Mardi Gras canceled

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Got plans for Mardi Gras in New Orleans next year?

Not anymore.

The event has been canceled. And if you’re guessing it’s because of the coronavirus, you’re right.

At least for 2021, there will be no raucous crowds watching elaborate floats with people tossing beads and other trinkets at them.

Instead, Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants city residents to engage in safer forms of celebration.

The Carnival season and Mardi Gras are New Orleans’ biggest tourist draw, with a recent study reporting this year’s event brought the city $145 million.

Federal health officials suspect this year’s event also was a reason New Orleans was hit early and hard by the spread of the new coronavirus – in part because of the crowds – and because it was held well before people were urged to wear masks and practice social distancing.