FLINT, MI -- The Neighorhood Art Parade led about 50 participants Thursday evening to Iroquois Park, bringing community members together with art, food, music, and fellowship.

The Mardi Gras themed parade included a musical performance by Nightfire Drumline and repainting of the park's pavilion by artists Jay Rowland and Ariel Sammone.

"It's just lovely," said Flint resident Melodi Washington, 45, with a smile. "I'm a band fan. My son played the bass drum, and I've had three kids play football. So watching bands has always been such a joy. This parade is quite wonderful. We really need positivity to give the kids hope and bring back to our streets. They don't have much right now, and these sort of things bring us together."

Music by DJ Gozza, performance by students from Studio On the Go, and hot dogs provided courtesy of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church followed the parade.

The Flint Public Art Project produces the Neighborhood Art Parade in cooperation with Neighborhood Restoration Coalition, Salem Housing, Neighborhood Engagement Hub, Flint Neighborhoods United, Christ Enrichment Center, Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, UFO Village, Civic Park Neighborhood Association, Michigan State Police, and the Flint Police Department.