They said the N'Orlean's Mardi Gras was really big after Katrina. I wonder if the same will happen for Galveston's. That would be great. Of course, from the way the city management does things, they may use Ike as an excuse to get rid of it.
You could be right B, but I doubt they scratch the whole thing. They cut the entertainment ticket last year and relied on local venues to provide entertainment. I think that was a good move. New Orleans doesn't provide public entertainment. It would only be prudent to do the same this year. If the city only has to come out of pocket for crowd control it might be affordable. The only way it will be profitable is if we get public support a la the biker rally. If the city markets it in the same way we may come out ahead.
However, I went to the first Mardi Gras in New Orleans post Katrina and although it surpassed expectations it was still only about half the normal turn out. If Galveston can afford the crowd control expenses I expect it to be on. I will talk to my sister in law and see if I can get some scoop.
They won't scratch it, an article in the paper this weekend already said the city is footing the bill because parks & rec doesn't have the money, that the money will come from hotel tax revenue. They're also scratching the parade permit fees so that small krewes who are having trouble making ends meet have the funds to make it happen.
Let the party begin!
[This message has been edited by McInnis 03 (edited 12/31/2008 7:46a).]
[This message has been edited by McInnis 03 (edited 12/31/2008 7:46a).]