Super Krewes: Economy and Superbowl won't dampen Mardi Gras

NEW ORLEANS -- The first of the star-studded Mardi Gras super Krewes announced its line up Tuesday for Mardi Gras 2010. But with the economy still stagnant, and the Saints looking playoff bound, what will that mean for the Carnival season?

The super Krewes host the biggest displays during their parades on the days immediately leading up to Fat Tuesday. Since Hurricane Katrina, strong New Orleans spirit has kept them rolling.

“Our membership is 1,200 and it stays that way,” said Sonny Borey, captain of Orpheus.

Orpheus is getting ready for next year's Carnival by announcing the Krewe’s celebrity royalty. The headliner this year will be comedian and "Treme" series star, Steve Zahn. Click here to read about the other celebrities set to be in attendance.

“There are many people who come here year after year after year. Usually when they come, they bring additional friends with them,” Borey said.

The Orpheus captain said this year was no different, despite a sluggish economy and despite having a sports team with realistic Superbowl dreams.

"It's certainly going to affect the people that are riding on Superbowl day. But as far as Endymion's concerned, we're looking forward to having a much more exciting audience,” said Dan Kelly, president of Endymion and owner of a bead supply store.

Kelly said the Endymion Extravaganzza, the Krewe’s ball, sold out in three weeks.

“When you hear what's going around the nation, everybody's in a recession, but it just doesn't appear that it's gonna happen that way for Mardi Gras this year,” he said.

Mardi Gras experts said Krewes that cancel their parades this year will likely be the smaller, suburban ones -- especially those that tend to have problems maintaining membership when the economy is booming.

“Christmas is for kids and Mardi Gras is for adults. Everybody wants to release their tensions and this is the time for them to do it,” Kelly said.

Only one Krewe has cancelled its parade so far: The Krewe of Rhea that was scheduled to parade on Superbowl Sunday in Metairie.