After two years of canceled parties, balls and parades, Mardi Gras is a go in Southwest Louisiana. Local business owners have missed more than the fun. It is estimated that the direct impact of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras festivities in 2018 was $17,294,220, according to Angie Manning, Visit Lake Charles.

“This is money that was either brought into our economy or kept in the local economy had local residents gone elsewhere to celebrate,” Manning said. “This direct spending had a multiplier effect of $34,847,622 (1.29 percent), creating 194 work-equivalent jobs, $4,700,000 in earnings and $1,007,490 in local tax revenue.”

Call it pent-up demand on a Mardi Gras microeconomics level. This year’s Mardi Gras sales are off to a good start, according to the few local business owners interviewed here.

Connie Seal, Connie’s Menswear, is known for providing custom men’s clothing, including tuxes and special, creative Mardi Gras touches.

“Did the last two Mardi Gras seasons leave me in a pinch you ask? A pinch is too mild a word,” she responded. “It was like the door was slammed, total silence for two Mardi Gras seasons. Everyone was home wearing pajamas and T-shirts.”

In January, she had three custom fittings for tuxes and appointments scheduled for the following weeks.

“It just doesn’t make sense to rent a tux year after year, and I haven’t counted the phone calls I’ve received from customers who need to come in and update their tux with a different shirt, bow tie or vest.”

The first Lake Charles krewe was, in a sense, a keen business idea. In 1963, Sammy Navarra sent a letter to area businessmen to form the first Mardi Gras Club in the City, Krewe of Contraband.

“When my father started the first krewe, he recognized the need for ball favors,” said Tommy Navarra, Navarra Jewelers.

For the uninitiated, guests who receive invitations from kings and queens to sit at their table, may also receive a gift.

“I don’t know how every krewe does it,” Navarra said. “That’s how it is with the Krewe of Contraband. Even members of the court receive a small gift of some kind.”

Starting the final week of January, the workroom of Navarra’s Jewelry is covered with packages adored with purple, green and gold ribbon.

“I think we’re doing better this year than ever before because people are ready to celebrate,” said Suzie Book of Expressions. “Also Mardi Gras was later this year, giving royalty more time to do elaborate things for the ball. I’ve been delivering every day.”

In addition to engraved goblets, engraved invitations are big during the Mardi Gras season. Krewes send invitations to members and guests of the ball, toasting parties, to next-morning brunches and other events and, of course, thank you notes are needed for all those Mardi Gifts.

“Mardi Gras at least doubles January and February sales,” said Sarah Smith, Papersmith.

She called this year’s much-anticipated season after a two-year hiatus, “amazing,” for businesses and individuals.

“We’re so pleased it’s back.”