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Council approves up to $60,000 in hotel-occupancy-tax funds for 2026 Mardi Gras on the Sabine
Summary
Explore Orange requested and received council approval to allocate up to $60,000 from the hotel-occupancy-tax reserve to expand Mardi Gras on the Sabine (scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026) with added events, a concert and safety measures to promote tourism.
The City Council authorized up to $60,000 from the hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) reserve to support Mardi Gras on the Sabine, a Riverfront Boardwalk event scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026.
Miss Clary, representing Explore Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, described enhancements to the parade and riverfront festivities that include a post-parade concert, children’s activities, a second-line march and added safety measures. Clary said the enhancements are intended to promote the hotel and tourism industry and encourage community participation.
Council members voted to allocate up to $60,000 from the HOT reserve to the event. The vote as recorded in the transcript showed ayes from Councilmembers Burge, Mortimer, Chandler and McKenna (and others recorded on the roll as present). The council’s approval authorizes the CVB and city staff to finalize event planning and expend HOT funds up to the approved cap.
Explore Orange said it expects the event to boost hotel stays and community visitation; the council did not record a disagreement on the allocation.
