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PRESS RELEASE
for the 2009 event:
BRYAN BATT (“Salvatore Romano”) of the
EMMY, GOLDEN GLOBE, & PEABODY
award winning drama MAD MEN announces the 5th annual “MAGAZINE
STREET RETAIL RELIEF” Saturday November 7th in his hometown of
NEW ORLEANS.
An invitation to America to
come on down to the “Big Easy,” to
eat, drink, celebrate, and SHOP so that this wonderful unique city
will continue to rebuild one home, one business, one family
at a time. “I personally believe strongly in this 'grass roots'
event as it relies solely on the people themselves doing whatever
it takes to insure the complete return of New Orleans.”
“MAGAZINE STREET RETAIL RELIEF” was conceived in November of 2005;
just a few short weeks after New Orleanians began to return after
hurricane evacuation. Although 70% of the city was devastated by
the flood due to Katrina’s levee breech, many historic neighborhoods
and commercial districts miraculously suffered minor damage. In
an effort to jump start local businesses, and aid in the rebuilding
process, we at HAZELNUT, encouraged the retailers along the 5 mile
stretch of predominantly individually owned gift shops, antique
stores, clothing boutiques, jewelers, restaurants, and art galleries,
to remove the protective wood from their shop windows, and with
hope open their doors to the homecoming citizens. In typical New
Orleans style, live music, refreshments for all ages, special promotions,
and charitable donations were set in place, and a new festival
was born. People danced in the streets, embraced their friends,
and shared their harrowing stories of the storm, meanwhile helping
the now struggling economy.
One year later, in 2006 the event blossomed and many more retailers
up and down world renowned Magazine Street participated to insure
the festival’s growth. Visitors came from all over the Gulf South
region in solidarity to support local merchants whose businesses
were still struggling to survive.
There is no charge to merchants. They get together with others on their block to hire bands, serve special foods, and coordinate promotions.
The 5th annual “MAGAZINE STREET RETAIL RELIEF” will take place
Saturday November 7th, and promises to be bigger and better than
ever. Hope to see you there!
Bryan Batt
Co-owner HAZELNUT, 5515 Magazine St. 504-891-2424
Actor - MAD
MEN - AMC |
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