NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As Mardi Gras cruises prepare to start their original routes this season, business has started to pick up at local Mardi Gras shops across the city.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced at a news conference in January. 25.
Cantrell also said the city has secured an additional 150 officers to get the crew back on their true route.
Beads by the Dozen in Elmwood is one of those stores seeing a surge in business.
Dan Kelly, president of Endymion and owner of Beads by the Dozen, said the longer parade route means more people will buy beads.
“Everybody’s lines are longer now, and they’re going to need more product to throw around,” Kelly said. “I think there will be more people on the street.”
For the first time since the pandemic began, many Crewes will be rolling along their original lines.
Police officers are paid at least $75 an hour for their work during Mardi Gras, Cantrell said.
Kelly said the lengthy parade route would have a major impact on the economy.
“Economically, I think it’s going to be a huge boost,” he said. “For Endymion, all the restaurants and bars on Carrollton Avenue, they’re delighted to find out that we’re going to go the traditional downtown route. I think it’s going to be a huge boom for everyone in the city.”
This year Endymion will be held at the Ernest R. Morial Convention Center due to construction of the Caesars Superdome.
See a spelling or grammar mistake in our story? Click here report it. Please include a title.
Copyright 2023 WVUE. all rights reserved.