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| Carry Nation Festival: 1973-2009 |
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| Monday, November 16 2009 3:07 pm |
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At the first meeting of the Holly Township/Village of Holly Economic Development Task Force, former Village President Jeff Miller likened the declining Carry Nation Festival to a terminally ill patient. He suggested that it might be time to let the patient die with dignity. Last week, new festival chairperson Katy Hughes did just that.
Long-time Holly residents describe the heyday of the Carry Nation Festival as being the days when there were beer tents and gambling events. Both of those things seem appropriate to a commemoration of the Holly that Carry Nation tried to destroy. It strikes me as odd that Ms. Hughes and others have said that they can’t figure out why interest in the festival has declined. It seems to me that the logical first effort at restoring interest in the festival would be to revive the things that people loved in the past.
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Comments
Can the festival rebuild as a stand alone entity? Can it survive without a beer tent? Is the circus a large enough attraction to build on? If the largest draws for the festival are a parade, a circus, a run/marathon and a pickle eating contest, does it really make sense to call it the Carry Nation Festival with so little focus on what Carry Nation was about?
Congratulations to the Friends of the Library by the way. I am sure your vision in seizing an opportunity to take part in this event will pay dividends!
That is a huge issue when it comes to volunteering. I volunteered more than one occasion for the Festival, but rarely got any thank you's from anyone outside the festival. Why should I volunteer again? I lost three days of time (not including everything leading up to it!) and didn't have any support from the community.
We had a new business person buy a business in Holly. In his first year, he volunteered for the Festival. He did a lot and helped a lot. He even had a lot of fun. The next year when he was approached, he couldn't volunteer because of business time constraints, but he could donate items which he did. In that way, he helped almost as much as volunteering.
"The change that we all speak of and wish for is more than just a new committee or a new name for this festival. It is how we interact and support each other as a community (village and township, old and young, longtime residents and new, north section and south). Does anyone even see it as odd that we have these distinctions within our small community? Most times they aren't even used as a description but a marker of segregation."
If the community got behind the festival (including the businesses), the festival would take off. If more people volunteered, showed up and had fun, then it would be great. Once the interest is shown by locals, then other people further away will start showing up. Have you ever heard of the Tulip Festival in Holland Mi? Or the Cherry Festival in Grand Traverse? There are a lot of other festivals that you hear about and are interested in because of an unusual name or activity. Carry Nation Festival should provoke the same kind of response. What is the Carry Nation Festival? The answer should be something fun and easy. It's something that everyone should know who lives in Holly, not just guesses. Hearing a Holly Township employee respond to a newcomer about the Festival stating "It's something about some lady who came to town to bust up the beer halls, or something like that. They have beer tents set up for the festival and everyone gets drunk." That is the LOCAL's perception of what the festival is! That is what scares me. We need to find a way to improve this.
There is also a big difference between nay-sayers or even competitive marketing and those that block the implementation of events that could result in success. I am not talking about any one individual here either.
I believe that I once read that the essay hung somewhere in the headquarters of every Fortune 500 company at one time.
"And it still frustrates me to continually see otherwise intelligent people regard new people and new ideas with suspicion and fear." ~Janet Leslie, New Ideas
I guess Ms. Leslie and I do see eye-to-eye. I reacted to that frustration when reading Janet's article, which expressed suspicion of the new ideas of a new festival committee, and in doing so my overall points were lost because I was defensive. I apologize for that, but I still stand behind the points I was making in regards to the Festival, the committee and how many volunteers have been treated poorly in this community (whether it is school board members facing a recall/lawsuits because they have to make a decision between reduced bussing or cutting the class schedules from a 6 period day to a 5 period day or the idea that someone should be treated like a political target simply because they voluntarily lead a committee). Not everyone is going to agree with my views but disagreement is simply part of the creative process.
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays Everyone!!
