Despite a downturn in the economy nationwide, the Crescent City is flourishing - at least for this weekend - as thousands of visitors flock to New Orleans to enjoy beads, boas, parades and parties.
One group ofladies who are first time visitors from South Dakota, say they saved up their money for two years to experience Mardi Gras in all its glory.
"We justfinished walking down Bourbon which was a culture shock for us conservatives in South Dakota," laughed Donna Passick."We got(these beads) illegally. Like buy them, or pick them up," she giggled.
There arethousands of visitors, who, despite the struggling economy, are helping New Orleans buck the trend as a destination city during one of its busiest and most exciting times of the year, and on a trip, that doesn't break the bank.
"You have to pay to stay in a hotel, and food but in essence the show is right here in front of you and it'sall free," said Mary Beth Romig, with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Many hotels in New Orleans are overbooked through the weekend, and on average, all of them are more than 90 percent filled.
"Ithink we aregoing to top the numbers and have thestrongest Mardi Gras we've had since Katrina this year," Romig said.
It isnews that leaves Gregory Wilson beaming. Originally from the Westbank, Wilson lives in Grambling, Louisiana and tries to come back for parades and weekend celebrations every year.
"It's surprising butNew Orleansis like one of the biggest free parties to me. We do the red beans and rice, the hot dogs, basically just show up. If you get toNew Orleansyou'll have a good time," he said.
The "Krewe of South Dakota" vows to make generous contributions.
"I haven't spent a lot of money yetbut we have some to spend, so that's good for the economy," said Shawn Sandness.
Others hope this year's turnout will be a sign of even better news ahead.
"It will be awhile before we get to pre-Katrina numbers, the big numbers where predictions were a million turned out for the whole Carnival season, but if we can get above where we were last year we'll be thrilled," said Romig.
Along with the high hotel occupancy rates, Romig says bead sales are strong, and bakers are reporting that king cakes are selling like hot cakes. All good signs for the city during Mardi Gras.
