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March was a very successful and busy month for the Tenants and Management of Hammond Square.  We have not seen official sales reports yet, but according to casual conversations with the Tenants and completely full parking lots at times, we expect great numbers. 

Our big Easter event was Saturday March, 30th and the Square was really busy!  At 8 am we had classic cars pulling into the lot near Albasha Greek & Lebanese Cafe and East of Italy for the annual Cars for Kids Fundraiser put on by the Golden Oldies Motor Club.  They raised a record-breaking amount for Children’s Hospital during their show.  155 show cars were onsite for the event with trophy winners in multiple categories:  Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Engine, and Kid’s Choice.  The Golden Oldies also had a stage with live performers and vendors set up in the area. 

At 9 am we had bunnies from Magic Happens Rescue Group out of Baton Rouge in the space next to Kay Jewelers.  The younger crowd enjoyed petting the rescue bunnies and learning facts like how long the average bunny lives and why their ears are so important. 

Also happening at 9 am, we had our regularly-scheduled Tangi Humane Pet Society dogs and kitties arrive at a new spot between Dillard’s and Maurices.  This was the most successful adoption event to date!  Nine dogs and one cat were adopted.  According to the manager of Maurices, they enjoyed having all of the animals close to their store.  Patrons would bring their children in strollers to the windows while shopping so the kids could watch the animals from inside the store. 

The main Hammond Square event, an Easter egg hunt, started promptly at 9:30 with areas divided for children based on age:  4 and under were in an area near Dillard’s, 5 and older were in front of Charming Charlie and Zales.  With over 700 eggs to hide, we finished just in time for the start of the hunt!  We plan on enlisting the help of more people to hide the eggs next year.  After all the planning and hard work, all of the eggs had been gathered in only 5 minutes!  The snack table with low-sugar punch, Ring Pops and Rice Krispy Treats was a big hit with the kids.  It took longer to give out the snacks than the actual hunt.  Another giveaway by Hammond Square was crayons for the kids and bags they could color…a great place to put eggs for the kids who did not bring baskets. 

Most of the Tenants specializing in the sale of children’s items had lines of customers waiting for the 10am store openings.  Our Easter Bunny pictures were nonstop for multiple hours after the egg hunt as well as our Shopping Center train ride.  So far, the majority of the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.  We’ve received a few messages of thanks on Facebook and over the phone from members of the community.  Many are saying they remember the old Mall having events, but that was back when they were children and they appreciate having these types of events close to home again. 

What is next on the agenda? Hammond Square has partnered with North Oaks Health System for an event to Celebrate Women’s Health on Saturday, May 4th from 10am to 4 pm.  This event has already become bigger than what was originally thought when the concept was first explored.  North Oaks is providing heart and stroke screenings as well as child safety seat checks.  North Cypress is teaching mini yoga/aerobics classes.  Dillard’s has a fashion show and cosmetics event going on that day too.  Multiple local health-related vendors will be set up at tables throughout the Center to provide people with information and promote their products.  North Oaks and Hammond Square have also put together 100 bags filled with coupons and goodies from the Tenants and vendors that will be handed out exclusively to people participating in the events. 

Looking ahead to June, we will have a big event to celebrate Father’s day.  Most people don’t think about a shopping center catering to that holiday for an event, but we look forward to surprising the community with an event that Dads and kids will thoroughly enjoy.

Remember to Shop Tangi to have your sales taxes benefit the community where you live!