January 13, 2003

Park Board Mardi Gras/Special Events Committee

The Galveston Park Board of Trustees Mardi Gras/Special Events Committee voted to recommend extension of the Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade, which concludes the festival, to 19th Street.

Johnny Lidstone had requested to extend the parade to the area near Rosenberg Library to avoid congestion in the downtown area.

"This is an all-krewe parade," Lidstone explained.  "This is for Galveston."

Lidstone was reluctant to extend the parade to 19th Street because of lighting difficulties, but the committee agreed that the park board will provide additional lights.

Natha Nuckols of the Krewe de Soleil said that her group wants to hold additional parades following the Gambrinus and Momus parades.  Discussion on that request was deferred to the next meeting.

The committee voted to support an agreement with Kevin O'Brien to manage beverage sales at Mardi Gras.  He will pay the park board 15 percent of his gross sales, minus taxes.

The committee held an extensive, detailed discussion about complimentary passes to the Strand entertainment district during Mardi Gras.

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