Tens of thousands packed the streets of New Orleans for the first Mardi Gras parade since Hurricane Katrina killed 1,300 people and flooded 75 percent of the city last August. Described as “a wonderful Mardi Gras,” by New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation’s President, attendance was slightly down on previous years’ but spirits were high, bringing hope that the parade will bring tourism back to the city with large conventions already booked.

New Orleans has high hopes for its upcoming jazz festival.
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