After all the parades are over, you can still see remnants of the revelry along the routes.  Strands of beads, a few doubloons, maybe an odd moon pie.  But long after this year's festivities have ended, the effects of Mardi Gras will be felt all year long.  And that's a good thing.

According to Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR) Caddo Parish's parades attracted more than 585,000 people, almost 170,000 from out of town.  And those people spent a lot of money--over $16.5 million.

Brian Crawford, City Of Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer, said in an e-mailed statement that Shreveport's Mardi Gras parades have become "one of the largest, well known brands and visitor destination events in the region."

So, on Fat Tuesday, we celebrate the culmination of the Mardi Gras season and look with anticipation toward next year.  "Hey, mister!  Throw me somethin'!"

 

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