WILLIAMSPORT -- Businesses are hoping it's not too cold for customers to come out and celebrate Mardi Gras in Williamsport, even though outdoor activities have been cancelled.
Franco's Lounge on West Fourth Street in Williamsport may be better known for their Italian cuisine, but this weekend they're serving up something special.
"We're frying up crab cakes, grilling sausage, alligator gumbo." said Maria Daniele.
It's Cajun and Creole cuisine. Chef Maria Daniele says this weekend the downtown is celebrating Mardi Gras.
"In the past it's brought like 30, 40 thousand people and it was incredible. We used to have a parade and this is the first year we're not doing the parade," said Daniele.
For nearly 20 years, Daniele has helped the Downtown Hospitality Group organize a parade, fireworks, and events outside. This year it's just been too cold.
"It's relentless right now. You know subzero, single digits. We've decided to just bring the event inside, little downscale, you know,” said Daniele.
"Being outside I mean it's cold and having a parade at 6 p.m. and little kids don't do well in cold, so I probably wouldn't go for the fact that it's late and cold,” said Ashley Myers from Muncy.
There may not be a parade on Saturday, but businesses want to keep hold of some traditions.
"We have the gumbo contest going on, the king or queen contest," said Daniele.
During the festivities, the person who raises the most money for the charity of their choice wins a giant trophy and becomes king or queen for the year. It's a tradition they hope to continue.
Genetti's hopes to make a new tradition indoors this year.
"The indoor golf outing is a great way to get kids and families involved," said Kathy Taylor from Genetti's.
"Yeah, I'm going to go out tonight, but I was going to go out anyway," said Andy Otto from Williamsport.
