We love Mardi Gras as much as the next person, but when the party’s over, it’s time to clean up.

So it would be nice if the city could clean up the beads that were still lying in puddles on Canal Street on Monday.

It’s a small thing, but the small things add up, and it’s just one more indication that our city officials sometimes don’t realize the impression we’re giving to visitors &045; and, for that matter, to residents.

Keeping a clean city, with landscaped medians and watered flower beds, finished curbs and clean gutters is one of the most important ways that we can not only remain a viable tourist town but also help attract new businesses and industries to Natchez.

Several months ago we asked city officials and residents to consider what our &uot;curb appeal&uot; offers. In the weeks afterwards, we saw many businesses, individuals and community groups step forward to help clean up.

As we approach our biggest tourist season, we expect those same groups will come forward again.

But their effort should not be the leading the way &045; we should have a city plan to clean up these areas on a regular basis as well as before and after community-wide events like Mardi Gras parades and Pilgrimage.

The excuse that we don’t have money or manpower just doesn’t cut it &045; reorganize and reprioritize, and let’s make this happen.