In Slidell, a public hearing tonight concerns the Mardi Gras parade schedule. It has some krewes worried they will be left holding the beads.
The Northshore city experienced a $20,000 increase in overtime pay for police officers when they held parades Friday through Sunday during their first weekend of parades in 2023.
"They're talking about changing their parade calendar because of the expense," said Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy. The problem, he says, is it may lead to a float shortage.
"That's a real issue, you know." Hardy explained. "There's only so many float builders and so many floats, and some days, you've got nine or ten parades, so where do you get floats?"
The hearing takes place at the 6:30 p.m. Slidell City Council meeting.
The proposed changes would not take effect until Mardi Gras 2025.
