10:56 AM CST on Wednesday, January 11, 2006

By Shern-Min Chow / 11 News

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The city of Galveston is preparing for Mardi Gras and what could be thousands of extra visitors.

KHOU-TV

Galveston is expecting 300,000 this year.

Those visitors are people who would normally head to New Orleans, but because of Katrina, performers and tourists are expected to be in Galveston.

The first weekend, which is Feb. 18, will be free.

The city is expecting 300,000 people, which is how many people went last year.

The question is: How many will show up this year?

When Mayor Ray Nagin announced the start of the Mardi Gras, the scene was a lot smaller than last year’s, So die-hard Mardi Gras fans may head to Galveston.

“Everyone is obviously aware of the fact that we’re going to be impacted,” said Galveston Police Chief Kenneth Mack said. “It’s anyone’s guess as to how much of an impact.”

As a result, security and public services will remain at last year’s level and budget – about $500,000.

Some do worry that locals and evacuees may clash in the huge crowds, and the city insisted that it is prepared.

“We’re concerned each year about security, regardless of the other circumstances,” said Christopher Bertini of the Knights of Momus.

There’s no question Louisiana is exporting talent to the island, such as float makers.

“At the time, New Orleans was shut down,” Bertini said. “that was during the awful flood and he needed them to work, and we were over here.”

And parademakers.

“A lot of inquiries from Louisiana this year, considering the Mardi Gras being cut back in New Orleans, the other cities there in Louisiana – Galveston’s expecting a big influx of more inquiries about our parades and our balls,” said Johnny Lidstone of the Krewe of Aquarius.

The biggest change for revelers is cheaper tickets on the big weekend and the first weekend is free, according to Betty Massey of the Park Board of Trustees. That means no gate fee.