PONCHATOULA, La. -- The Krewe of Pericles has canceled its annual Mardi Gras parade and ball this year, citing decreased participation due to the economic downtown.

Krewe Captain Mike Whitlow says the board and members decided there wasn't enough participation to try to stage the two locally popular events. He says many members didn't renew their memberships, and a certain base is needed to finance and coordinate a parade and ball during the Carnival season.

Whitlow, who helped found the krewe, says the decision is disappointing.

The krewe's new president, Lisa Funk, says they have about 80 members on the roster but not all have paid their $375 annual membership dues. She says the carnival cancellations, at this time, are only temporary while the club undergoes reorganization.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)