BEAUMONT, Texas — Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is making another move five years after moving from its longtime location in Port Arthur to Beaumont.
The City of Beaumont was reportedly unable to negotiate a new agreement with Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, according to a press release from Beaumont Director of Communications, Tracy Kennick.
The 5-year contract between Mardi Gras and the city expired in September 2024, according to Tracy Kennick, Director of Communications for the City of Beaumont.
"Following the festival in 2024, the City fully intended to negotiate a new agreement. However, progress on negotiations was stalled due to past-due payments from Mardi Gras, resulting in a breach of the existing contract," Kennick said in the press release.
The press release alleges that the city had previously dedicated significant resources to host the festival, including nearly $500K in lost revenue.
The city says that their main concern was ensuring the health and well-being of the attendees.
"To negotiate in good faith, the City expressed to the organization that negotiations were contingent upon Mardi Gras addressing its outstanding balance. While the organization worked to resolve this issue, the City met with them to understand their requests for the new agreement," said Kennick in the press release.
In the meeting Mardi Gras had allegedly asked for a reduction in police presence, ability to use outside agencies and private companies to provide security, ability to use all city facilities within the grounds and outside the grounds at no cost, use of the Civic Center for their Aurora Grand Ball fundraiser at no cost, and other items that were either cost prohibitive, unbudgeted capital expenses, or would require change in City policy.
After the previously mentioned outstanding balance was paid August 30, the city drew up a new agreement September 4.
Subsequent discussions on this plan led to adjustments that reduced the Mardi Gras organization’s financial commitment while increasing the city’s investment according to the press release.
However, one thing that the city reportedly refused to compromise on was the safety of the event.
The city says they held firm that security personnel levels would continue to be determined by the city.
"The city expressed during negotiations and within the agreement language that the planning must begin by November 1 to host a safe and successful event. The city requested confirmation of the Mardi Gras organization’s intent to proceed by October 21, 2024. On November 8, 2024, Mardi Gras informed the city they would not move forward with the agreement," said Kennick
The organization is now eyeing Doggett Ford Park for the festivities, according to Laura Childress with Mardi Gras of SETX.
Childress says that they are still just looking to negotiate a new contract for the event, but she maintains that there are two sides to every story.
Childress is hoping to have a contract signed by Friday, November 15, however, it's not a done deal yet. It's "a verbal agreement at best" right now.
Mardi Gras is set to take place from Friday, February 28, 2025, through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
