Written by Ned Randolph

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – In the days after a U.S. Army veteran ran over dozens of New Year’s revelers with a truck, normalcy is beginning to return to the devastated but challenging city of New Orleans, with music once again flowing from clubs and restaurants packed with people. Tourists.

After leaving flowers at an impromptu memorial, Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Thursday led a traditional New Orleans brass band parade on Bourbon Street, where the FBI says a Texas man carried out an ISIS-inspired attack.

At least 15 people were killed, including the attacker.

Dinner reservations are quickly coming back at the historic Galatoire restaurant in the French Quarter, the city’s historic, Creole-flavored neighborhood where tourists congregate.

Carolyn Rodrigue, a 31-year-old restaurant hostess, watched Cantrell’s procession, one of the often-recurring processions known locally as second lines that accompany funerals, celebrations and community events.

“It was very emotional,” she said. “It’s time for flexibility and togetherness. I certainly would rather be here together than sitting at home wondering.”

Restaurant employees and patrons said they were reassured to see many police officers and other camouflage-equipped patrollers on Bourbon Street, which at night is often crowded with tourists.

Nicknamed the “Great Plain” for its usually laid-back mood, the city has weathered many storms, including the disastrous Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed more than 1,300 lives in and around New Orleans.

“There’s a lot of talk about using the word ‘resilience,'” said Walt Leger, head of New Orleans & Company’s tourism marketing office. “You’re getting stronger and stronger every time, so yes, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, but this challenge is adding up now.” To that list.”

The city’s mayor said that security measures will remain tight in the city, which is preparing for major events in the coming weeks. The New Orleans area relies on the tourism and convention industries and attracted 17.8 million visitors in 2023, according to state data.

US President Joe Biden intends to visit the country on Monday to meet officials and families of the victims. the next (LON:) This month, the city will host the National Football League’s Super Bowl. In just a few days, New Orleans will begin its famous, multi-week Mardi Gras celebrations.

“Everyone loves the show”

On the banks of the Mississippi River, designers and builders on Friday put the finishing touches on Mardi Gras floats inside a barn at Mardi Gras World in Kern, a workshop and tourist attraction, ahead of next week’s inaugural parade.

Tour guide Lee Curran took visitors through the area and said the festive period, known for its many parades filled with costumes, celebrities and bead-throwing, was a touchstone for the city’s residents.

“It’s Mardi Gras, right? It definitely lifts the spirits,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, it’s not good for the economy and it’s not good for morale. Everyone loves the show.”

In the barn, Emma Dohe, 19, was carefully applying blue paint to a large marlin model that would decorate the “Super Float” in a blowout parade on March 2 organized by the Krewe of Bacchus, one of New Orleans’ best-known parade organizations. .

“It makes me feel like I’m doing something for the city, where I’ve spent my whole life,” said Dohe, a graphic design student at Louisiana State University.

Back in the French Quarter at Bourbon House Seafood Restaurant, 40-year-old Chad Weaver shucked oysters for customers and said New Orleanians won’t let fear change the city’s upbeat atmosphere after this week’s scary events.

“You can’t predict it, if someone wants to hurt you,” he said. “There’s nothing you can really do but beef up security.”

Outside Bourbon House, a crowd gathered around the One Way brass band, undeterred by Wednesday’s attack.

Embracing the city’s tradition of upbeat music is a “big middle finger to ISIS,” Dana Crary said, referring to the Islamic State group as she followed the band with her miniature schnauzer.

“This is how it should be. It’s hard for the families, but I won’t let them take our lives.”

Not everyone was so optimistic. At Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, a waitress, who did not want to give her name, said she was scared and watching people nervously.

Ticklers pub manager Terry Cooney said he could have used another day off work to deal with the fear and uncertainty caused by the mass attack.

“I hope this is the end of it. I pray to God,” the 53-year-old said.