Thousands celebrate Fat Tuesday in Fresno's Tower District

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- There is no shortage of celebration in the Tower District. Whether it's your first time indulging in Mardi Gras festivities or if you're a seasoned pro, Olive Avenue is doubling as Bourbon Street for Fat Tuesday.

Hector Ruiz says he started his bead collection when he turned 21.

"It's the only time in Fresno where everyone likes to come out and party," Ruiz said.

Sequoia Brewing Company made sure people got a taste of Mardi Gras flavor with drink specials, even Cajun and Creole menu options.

Lucy's marked its first Mardi Gras with the sounds of the Big Easy.

Restaurants and bars weren't the only ones to beef up staffing. Fresno police added 35 to 40 extra police officers to patrol the festivities.

"Were more concerned with people getting in the roadways and the overflow of pedestrians along the sidewalks," Captain Phil Cooley of the Fresno Police Department said. "For the most part, we just want to make sure people have a safe night tonight."

Compared to year's past, the police presence is scaled back but their message remains the same.