Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, after monitoring the continuing upward trend in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, on Tuesday announced that the 2021 Mardi Gras parades in Biloxi will not roll.
Said Gilich, “With much consideration given to the status of the coronavirus today in our community, it should be no surprise that we announce the cancellation of the parades scheduled to be held in February 2021.”
The Neptune and Gulf Coast Carnival parades traditionally draw a total of 150,000 people to Biloxi each year.
Here are the Mayor’s remarks given during today’s press conference.
Let me welcome everyone to City Hall today. Gulf Coast Carnival Association and the Krewe of Neptune represent decades of tradition in the celebration of Mardi Gras in Biloxi and on the Gulf Coast.
The parades that these organizations hold each year require a tremendous amount planning, expense and energy. These parades have always attracted many thousands of people and that is why we are here today.
With much consideration given to the status of the coronavirus today in our community, it should be no surprise that we announce the cancellation of the parades scheduled to be held in February 2021.
Like in a tsunami, we have experienced wave after wave of the impact of COVID-19 on our families and friends.
The life safety of our citizens and visitors is at the top of list.
For months, we have been looking at the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations. There is no downward trend that would allow these parades to roll safely in just about seven weeks from now.
There is light at the end of this tunnel with COVID-19 vaccinations taking place as we speak. But we have not seen the peak of this virus yet.
It’s still critical to protect everyone – wash your hands, wear a mask and keep your distance from others.
I will end by saying, since 1908, over the last 112 years, carnival has been interrupted during times of war and the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.
Be assured that “this too shall pass” and we will say again “laissez les bons temps rouler.
See a recording of the press conference
News and notes: Debris, holiday reminders
Move it to the curb: The debris teams remain on break for the holidays and will return to work on Monday, Jan. 4 for their second and last pass through all neighborhoods. In the meantime, everyone should make sure their storm debris is moved to the curb. Make sure tree limbs, fence posts, and bagged leaves are each in a separate pile and are away from fire hydrants, gas meters, water meters, mailboxes or utility poles.
Holiday schedules: Non-emergency municipal offices in Biloxi will be closed Thursday and Friday for New Year’s. There will be no garbage, trash and recycling pickup on Friday. Friday pickups will move to Saturday.
Christmas trees: Biloxi residents who wish to recycle their green tree after Christmas can drop it off at the Rodenburg Avenue parking bay on U.S. 90 through Jan. 9. Remember to remove all the decorations, lights, and stands before depositing. For more information, contact Dianna Kuns at 228-236-6421.
