Lots of Stuff To Do

Ok, there were TOO many events to post this week.

First, let me say I went by the Riverwalk mall today. They need your business. A lot is not open, but what is open, needs your support to help them stay in business.

With that I give you:
Street Cars Running Again, State Tax waived this weekend, Clean Up the FQ & Canal, Celebration In The Oaks, The Future of Canal Place Shopping, Get a santa photo with your pets at the Riverwalk Marketplace, Snow in New Orleans, Bywater Art Market, and Caroling in Jackson Square



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The historic green Perley Thomas streetcars return to New Orleans’ tracks this Sunday.

Six of the streetcars will run 7 days a week, two will be on standby.

The main route from the French Market Riverfront stop (Esplanade) to the Convention Center
7am – 10pm each day.

A Canal St route will run from Esplanade to the Krauss Building 6:30am -10pm.

There will be 3 streetcars dedicated for each route.

SERVICE WILL BE FREE UNTIL MARCH 2006.

The RTA would like to decorate the streetcars ,BUT…………

I believe we should have some garden clubs or garden stores adopt a streetcar with decorations.
(Just a thought)

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State Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
December 16th, 17th & 18th
4% state sales tax on tangible goods will be waived up to the first $2500 of purchases

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Join hands and roll up your sleeves
On Tuesday, December 20th, 2005, the Tourism and Hospitality Industry will join together to clean up the French Quarter and Canal St for the Holidays.

If you would like to join in the effort, The Hilton Riverside is coordinating the effort and is looking for volunteers and supplies.

Contact: Siobhan_michel@hilton.com or 504-584-3810
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Celebration in the Oaks Continues
Through December 30th, 2005
(Closed December 24th & 25th, 2005)

Walking Tour Only

5:30-10pm Nightly

$5 a person, children age 3 and under free

This year’s walking tour will feature a return of a New Orleans tradition as the two-story tall Mr. Bingle that once reigned over the season on Canal St. joins Celebration in the Oaks.

A state of the art Laser Light Show with various holiday themed animations and music will be presented nightly in the Azalea Garden. The new show will run every 20 minutes from 5:30-10pm

The Cajun Night before Christmas
Life-sized lighted figures synchronized to the narration of the favorite local twist on the classic story
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Thursday, December 15th, 2005
Future of Canal Place Announcement
Roger Ogden and Darryl Berger will host a press conference to announce the future plans for Canal Place.
Press Conference: 4:30pm
Tree Lighting and Holiday Party: 5pm
Place: Canal St Entrance of the Shops at Canal Place.
Admission:Free

The 25ft tree is a girt to the people of New Orleans from Roger and Darryl.

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Saturday, December 17th, 2005
Saturday at the Riverwalk Marketplace
Santa Paws Photo Shoot
The Southern Animal Foundation, The Christmas Dove, and Riverwalk invite customers to have their pet’s photo taken with Santa.

Customers can bring their pets and get their picture taken with Santa on Saturday morning.
All proceeds will benefit The Southern Animal Foundation. Riverwalk is proud to match all proceeds
Dollar for dollar.

Time 8am-10am
Where: The Christmas Dove in Riverwalk, first floor
Cost: $5 for each 4 x 6 photo

Rollin’ in the Dough
This Saturday customers can win a New Orleans –inspired Christopher Radko ornament and other fun prizes when they bring a baked cookie for judging in Riverwalk’s holiday cookie decorating contest!

Winners of each category will receive a Christopher Radko “In the Hearts of America” limited edition holiday ornament, to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the board game “new Orleans in a Box.”

To enter, customers must bring a decorated cookie to be registered in one of the following categories: Holiday Theme, New Orleans Theme, Kids 12 and under and Sculpture/3D.

Registration begins at 10am and judging begins at 1pm. Participants may enter up to 2 cookies in each of four categories, and each cookie must be submitted with an index card stating the cookie “title”, the designer’s name and age. You must be present to win and all judges’ decisions will be final.

Riverwalk Marketplace will be participating in the State Sales Tax Holiday
December 16th, 17th and 18th

Ongoing Holiday Activities on the 17th, 18th and 24th include:
Riverwalk Jazz Band and Singing Santa
Riverwalk Holiday Parade 1pm & 3pm
Parking – As a gift to the New Orleans Community, customers can enjoy up to three FREE parking with any $10 purchase from Riverwalk.
The participating lots are: The Whale Lot or the World Trade Center Garage adjacent to the Hilton Hotel in downtown New Orleans

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Saturday, December 17th, 2005
City Park Snowland
Victory drive across from the Carousel Gardens
40 tons of snow
Santa will be on hand
8:30am till the snow melts

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Saturday, December 17th, 2005
Bywater Art Market
Markey Park 700 Piety St
9am -4pm
Free Admission


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Sunday, December 18th, 2005
Caroling by Candlelight in Jackson Square
Jackson Square New Orleans 7pm
Gates open at 6pm
This is one of Louisiana’s most spectacular Christmas events that you should not miss.

From LaFeteNews.com