Social Media Toolkit

For businesses participating in the Countdown to Mardi Gras shop local campaign January 31 to February 19, 2023. 

Thank you for participating in the Countdown to Mardi Gras, a collaboration with the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA), the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association (MPBHBA), the Mt. Greenwood Community and Business Association, (MGCBA), and the 95th Street Business Association. 

This campaign is designed to draw local residents and those in the surrounding communities into the 19th Ward for Mardi Gras-themed shopping, entertainment, refreshments, and family-friendly activities during three weeks of winter. 

Use this guide to promote your involvement in the Countdown to Mardi Gras and build buzz about all the related activities happening in the 19th Ward.

Best Practices

  1. Follow your corresponding business association and/or community association (MPBHBA, BAPA, 95thStBA, & MGCBA) on FB and on Instagram.
    MPBHBA: FB Instagram
    BAPA: FB Instagram
    95thStBA: FB
    MGCBA: FB 
  2. Share our Countdown to MG posts to your accounts to help get the word out.
  3. Use the sample posts and social graphics below.
  4. Create original posts with details about what you will be offering for the Countdown to Mardi Gras. Include a high quality, enticing photograph from your business or one of our social graphics.
  5. Tag your corresponding business association in your Facebook and Instagram posts using their handles.
    MPBHBA: @mpbhba
    BAPA: @bapa_org
    95thStBA (FB only): @95thstba
    MGCBA (FB only): @MGCBAssn
  6. Include a link in your posts to the landing page with all the event details at https://bapa.org/countdown-to-mardi-gras/
  7. Before publishing a post, add a line space and paste the suggested hashtags for each platform.

Sample Posts

Facebook #1:

Countdown to Mardi Gras is a three week celebration coming to the 19th Ward, beginning on Tuesday, January 31 and culminating at Cork & Kerry on Sunday, February 19. More than 70 businesses in the 19th Ward are getting into the Mardi Gras spirit! Enjoy Mardi Gras themed windows, New Orleans style food & drink, and Mardi Gras workshops & activities for all ages. Visit or shop at 10 locations for your chance to win a $50 Bucks Stay Here gift card! Details at https://bapa.org/countdown-to-mardi-gras/

Suggested Hashtags: #countdowntoMG #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #shopsmall

Facebook #2:

70+ local businesses | 3 weeks of Mardi Gras festivity | 5+ kids’ activities | 10+ food & drink specials | 5 chances to win a $50 gift card | 1 culminating celebration | New Orleans music & food

Join us for the Countdown to Mardi Gras shopping & community event in the 19th Ward, January 31-February 19, with a celebration on Feb. 19 1 to 5 pm. Learn more at https://bapa.org/countdown-to-mardi-gras/

Suggested Hashtags: #countdowntoMG #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #shopsmall

Instagram #1:

Countdown to Mardi Gras is coming to the 19th Ward, beginning on Tuesday, January 31 and culminating at Cork & Kerry on Sunday, February 19. With Mardi Gras themed windows, New Orleans style food & drink, Mardi Gras workshops & activities for all ages, plus a culminating celebration on February 19 1-5pm with music, food & drink. Shop local & you could win a $50 Bucks Stay Here gift card! 

Suggested Hashtags: #countdowntoMG #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmall  #smallbusinessowner #supportlocal #smallbusiness 

Instagram #2:

Step into a festive atmosphere this winter in the 19th Ward! Starting Jan. 31 through Feb. 19, businesses are counting down to Mardi Gras with festive windows, themed activities, shopping, entertainment, & special New Orleans offerings from restaurants & bars. Featuring 70+ businesses across the ward. Shop local & you could win a $50 gift card!

Suggested Hashtags: #countdowntoMG #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmall  #smallbusinessowner #supportlocal #smallbusiness 

Social Graphics

Facebook Post Graphic

Insta/FB Story Graphic

Instagram Post Graphic

Facebook Cover Graphic