Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril. Mayor Tom Arceneaux made the announcement this morning alongside Krewe members of Centaur and Gemini.
“Well let me tell you, this is a day to celebrate. I want to celebrate with the krewes, I thank the krewes for their cooperation and their patience through this process,” said Arceneaux.
Arceneaux said the parades will roll their full routes and they will have enough police and fire personnel to support the parades.
On February 3rd, both the Krewe of Centaur and African American History parades will be on the same day. The African American parade will roll at 11 a.m. and Centaur at 2:45 p.m. On February 10th the Krewe of Gemini parade will begin at 2:45 p.m.
Stacy Brown with Visit Shreveport-Bossier said about 225,000 attend their five Mardi Gras parades and about 41 percent of them are out-of-town visitors.
“That provides a tremendous economic impact to our community. Direct visitor spending was a little over $10 million with the indirect spending and the media exposure it’s nearly $20 million to our community during one Mardi Gras season,” said Brown.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said even though the amount of officers won’t be what they’ve had in the past they will be able to provide support for all parades. He said they’ll have about 75 to 100 officers for the African American History parade, and he hopes to exceed 200 officers for the others.
“I’m so happy that our community partners came forward to help us. My prayers were answered. They’re at a point where we feel that we can have a successful and safe day,” said Smith.
Mardi Gras day is Tuesday, February 13th next year.
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