The Texas Relays brings out a party in Austin often referred to as the “Black Mardi Gras.” Crowds ready to party started to fill Sixth Street early Saturday afternoon and the numbers quickly grew.

“Imagine like a pile of ants like just all together,” said Austin visitor Alejon Johnson.

Along with the growing party crowd came increased police patrol.

 “We're going to have people everywhere and we're prepared for that,” said Austin Police Lieutenant Darrell Boydston.

Some say the patrol is a response to incidents in the past. The Texas Relay weekend has taken on some negativity.