The beads are ready to be tossed, the costumed crowds are in the mood to party and tourism officials are smiling.
It can only mean one thing: It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans.
“It is the event of the year. It’s our largest, in terms of economic benefit. It is probably the most iconic celebration for the city,” said Jennifer Day-Sully, a spokeswoman for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
About a million people are expected to take part in the festivities over the 12 days leading up to Fat Tuesday, which falls on Feb. 21 this year, Day-Sully said. The city doesn’t break that number down into out-of-town visitors and local attendees.
“We’re working 24/7 to make sure that happens,” he said. “I think the numbers are moving in that direction.”
There’s a lot at stake for the city. A Tulane University study showed the economic impact of Mardi Gras on New Orleans amounted to $300 million in 2011, Romig said. For every $1 the city spent on services to support Mardi Gras — such as sanitation and security — it received $8.50 back in tax revenue. So officials are happy to see the party recover to pre-Hurricane Katrina level.
If you could go to the Mardi Gras...would you do it? And who would you take along?
Please write in complete sentences and don't forget spell check!
Yes, i would go because it sounds like alot of fun. I would just take a couple of close friends and maybe any other people i know that would be interested. It would be something new to try.
ReplyDeleteYes I woul go to Mardi Gras if I could and I would take ALL of my closest friends.
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