Masks have been a long held tradition of Mardi Gras, and were originally used in the celebrations so people from various societal classes could intermingle with each other without fear of prejudice.

Dixie Doc and the Dixieland All-Stars provided swinging sounds that got the crowd both young and old up out of their seats for a dance with their partners.

The Eagleburger Band energized the crowd before the crowning of the new Mardi Gras King.

Paul Martino receives the scepter, making his crowning as 2024 Mardi Gras King official. Martino worked at local television station KDKA for 37 years and worked in broadcast journalism for 50 years before his retirement in 2021. During his career, he covered many major topics, including the death of Pittsbugh mayor Richard S. Caliguiri. Despite being most well known for his work in Pittsburgh, Martino is a Chicago native.