Last week came the announcement of a brilliant idea to start a Houston Mardi Gras.

KHOU reported that promoter Jeri Brooks says the event "would pay homage to New Orleans but evolve into something that celebrates Houston's diverse cultures through galas and parades with a world flavor," which sounds...ummmm....good?

She also said "such a celebration could give Houston a major economic boost," which sounds doubtful. Unless, of course, it was a major, tourist-attracting mega-event, and not just some sad floats driving by sparse crowds in Midtown.

But if it did become a huge mega-event, wouldn't it kill Galveston's Mardi Gras?

They don't sound too concerned on the island.

"The only reaction we have is that Mardi Gras! Galveston had one of its best years ever this year with approximately 250,000 people in attendance," spokesperson Leah Boyd tells Hair Balls. "Mardi Gras on Galveston Island is a great tradition that has been publicly observed by the city for 100 years. We are very excited about our plans for next year and looking forward to hosting another great event."

Brooks told KHOU she was planning to "reach out" to the Galveston group because the Houston gala party would likely be on the same date as the island's.

Both celebrations, by the way, are "family-friendly," which is, you know, not exactly the optimum Mardi Gras experience for some people.