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Contact Southern Decadence Organizer  Rip Naquin-Delain
Phone: 504.522.8049
Official Southern Decadence
828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137

80,000 Turn Out for 40th Anniversary of Southern Decadence, Economic Impact over $96 Million

It is estimated that the 40th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music and Culture brought in some 80,000 revelers with a projected economic impact of over $96 million to the local economy in New Orleans. Over 100,000 participants were expected for the 2011 holiday, but Tropical Storm Lee deterred some visitors from coming in for the weekend resulting in roughly 20% in hotel cancellations. As is so often the mantra in New Orleans, inclement weather did not deter those here from enjoying the festivities resulting in the cry that it was "Raining thousands of men" in the city!

The economic impact on the city could very well exceed $96 million, based on a conservative spending average of $1,200-$1,500 per person. However, many visitors Ambush spoke with were spending from $1,200 to $3,500 per person including hotel, dining, shopping, services, event fees and night life.

Ambush Mag, Official Southern Decadence Guide, contacted most of the GLBT businesses following the holiday to find that business was up. The weather apparently drove some of the crowds indoors resulting in higher liquor and food sales. The weather led to the cancellation of the Bourbon Street Extravaganza street stage at Bourbon and St. Ann, but a mini version of the concert went on inside Napoleon's Itch. The Leather Block Party live entertainment stage was cancelled, but some of the street fair booths were still in operation in and outside of the Phoenix.

The 37th Southern Decadence Parade led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Misael Rubio and Tiffany Alexander on Sunday through the French Quarter got a break in the torrential downpours leaving the parade dry for the most part. Bourbon Street was packed for the parade, and Ambush Headquarters had the largest crowd ever for the 18th Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by the reigning grand marshals.

Many gay friendly businesses showed their support of the giant celebration flying pride colors over their establishments and advertising in Ambush and at SouthernDecadence.COM. Both shopping and dining establishments were plentiful this year. Participants also visited museums, art galleries and the Harrah's casino while booking historic tours.

The weather cleared Monday with a cold front cooling things off just in time for the 14th Southern Decadence Survivors Outer Loop Bar Crawl led by Ted Mahaffy with reigning grand marshals Misael and Tiffany, as well as several past grand marshals, and a contingent of survivors in tow.

The 2011 Southern Decadence Sponsors include Absolut, Ambush Mag, Bacardi, Bud Light, GrahamStudioOne.COM. Harrah's New Orleans, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Sir Speedy Printing and SouthernDecadence.COM.

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