In fact, Mardi Gras has long been noted in the coastal cities from Texas to Florida. And that means big business.
"This is a more regional thing, Mardi Gras is to Texas () Gasparilla (Pirate Festival) in the Tampa area," said Stephen Toomey, whose family started the chain of Mobile, Ala.-based Mardi Gras party supply stores.
"It means a way of life of people living in these communities, but the fact that it creates many jobs."
Tourism officials estimate that more than 1 million visitors pour into the mobile field each season to watch the Mardi Gras celebration. The city claims to be the place where the celebration of Mardi Gras originated in the U.S. in the 1700s.
New Orleans and Mobile have long questioned where the tradition since its founding, the French actually began.
The incidence increases
Mobile visitors spend money in hotels, restaurants and shops during the celebration, which may last several weeks and includes dozens of parades, balls and other events.
In 2004 a study conducted in the city Mobile Mardi Gras assessed the impact of $ 225 million, the regional economic and tourism leaders say they grew as a holiday is becoming increasingly popular.
"I would say that tens of thousands of dollars are spent on a variety of beads and removed, and the things that are thrown from floats. He really likes all types of retail trade and tourism," said David Randall, president of the Convention and Mobile Bay Tourism Office.
"From the standpoint of the Bureau of conferences and visitors, you hope that people come to Mardi Gras, fall in love with the area and come back to visit again when the weather is better."
In small towns like Fairhope, Alabama, with a population of 17,000 near the Florida line, Mardi Gras is a great help.
Heavenly Creations Bakery in 1500 sold the traditional Mardi Gras king cakes in 2011. Owner Robin Yoder hope to win this year. Colorful cakes in the range of $ 9.99 for small and $ 19.99 for large.READ MORE...
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