At The Arc Gateway’s Pollak Industries, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities sort, sanitize and package beads that are donated after local parades. Not only does this provide vocational training and job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but also, The Arc Gateway supports our community’s effort to recycle and reuse materials instead of generating waste.
Now that the fun of the parade is over, pile those beads in a bag and send them over to Arc so you can catch them again next year!
Mardi Gras beads are collected at The Arc Gateway’s Administration building (3932 N. 10th Avenue) and at our Pollak Industries Center (2313 Truman Avenue) and can be dropped off Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Arc Gateway is proud to partner with Pensacola Parade People – the exclusive retailer of our recycled beads. Krewes and other community organizations may purchase beads from Pensacola Parade People, helping support our agency, a local, family-owned business, and the environment!
Pensacola Parade People LLC is your local Mardi Gras headquarters for parade float supplies and party supplies. If you can throw it off a float, they have it! They are located in downtown Pensacola. Mother and daughter team, Terry and Audrey Preston started the business in 2012. In addition to parade float supplies like throws, beads, stuffed animals, and light-up novelties; they carry Mardi Gras and seasonal accessories including masks, boas, tutus, hats, flashing cups, and more.
