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By Anslem Samuel | Published February 21, 2012 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

THE BUSINESS OF BEADS A big part of Mardi Gras tradition are the beads that are thrown to shrieking fans from the parade floats. New Orleans native Dan Kelly used to be just another reveler until he turned his love for Mardi Gras into a business. He is the owner of one of the largest wholesale bead suppliers, Beads by the Dozen. In an MSN interview, Kelly said his company, brings in eight million pounds of plastic beads each year. Mardi Gras is of course his biggest season, but holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco De Mayo bring in additional business in markets other than Louisiana. It’s estimated that Kelly’s bead company makes over $10 million yearly.

THE BUSINESS OF BEADS

A big part of Mardi Gras tradition are the beads that…

(Image: Getty)