Let the Good Times Roll in Fayetteville

Laissez les bons temps rouler, that is French for let the good times roll, and roll they did today in Fayetteville. The Krewe of Fat Saturday Parade of Fools threw beads to hundreds of revelers on Dickson Street. KNWA`s Meghan Dill reports. While many were having fun, businesses were booming. The restaurants and bars were very busy today servicing the crowds that flooded the streets during the afternoon parade. Dickson Street was packed on both sides of the street and many of the restaurants and bars also felt the influx of customers. Many businesses say they added extra waitresses and cooks just for today, knowing the crowds would be pouring in to eat and drink before and after the Fayetteville parade. Bensons and Brewski`s, two popular restaurants and bars were packed. Brewski employee Lauren Ko said, "I`d say business is eighty percent more than usual." Benson`s owner, Kevin Benson was happy to see the parade pack his restaurant, "The Mardi Gras parade seems to have brought out people early and in pretty good numbers." Many business owners expressed the wanting of more big festivities like this parade in the spring. They say with all the football games and activities in the fall, they usually dont come close to matching those sales this time of year. If you didn`t get a chance to get out today and enjoy the parade and parties, many businesses we spoke to say they plan on having specials on Tuesday, Mardi Gras day.