The festival lacks enough volunteers to do half of what everyone would like done. The festival hears everyone say that's a great idea (insert idea here), but no one wants to make it happen. When you have 8 - 10 volunteers trying to run a festival, some things will go wrong. Last year, no one volunteered for security duty even though the festival contacted numerous groups. The children's area was another place understaffed because the volunteers did not show. Having a dedicated bunch of Holly residents and businesses who are willing to volunteer consistently is a huge help to the festival.
The festival has attempted to bring back the beer tent but has run into licensing issues, insurance issues, and even police issues. Each time this is suggested and someone runs with it, it gets shot down. It is really annoying for the festival to come up with a great idea only to have it dropped for lack of interest from the community. I know several businesses were approached about hosting a beer tent, but none would do it. The festival itself doesn't have the money to host it (although that may change in the future if they go completely non-profit). Unfortunately, the businesses in Holly don't get behind the Carry Nation Festival like they do the Dicken's Festival.
The Dicken's Festival is held over several weekends and is supported by most of the community. When we approached local businesses to help rejuvenate this festival, most of them turned their back. Even the Chamber of Commerce which currently hosts the Festival wants them to become an independent C3 organization. Go figure. Where is the support for the Carry Nation Festival that is found in other similar festivals throughout the state? There is none. And that is why the festival fails, year after year.
I doubt anyone would label online comments as a more proactive form of involvement than participating directly in meetings.
However, those who are wise would at least monitor social media for the ideas, feedback, and/or constructive criticism it does have to offer, especially considering that this might be the best way for some people to participate based on schedules.
To hide in a bubble and disregard anything that happens outside your planning meeting as all nonsense is short-sighted and a bit arrogant, to say the least.
I am not bashing blogging itself, but I do find it less proactive to text/blog these concerns, sarcasm, and even the great ideas that some people have re: Holly's upcoming festival than actually attending a planning meeting and expressing your thoughts and helping Katy and the rest of the attendees to make this festival a success.
Thanks for inviting me back. The only thing re: this subject I think I will continue to return to is the festival planning meetings to help Katy and our commnunity. Your world here seems a bit bleak and unhelpful. Enjoy your holiday. Perhaps you'll get something new and offline!
I'm afraid you are assuming that those who comment here are limiting their involvement to just that. I don't think that's so. Lot's of networking and research goes on behind the scenes. Volunteers can only give the time that is available to them, and that may or may not coincide with meeting dates, especially at this time of year.
Different people have different ways of communicating. When I'm working on a project, I know that there are some people who will be available to meet during the day, some who will be available to meet at night, some who prefer phone calls, some who prefer e-mail, and some who prefer to text. Believe it or not, there are some who still communicate via mail. Some will simply make their opinions known on a blog. I don't think the method of communication has any bearing on the value of the input.
Help comes in many forms. I wouldn't reject any of it.
Keep up the great work, Katy and "meeting attendees"! Everyone has so many terrific ideas in making this the best festival ever!I'm excited to be a "real" part of it!
Beer tents are a huge draw, but an even BIGGER liability. Pros and cons (and costs!!!) must be weighed. There are insurance riders, state license fees, security costs, etc. There's more to it than buying a few kegs and getting some plastic cups.
As for the issue of commitment to the community, I agree with you that many houses are sitting empty because of oneââà ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s âââ €šÂ¬Ãà ¢â‚¬Â¦ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…“choice between staying in the community they love over moving to support their family,âÃà ‚¢Ã¢ €šÂ¬Ãà ¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ but I donââà ƒÂ¢ €šÂ¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢t consider making a choice like that to be a sign of a lack of commitment. I know how gut-wrenching such decisions are to make. Iââà¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢m not blaming those who had to leave their homes, businesses, or jobs behind. Iââà¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢m just anxious to see them filled up with people who are as in love with Holly as we are. Commitment isnââà ƒÂ¢ €šÂ¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢t about how long you stay; itââà ¢ €šÂ¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s about the contribution you make while youââà ƒÂ¢ €šÂ¬Ãà ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢re here.
