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With Fat Tuesday and the big New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration right around the corner, I thought this was a great article/slideshow from Bloomberg to share with you.

It’s all about Mardi Gras and how it’s actually very good for New Orleans’ economy.

Let’s put it this way. Mardi Gras has one big economic impact on the area. Consider it a giant footprint full of money.

Because, unlike a lot of festivals and public events, Mardi Gras actually makes New Orleans money.

And what a time it is down there at this time of year. I went once, back in 1993 and I’ll never forget it. It was crazy. Anyone who hasn’t gone at least once – go.

Anyway, back to Mardi Gras and the New Orleans economy.

Here’s a bit from the article

With Mardi Gras revelers taking to the streets, New Orleans spent $1.5 million on police protection related to the celebration in 2011 and $824,000 for sanitation, according to Weiss. Add in the viewing stands, barricades, and fire department and emergency services, the total cost for the city for Mardi Gras, net of revenues generated from things like the use of viewing stands, came to $1.8 million, according to Weiss. “The city’s expenses are actually down from previous years,” she says. “That shows better fiscal management.” Not only that: New Orleans generated a return of $8.45 for every dollar it spent.

The slideshow also breaks down the impact of the parades, the krewes, hotel bookings, sales of food at restaurants and supermarkets. Stuff like that. How many beads are sold. We love those beads.

I’ll let you get the rest of the info from the article. Read it here.

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