The idea of axing Mardi Gras 2021 in New Orleans has been discussed, but in Lafayette, the outlook is to stick to business as usual. President and CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Ben Berthelot says the plan is to assume the worst of the pandemic will be in the rearview mirror by next year.
“Assuming that we can conduct Mardi Gras safely, I thinking that’s what everybody is hoping we can do and that is the way that we are moving forward with our plans,” said Berthelot.
Berthelot says moving forward with planning a normal Mardi Gras is going to be a big factor in getting visitors back to the area.
“There’s a lot of talk about a new normal and I really think it is a temporary new normal and we have got to get our economy back. Our tourism economy is such a huge part of our economy here in the Lafayette and the Acadiana area,” said Berthelot.
Berthelot says if guidance is issued on how to best handle Mardi Gras closer to Carnival season, those measures will be taken.
“You make plans according to whatever guidelines may be in place at that time, but I’m hoping and I think that we’re all hoping that 2021 is a long time away and that we’ll be proceeding with Mardi Gras and welcoming people,” said Berthelot.
Fat Tuesday falls on February 16 in 2021.
Comments