The magic behind Mardi Gras Galveston's renaissance

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An estimated 200,000 people jammed the Strand in Galveston for the revival of Mardi Gras in 1985. Dancie Ware was there then and continued her work each year, helping turn Mardi Gras Galveston into the spectacular event that it is today.

"It wasn't until Cynthia and George Mitchell were planning to open the fabulous Tremont House, which was their first hotel restoration in the Strand District, that they said this is the time to bring it back," Ware said.

The plan was to come up with an incredible mid-winter event to draw visitors to Galveston and give the island community something to get behind year-round.

"We proclaimed it 'Mardi Gras Galveston Returns' and recreated the Knights of Momus to be the lead Krewe, which remains today," Dancie remembers.

Dancie not only making history but also bringing back history. In 1986, she started the Arch project. Dancie wanted to bring back the historic arches on the Strand. Dancie and friends recruited the best architect in the country to design festive Arches to soar above the Strand - a way to bring history and art together.

Arches were part of the original Mardi Gras in Galveston back in 1871. Dancie thought, "Why can't we bring them back with a modern touch?" Dancie and Mardi Gras Galveston did.

When it comes to Mardi Gras Galveston today, Dancie said, take it all in, "Certainly go to the parades, but go to the art walk and see the artists who are participating, enjoy a Cajun po'boy. So, take part in every aspect of the senses to get the full swing of Mardi Gras."