WHAT TO DO WITH 'DEM BEADS?

"As legend has it, Mardi Gras beads must be caught. When the bead-thrower looks you in the eye, he or she is deeming you worthy of the beads and the magic they contain. If you miss the beads, they "lose their magic" and are to stay on the ground. Plus, considering the size of cramped parade crowds and the increase in pickpockets, it's not safe to scramble for them. Needless to say, New Orleans city streets are covered with the trinkets after each parade."

2008- 230, 2007- 222, 2006- 270

3 year total = 722 beads ~or~ 40 lbs

We have them…now what? Some people who ride in the parades, get them organized to throw for next year. Or they will be collecting dust in everyone's attics & garages (you know it).

RECYCLING BEADS

Some schools and churches have programs where their clients/kids recycle the beads for next year’s riders by sorting and bagging. There is a place called, Recycle for the Arts/The Green Project. Also you can save them to send to Operation Overseas Mardi Gras 2009.

You know you live in New Orleans when:
~You believe the reason New Orleans is sinking is because of all the Mardi Gras beads in everyone’s attics.
~You reinforce your attic to store more Mardi Gras beads.
~You believe that purple, green, and gold look good together.

~You believe the reason for hurricanes is to blow beads out of the trees.
~You can always judge how bad hurricane season has been by riding down St. Charles Avenue in late fall to see how many Mardi Gras beads are still hanging in the trees.