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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Officials Try To Boost Mardi Gras Spirits

Compiled From Wire Services

With more than 300,000 visitors in town for today’s raucous windup of Mardi Gras, city officials tried to reassure revelers Monday that the party is safe despite two shootings near parade routes.

Four people were wounded Sunday night during the Bacchus parade, whose grand marshal was TV star John Larroquette, and two were wounded in a shooting early last week.

Witnesses said Sunday’s shooting was near Larroquette’s float, and he climbed down from his throne as other riders ducked for cover.

Police blamed both recent shootings on private disputes.