Happy Mardi Gras

Here are some fun facts about Mardi Gras and this year's celebration:

• The 2012 Mardi Gras celebration will be the 200^th year for New Orleans
• The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple; which stands for justice, green; which stands for faith, and gold; which stands for power
• Louisiana is the only state that has made Mardi Gras an official holiday
• 4,000 tons of trash is usually collected each year just in the Central Business District and French Quarter after Mardi Gras
• There are 36,993 hotels rooms in New Orleans and the occupancy rate is usually in the 90^th percentile
• The bead throwing became a Mardi Gras tradition when a member of one of the Krewes dressed up as Santa Claus and threw glass beads as gifts. The bead throwing was so popular that it has continued on ever since