If you thought Super Bowl week was a rush,  one week from today is Fat Tuesday.

Purple, gold and green festooned reviewing stands along St. Charles Avenue already hosted one weekend of parades, a little earlier than usual thanks to the Super Bowl.

"Now let's get ready for the next wave of folks who'll be attending Mardi Gras," said Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne.  His office is responsible for promoting Louisiana tourism and culture to the nation.

"It's a huge economic impact for various areas of the state," not just New Orleans, the lieutenant governor points out.  While Super Bowl week was centered primarily on downtown New Orleans, Mardi Gras will spread out across parade routes through the city and suburbs, and will be celebrated from Slidell to Acadiana.