close Video New Orleans nonprofit gives beads new life after Mardi Gras Mardi Gras officially made its comeback in New Orleans, but the parades leave behind thousands of pounds of beads. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!... Thousands of Mardi Gras beads are left behind on the parade route every year.... The post-carnival season is the organization's busiest time of year." In 2020, we received over 170 tons of donations," said Sherrana McGee-Stemley, manager of the Mardi Gras Bead Sto