Do you really believe it is wrong to support those that have intentions that are obviously honest and clear? And evaluation is simply a part of growth and progress but isn't the polar opposite of support. Feedback should always be welcomed, but let me ask you this... Prior to writing this article did you talk with Katy? Did you take the time to find out what the purpose and the thought process was behind a possible name change? Did you even ask what her background was in event planning?
Instead you write an article that makes the festival committee's task more difficult because it creates skepticism and a negative knee-jerk reaction among a population of readers. This is inspite of the fact that an invite to a regularly scheduled meeting to discuss this has been extended to everyone where the ideas and concepts could be explained, modified and implemented.
I actually wouldn't be amazed by the number of people who remain focused in this community. I have lived in Holly for 32 years. I have seen the efforts. The fact is that no one puts forth the effort without reciprocation whether it be a paycheck, acknowledgement of effort or benefits to ones career or business. As you had mentioned about the DDA article, if you want to keep people in these positions instead of them being a stepping stone or another attribute on their resumes then you have to find other ways to make the positions appealing. This isn't done through criticism and skepticism.
I don't know what generation you speak of Janet, but I have always been taught to encourage the child to participate and support the child during the event, regardless what the outcome is. Support and encouragement shouldn't have to be earned. It should be offered to those willing to take up the challenge.
I used the word "but" as Janet did in her piece and you took offense, as if I was excluding you from the complement because of your marketing background. FYI, I find most people with marketing backgrounds to be very creative and entertaining. It was in no way meant to be a negative comment about you or anyone with a marketing background. My point was that you seem to be focusing on a single important facet of business (non-profit or otherwise). It is one important facet of many important facets that make a successful business.
Any business leader will acknowledge that turnover is very costly, true? Do you think treating volunteers (whether they are committee leaders or not) like they are politicians is a sound practice? Do you think that will create a desire to continue volunteerism or to have a positive affect on the recruitment of new volunteers? Perhaps part of the festivals past failures has been that volunteers have been treated as targets...
You also speak of a sound business model. It is fantastic that you could put together such a thorough plan but even the 'research and benchmarking' is costly. Even if the committee members do this themselves you have to remember that this isn't their job. They have an employer, a commute and obligations to families. You could always pay to have this research done, but with what money?
The specifics of those plans would be used to cultivate volunteer workers, solicit sponsorships and funding, and provide execution checklists. From there, it's project management until the end of the festival. After the festival, real and intended outcomes would be evaluated and planning next year's festival would begin.
I'm sorry if you don't like my "college talk", but that's how I'd approach it, and my approach has worked pretty good for me so far.
Save your college talk for another time... what we need are people ready to take action, not speak a lot of words to look impressive. Of course we need vision and planning. Beyond stating the obvious, how do you propose to execute? What does your Marketing Today subscription tell you in the way of 'making things happen', rather than telling people how to make things happen?
However, the planners of the festival are more than simply volunteers--they function as the executives and managers of the festival, and the distinction between the two types of volunteers is equally as critical. Paid or not, these are the people who are leaders, and the penalty of leadership is enduring the jabs and barbs of the critics. A good leader should welcome scrutiny and criticism, because a good leader would build on the constructive and respond confidently against the negative.
I've met Katy Hughes and she's struck me as a motivated and open-minded individual, and I'm certain that she will be a major factor in the festival's success. But to claim that all a business venture needs to be successful is dedicated leaders, loaded with heart and shielded from scrutiny by "yes" people, well, I don't know what to say to that...
For what it's worth, I have an extensive background in volunteer and organizational management, as well as marketing (and media relations, but I won't go into that). I understand the motivations and psychology of volunteers. And at the volunteer level, heart and dedication are important, and recognition of those who give their time and energy to be the "worker bees" is critical.
