HOUSTON -- As Mardi Gras! Galveston prepares to celebrate its centennial, there is a movement in Houston to bring a taste of Bourbon Street to the Bayou City next year.
"Houston Mardi Gras [will] give people an alternative," said Jeri Brooks, an organizer of Houston Mardi Gras.
Brooks told 11 News a Mardi Gras in Houston would pay homage to New Orleans but evolve into something that celebrates Houston's diverse cultures through galas and parades with a world flavor.
Such a celebration could give Houston a major economic boost.
Galveston, for example, expects more than a quarter million people and tens of millions of dollars in revenue for its celebrations this month.
"As opposed to money necessarily going down to the island we'd like to keep some of that money right here," Brooks said.
Brooks said Houston Mardi Gras planned to reach out to Mardi Gras! Galveston because its gala would likely be on the same day as Galveston's, while its parade would be on opposite weekends.
"I'm very excited about it," said James Donatto, owner of Academy Advertising Specialties & Awards.
Donatto's small Midtown Houston business is one of hundreds that stands to gain big from a Mardi Gras celebration in Houston.
"It would be amazing for a small company like ours to be able to produce products for a celebration like that," he said. "We think it's going to be just a wonderful celebration for the whole city."
