Ladies was founded in March 2000 and is Daphne’s first women’s mystic society, according to its members.

“Our mission is to bring friendship, fellowship and revelry to Daphne in the true Mardi Gras Spirit,” a masker said.

Carnival continues…