Jan 27, 2009

Mardi Gras store opens for season, sells gifts the rest of the yearBy Heather NolanBeaumontEnterprise.com

Joe Elliott has no excuse not to be the best dressed at Southeast Texas’ annual Mardi Gras events.

Elliott is the co-owner of Elliott’s Mardi Gras Outlet – which is known simply as Elliott’s for most of the year – and his store is stocked with colorful beads, hats, T-shirts and jewelry that all will be gone come Mardi Gras weekend.

Mardi Gras this year is Feb. 19 to 22.

Just before football season ends every year, Elliot said he starts getting orders for the items. New items this year are multiple light-up items, including beads, cups and ice cubes.

Racks of Mardi Gras T-shirts take over the middle of the store, and more than 500 different types of beads replace shelves that normally hold souvenir football trinkets and accessories.

However, Elliott does keep around a few gift items, including candles, jewelry and custom-made air fresheners.

Read complete article.