Billy Nungesser: There Will Still Be a Mardi Gras [VIDEO]
Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser talks about Mardi Gras 2021 and ways that different areas of the state are looking for alternative ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday.
Nungesser first addresses the challenges in the wake of Mardi Gras parade cancellations around the state. He points out that he, with municipalities across the state are working on a variety of alternate Mardi Gras programming and experiences despite parades not being permitted. The Lieutenant Governor emphasizes the importance of the Mardi Gras season to the economy, reminding locals that Shreveport's celebration has an economic impact of $22 million, a major part of the $1.2 billion statewide.
Nungesser also praise Stacy Brown and and the Shreveport - Bossier Convention Bureau, who were notified by Travel & Leisure magazine that they had been selected as one of the top 5 worldwide in their "Socially Distant Ways To See Santa." He also pointed out that they were selected from thousands of entries worldwide by the Society of American Travel Writers.
He also highlighted reports from this area that hotels are sold out for the Radiant Technologies Independence Bowl. That game, coming up December 26 will have a stadium "capacity" of 12,500 per the Governor's statewide COVID restrictions.
This year's contest will feature the Black Knights from the United States Military Academy. Because of game delays and cancellations, Army's opponent will be announced on December 20.