GALVESTON —The rumors had been swirling for two days — former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, would attend Tilman Fertitta's San Luis Salute Mardi Gras gala as they had in years past. And they did Friday night, sitting down for dinner and staying for most of the entertainment amid a raucous crowd of 1,200.

The difference in 2012 from previous years was that Giffords no longer had the attractive blonde locks that had defined her looks before the assassination attempt a year ago. Rather she wore her hair in the familiar short cut, now brown, and wore glasses that were new to her look since the shooting. For the black-tie occasion, she wore a fetching spaghetti-strapped burgundy gown topped with a white silk shawl.

She had two armed law officers within shouting distance. And there was a caregiver only feet away from Giffords' prime seat next to gala chair Tilman Fertitta at the head table at the San Luis Convention Center. When the couple was introduced after the grand entry of notables, they received a standing ovation to which they warmly responded, standing and waving to the crowd of 1,200 Mardi Gras revelers.

Giffords, who resigned her congressional post last month to focus on her recovery from a gunshot wound to the head, was all smiles as she greeted numerous admirers, posed for photos and swayed to the tunes of the various bands. She was gracious beyond expectations though she said little, expressing her sentiment with smiles and nods.

In a private photo opp with singer Belinda Carlisle, lead singer of the now disbanded Go Go's, Giffords was genial and warm, depending on Kelly to help her walk the considerable distance from the ballroom to the lobby to meet the singer.

Following the singer's performance, Giffords departed with security and caregiver in tow.