LEESBURG — Mardi Gras is returning to downtown Leesburg.
But unlike previous years, there will be no King Rex or Queen Divine candidates racing for the crown.
“We’re doing it a little bit different this year,” said Joanie Smalley, executive director of the Leesburg Partnership.
The annual Leesburg Mardi Gras season typically involves several candidates running for the titles of King Rex and Queen Divine, all in a campaign effort to fundraise for the partnership and promote local businesses.
But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than candidates and their krewes putting on events and mixers in downtown Leesburg, the partnership is taking a different approach. Local businesses are hosting Mardi Gras-themed parties throughout the fundraiser.