The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Shattered Illusions

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    “Baby, it’s cold outside” was an understatement last Friday night as I took to the streets of downtown Hammond. I went to Starry November Night knowing it would be frigid and knowing that there would be plenty of other people enjoying the festivities, but I’m sure shopping and star-gazing are much more enjoyable when one is not freezing. 

    Although there was a decent turnout, I can’t help but feel that the turnout would have been far greater if the event was held just a few weeks earlier before the freeze hit the South. As I walked by the different boutiques, I could see that some places downtown were packed with people who were looking for warmth, family-friendly fun and early Christmas shopping deals. 

    I dared not venture into the most crowded businesses. Certain places held sales that drew some shoppers into a frenzy. Others used appearances by figures such as Santa Clause to make eager children drag their parents around. 

    One big positive was that several local shop owners were offering hot chocolate in an attempt to warm up the frozen residents of Hammond.

    Speaking of “Frozen,” characters from the popular Disney movie made an appearance at Hook’d Up Bar & Grill, where there was a long line of parents and kids waiting to get in. Although that was a great technique for drawing in families, it wasn’t worth the wait. 

    Despite the weather, the town of Hammond came alive Friday. The streets and stores were bursting with people, which means the Hammond Downtown Development District definitely did something right in marketing the occasion. The fake snow, Christmas decorations and lights adorning the trees were a beautiful sight to behold, despite the loss of feeling in my fingers and toes.

    Ultimately, I think the Hammond DDD did a great job drawing families out into the cold for some holiday fun, but fell short offering entertainment to the college students who live right down the road. It was the  perfect excuse to stroll and appreciate the charm of downtown Hammond, but had there been more entertainment, such as a live band, I believe more of the college crowd would have come out for the occasion.   

     
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