Carnival Controversy–St. Louis Claims Second-Largest Mardi Gras, Lafayette Disagrees
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL) -- Hardly anyone will dispute that New Orleans has quite possibly the largest and most extravagant Carnival and Mardi Gras celebration in the country.
But when it comes to the title of runner-up, things become a little more foggy.
The mayor of St. Louis, Mo., Francis Slay, told reporters today that his city has, not only the second-largest Mardi Gras event in the country, but the best in the U.S. as well.
"We want people to come to the city," Slay said. "Enjoy Mardi Gras. It's the best Mardi Gras in the country. Not the largest--I think we're the second-largest in the country--but it's certainly the very best party."
But wait...Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel was recently on "Mornings With Ken and Bernie," and he boasted that the second place honor belongs to the Hub City. To make matters more murky, San Diego in California, as well as Houma just down Hwy. 90, claim to be the second-largest in the country.
What gives?
We reached out to Durel for his reaction on Slay's pronouncement.
Sure, and next thing you know, he'll be saying they have the best food! But, if it helps energize his citizens into having some fun, that's okay. Happy Mardi Gras from the city with the second-largest Mardi Gras in the country and by far, the most Family-Friendly Mardi Gras in the USA!
His staff calls it a friendly banter between mayors.