NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Businesses in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish are preparing for the crowds the Bayou Classic draws.
Before the match, participants must deal with their appearance!
Brandy Stanton, owner of Wink Beauty Bar in Gretna, says she has gained latest customers due to the annual event.
“It’s a mix of regular and new, a few from Baton Rouge. I have some from Grambling,” Stanton said. “Between this weekend and, say, Christmas weekend, that is probably the greatest weekends we’ve. “
Some people wear the shirt to support their alma mater, but Stanton says he represents his school another way.
“I actually went to SUNO,” Stanton said. “It’s like a 360-degree moment for me where I is usually a a part of it as a lash artist and convey everyone together. Love it.”
In the hours before Battle of the Bands, people stopped for lunch at Lil’ Dizzy’s Café on Esplanade Avenue.
The restaurant’s owner, Arkesha Baquet, says she has prolonged her hours and expects to serve as much as a thousand customers this weekend.
“We open the Bayou Classic this Sunday. We are usually closed on Sunday, but we know that during this time, this weekend and holidays, people come not only to the game, but they come to visit family for Thanksgiving and stay for the weekend,” Baquet explained. “That’s why we intentionally open every Sunday during the Bayou Classic to give them a chance to come and eat dinner with us.”
It could also be a weekend about competition, however it’s also about community.
“It feels great to be a part of it because it’s not only a tradition, it’s also like a family,” Baquet said. “It’s a blessing for me because I’m a graduate of Southern University in New Orleans, so I take a lot of pride in being a part of the Bayou Classic weekend.”