Posted by Meg Canada
I promised a follow-up from the Midwinter All-Committee Meeting. Here are Terry Young’s Updates from the Local Arrangements Committee Chair for our 2006 Annual Meeting.
What can you expect to find in New Orleans for ALA annual?
Well, I can guarantee: heat, humidity, sex, and alcohol will be as plentiful as ever.
As of today it’s only been 3.5 months since power was restored and there has been a lot of progress. Most of the major hotels are open. Now this is a plus because if they suffered damage due to water or looting or broken windows…well, you will have new carpets, furniture, mattresses, etc.
The areas of the city that are used by tourists and convention goers: the French Quarter, downtown CBD, and the convention center area were not flooded. Katrina evacuees who sought shelter in the convention center were in halls A and B (totally refurbished), ALA will be using Halls F, G, H, I, and J.
The streetcars are running on the riverfront and Canal St…but sadly not St Charles avenue (buses only) as the overhead lines were destroyed.
The riverboat Natchez is up and running. Harrah’s Casino opens February 17th…and you know they wouldn’t open unless they could make money!!
Check to see if your favorite restaurant is open:
01/27/06) The Dept of Health and Hospitals has given us new recertification lists for businesses that sell food in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. As per these latest numbers, 60% of Jefferson Parish retail food establishments, 24% for Orleans Parish, and 35% total metro establishments have been recertified to open.
Click here for an updated list for Orleans Parish East Bank. (01/25)
Click here for an updated list for Orleans Parish West Bank. (01/25)
Click here for an updated list of Jefferson Parish East Bank. (01/25)
Click here for an updated list of Jefferson Parish West Bank. (01/25)
What can you expect: the city operates at a slower pace…you may have to carry your luggage to your room, room service has very limited hours, most restaurants have shorter hours and in some cases limited menus. The problem is lack of workers. So with a little patience all will be fine. You have to remember that there is still 5 months until conference, and more and more is happening everyday. The convention business resumes in April 2006 and the Jazz & Heritage Festival will continue.
Be sure to check out ALA FAQ’s for New Orleans at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2006a/nofaq.htm
Come come on down…you’ll love New Orleans…and she’ll love you right back!
Terry Young
Bourbon St. resident in the French Quarter
YALSA Local Arrangements Chair
