New Orleans -- The Ernest Morial Convention Center was partially re-opened today, nearly five months after it shut down following the ravages of Hurricane Katrina and thousands of desperate people who took shelter in the 3.1-million-square-foot building.

Three halls, containing a combined 300,000 square feet, were re-opened, more than a month ahead of schedule. Eight more exhibit halls and their associated meeting rooms are scheduled to re-open in June, according to the Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. The final hall and complete facility restoration is expected to be completed by November.

The first trade show to take place in the re-opened center is the Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Show, at 54 years the longest-running trade show in New Orleans. An estimated 15,000 buyers and 500 exhibitors are expected to attend the four-day show, which begins today.

Harrah's New Orleans Casino also re-opened today. Located near the convention center, the downtown casino was shut down after suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29.

The center's re-opening coincides with Mardi Gras. Parading began Feb. 11, but parades along the traditional parade route through the French Quarter and on Canal Street downtown begin tomorrow. Some two-dozen parades are scheduled from tomorrow until Feb. 28, Fat Tuesday.

A much smaller Mardi Gras crowd is expected as compared with previous years. Fewer than half the city's 465,000 residents have returned to New Orleans.
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