So as long as we are going to speculate largely on the basis of anecdotal evidence, it is just as conceivable that Mardi Gras makes people NOT want to live in Soulard, detracts from property values, and contributes an element of undesirability to living in Soulard. Oh yes, . . . always try to add guilt. I am remiss in fulfilling my civic duties because I will not volunteer to help the SBA make untold sums of money by inviting all of St. Louis City and County to poop, pee, puke and howl in my back yard. I refuse to be duped by the propaganda. The truth is that there are only two reasons for Mardi Gras.
Some businesses make untold sums of money.
Hundreds of thousands enjoy it immensely. There is really nothing more to it than that. If the SBA would simply stop voicing bogus defenses of Mardi Gras and provide adequate security to control the event, I too would enjoy it.