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GALVESTON, Texas – It's a party in Galveston.
The Mardi Gras celebrations began Friday night.
Thousands of people are expected on the island to have fun.
Green, purple and gold stormed the stand.
However, it is more difficult than you think to be part of these local businesses.
The city of Galveston has a contract with the organizer of Mardi Gras.
The organizers have blocked the streets and will ask people to go to the festival, which, according to some companies, makes February one of the worst months of business.
This year's festivities will be a first for the Shark Shack.
Owner Allen Flores said Mardi Gras was a big event in Galveston.
It welcomes the crowds but going to the restaurant will cost you dearly.
Barriers are erected around the historic district and developers are asking visitors $ 22 to enter.
"We have customers who love coming here and they just told us that they would stay two weeks because they do not want to pay a third to get access to the public streets and visit our house," Flores said. . .
On the other side of the street, the King & # 39; s Confectionary exists since the 1970s.
Mitch King, owner of La King's, said he saw his share of the festival market.
"Nobody wants to buy ice cream and sweets," exclaimed King.
"I can only speak for myself, but if you do not sell alcohol, you're screwed," he added.
King says that limited access means limited revenue.
"Terrible, terrible for business," he says. "This beer festival, which will continue over the next two weeks, will probably cost me between $ 30,000 and $ 50,000 in sales at a loss."
Galveston City spokeswoman Marissa Barnett said the Mardi Gras tradition on the island has been around for more than 100 years.
"This event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Galveston and our local businesses," said Barnett, "We have a multitude of excellent restaurants, shops, and places to have a drink on the island, and we encourage everyone who comes for Mardi Gras to eat and shop locally while they are here. "
In addition, she said safety was their top priority.
Restricted access helps promote a safe environment.
"We worked with the organizer and took proactive measures to ensure a safe and smooth Mardi Gras, including preparing for traffic and ensuring the organizer has sufficient security staff. The security staff is present and manages the traffic. "
Some store owners, like King, said it affected their profitability.
"There will be no one here except to go to the bathroom," King said.
He said there are other places on the island where to organize such festivals that do not block companies.
The Mardi Gras celebrations here will continue for the next two weekends.
RELATED: All you need to know about Galveston Mardi Gras
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