Mardi Gras is not canceled…
Sure, Mardi Gras is different but not canceled. The news hit NOLA yesterday, and everyone was pretty BUMMED. The local businesses rely on hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue to go to Mardi Gras city. With the pandemic, things are not looking good for some businesses. Nola.com reported in 2009 that the Mardi Gras celebration, of that year, resulted in a direct economic impact of $145.7 million and an indirect impact of $322 million in the city of New Orleans. Let’s face it, even if the Mardi Gras parades rolled, the tourism would not be the same in 2021. The last canceled Mardi Gras was in 1979 due to a strike. Since, we all agree, this season will be different - let’s try a different strategy. Buy local on Mardi Gras and the days leading up to Mardi Gras, to support the local businesses.
Things to consider buying local on February 16th are:
King Cake - Some of my favorites: Caludas, Randazzo’s, Chef Reyna, Haydels, Dong Phuong and Bywater Bakery
Candles - Wicks Nola and Conrad Rose have some bomb Carnival Scents.
Jewelry - Local jewelry places all over Nola.
Clothing - Get dressed up on Mardi Gras and wear an outfit from a local boutique like Fleurty Girl.
Food and Drink - Order from a local restaurant or consider purchasing a gift card for a family member for Christmas.
Hey, let’s all take measures to be safe. We just can’t have massive crowds and super spreaders now. Sure, everyone wants to party but this pandemic will not allow us to do things the way we operated in previous years. Think smart, safe and you can still have fun.
AYYY LAPPA,
Lynn
