The struggling oil and gas industry has left many out of work and with residents scrambling to make ends meet, many are cutting out extra activities like Mardi Gras.

“I’ve noticed going to other parades that they had less entries.” Said Fran Bihm.

The city of Rayne’s Mardi Gras Parade is set for Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Chamber of commerce and Agricultural Executive Director, Fran Bihm, says they still have plenty of room for floats at affordable prices.

“We can still take entries and our entry fee is only 25 dollars.”

This is Rayne’s First Mardi Gras Parade in several years.

Bihm tells KLFY’s Carly Laing that the economy was a red flag during their planning process, but she has hopes the parade will still be a success.

“We’re not going to be the biggest one, but hopefully the economy will change we will expand and get bigger and bigger like we did.”

Parades aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch.

Crystal Cottage President Mark MeLancon says fewer floats means fewer beads.

“Oh yeah, it’s a little different. There’s not as many parades, not as many people participating you know riding on the floats.”

MeLancon says despite the economy Mardi Gras is meant to be fun. He encourages people to escape the real world for a few days and enjoy the celebration.

“But It’s for the adults that get to let their hair down. They are going to have fun no matter what.”

If you’re interested in participating in the Rayne Parade there is still time to register. The deadline to enter the parade is this Friday.