We certainly hope this is not the case.

But if things don’t change over the next couple years, it is quite possible.

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas is a family fun event that is enjoyed by many residents and non-resident alike each year. Tens of thousands flock to downtown Port Arthur during Mardi Gras to enjoy music, parades, food and just plain old fun.

But things are beginning to be a little more difficult for the non-profit to produce this great event. Yearly revenue from the event that is shared with other civic groups throughout the community have been declining. But this decline is not in the way that you might think.

Yes, a rain soaked festival week will reduce turnout. That’s a given. A community still reeling in recovery from the flooding by Tropical Storm Harvey didn’t help either. However, the issue here is with vendors.

Tim Romero, chairman of the board for Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, shared with Port Arthur City Council during the July 31^st council meeting that the price of vendors to set up inside the gated event is $950. This covers fees, electricity, water, security and direct access to attendees coming to have a good time. Vendors that choose to set up outside only have to pay a $10 health fee to the city.

This large discrepancy in pricing is causing much financial concern as Mardi Gras plans for upcoming years. Some vendors that had been inside the event previously have now chosen to move outside while paying less than previous years. And why would they not? Others, feeling this discrepancy is unfair, have decided not to return altogether.

With the growing number of vendors outside the gated event, more and more attendees spend their money outside the gates. That in turn reduces the spending on the inside of the gates and less money becomes available when planning for the next year.

Revenue generated from the Mardi Gras event is shared with other non-profit groups that volunteer throughout the week, much of which is used for scholarships for local students. The amount shared with these sponsors has grown to over $1.3 million dollars since Mardi Gras’ inception. Revenues also cover expenses for entertainment, security, electricity, water and licensing of qualified vendors.

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas needs help from the city of Port Arthur to continue the event that spans 26 years so far.

In a nutshell, Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas would like the city to pass an ordinance creating an “Event Exclusive Zone” around the outside of the event that would restrict vendors from setting up so close to the gates. Or, have to pay similar event fees as those vendors that set up inside the event.

Other communities that have regular events of this magnitude have created similar ordinances for “event exclusive zones.” Romero shared Austin, Houston and Desoto, just to name a few, during his presentation.

The rub for the city officials is how to help Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas so it will stay in Port Arthur while not placing restrictions on property owners who are setting up booths on their own property.

We know that in all decisions such as this, not everyone will end up happy with the outcome. But there needs to be a happy medium that all can live with moving forward.

For if not, Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas may close its doors altogether. Or, as to its name, go somewhere else in Southeast Texas.

Rich Macke is publisher of The Port Arthur News.