MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A homecoming 20 years in the making, as city and state leaders gathered in downtown Mobile Saturday to welcome Amtrak’s special arrival.

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, the first passenger train to return to the Port City in more than two decades, made its first run from New Orleans to Mobile.

This historic launch was recognized the true Mardi Gras way — with music, bands, and plenty of celebration.

“It was a big celebration the entire way here,” Amtrak President Rodger Harris said.

"A couple of years ago, we were concerned that, you know, maybe we didn’t have enough planned for these festivities, but it’s been thousands and thousands of people everywhere we stopped," Harris said regarding the big community turnout for Amtrak.

"First of all, they were really happy t

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