Mardi Gras During A Down Economy

Economy Weather How is the economic downturn affecting Mobile's celebration?

by Steve Alexander

Published: Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:08 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, February 20, 2009 - 9:24 pm CST

Mardi Gras weekend has arrived.
The Crewe of Columbus took to the streets of downtown Mobile Friday night.
Businesses are hoping plenty of people will be spending money during this Mardi Gras season in a down economy.
Two hours before the Crewe of Columbus paraded, Heroe's Sports Bar and Grille on Dauphin Street was packed.
Owner David Rasp said this has been a good year so far, despite or maybe, because of, the rough economy.
Rasp said, "I think people are so tired of hearing the bad news (that) this is a clear opportunity to get out and blow it out."
Next door, at Pat's Downtown Grill, Mike Piercy said business has been pretty good.
But he said weather is a bigger factor than the economy.
Piercy said, "It looks like we're going to have no rain this weekend, so I think everybody will come out. A little cold, but cold weather is not going to stop anybody."
Weather at parade time Friday night was brisk, but it didn't stop people from coming out.
Debra Icom said she had been waiting along the route since 3:30 Friday afternoon.
Icom said, "I got plenty of clothes on, got about three layers and going to get more. I got coats and hats."
Mandy Maddox's says her son Zachary was wearing a "long sleeve shirt (and) hooded jacket. We have an extra jacket and blankets and hats and gloves and earmuffs."
Doris Dean of Mobile said, "I brought my fur. It feels good."
But we did meet one young lady with sunglasses who lives where its summer right now.
Carmen Ortega said she's from Spain but is living in Mendoza, Argentina.
She said she came to Mobile to visit her grandmother and also said, "I love Mardi Gras."

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