Maybe it's because I grew up in the generation before every child earned a trophy merely for participation, but I'm skeptical of the value of support without evaluation. What I find most valuable at the start of a daunting task is feedback.
P.S. You would be amazed at the number of people in this community who remain focused on a job without ever receiving a paycheck for their efforts. Absolutely amazed.
An article like Mayhew's will do more to inspire volunteers and even make others wish to help out instead of create feelings of discouragement. Heart and dedication are required to get a job done efficiently and effectively.
Ryan, if a volunteer turns to ask for help from those who say they care and is met with loads of criticism and scrutiny, how long is that volunteer going to remain focused? Keep in mind, this is a volunteer, not someone collecting a paycheck. Previous volunteers would likely tell you that they felt unappreciated and unsupported. If we are seeking change to make this a greater festival shouldn't that also encompass how the planning committee is supported?
Scrutiny and criticism that isn't constructive will eliminate ambition. It would be better to teach the person whose car is stuck in the sand than to stand behind them and criticize their efforts.
Nonetheless, the festival isnââà ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ã ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¾Ã‚¢t a PTA bake sale, and success isnââà ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ã ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¾Ã‚¢t measured in how much work or heart or energy people put into it. Itââà ¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬Ã ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¾Ã‚¢s measured on tangibles: net/gross revenue, bodies, economic impact, increasing brand equity. Heart and dedication can be lauded once the festivalâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã ƒÂ ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¾Ã‚¢s objectives are achieved.
For the festival to be a success, it will take a clear vision, meticulous planning, flawless execution and thorough evaluation by those involved. If they cannot dispassionately respond to scrutiny and criticism, or fill a vacuum of input and perspective with emotion, then I fail to see where growth and success will come from.
A car dropped on a sandy beach can expend a lot of energy, too, but without a good plan and the right resources, it doesnâà¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ã ƒÂ ¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¾Ã‚¢t get very far.
Holly has no shortage of "town pride." Did you attend the GMA shoot or the Christmas tree lighting ceremony? If you did, I'm sure you'd agree we're positively glowing with pride.
When Ryan says, "Paid or not, these are the people who are leaders, and the penalty of leadership is enduring the jabs and barbs of the critics", you don't see this as a problem? Why would anyone wish to make themselves a martyr? This is an issue that occurs in society because we allow it to. We will not retain talent (volunteer or otherwise) if we as a community partake in using our community media as a means to criticize said volunteers. Imagine what this looks like to readers outside of Holly.
Janet has a point and I do not deny that. What I am contesting is that it may be better to disagree without being a critic. Join the brainstorming and put ideas on the table with everyone else's during the meetings or provide the ideas to be presented on your behalf if you can't attend. Write an opinion piece that includes the positives of what is being attempted as well as what you see as negative.
The change that we all speak of and wish for is more than just a new committee or a new name for this festival. It is how we interact and support each other as a community (village and township, old and young, longtime residents and new, north section and south). Does anyone even see it as odd that we have these distinctions within our small community? Most times they aren't even used as a description but a marker of segregation.
I did indeed exchange several e-mails with Ms. Hughes prior to writing my column, and I shared my objections with her prior to its publication. She shared her rationale with me in detail. I believe she understands that my objections are not personal. We simply disagree on some key points, and we are both capable of discussing them like grown-ups. I'm not going to conceal my opinion if I think it may be of value to the committee.
Of greater value is soliciting opinions from the community at large, and you must admit my column accomplished that much. Focus group participants are typically paid $100 an hour, but the festival committee is receiving all of this input for free. In this way, I believe I have made the festival committee's job easier, not more difficult.
You will also note that I have not been lazy about advocating for a brew tent. I have made some contacts, and have garnered interest both from a potential brew tent sponsor and from a potential brew contest organizer. And, like the committee members, I will not lose focus no matter what the criticism.
Katy has my contact information and my offer. As I told her, I'd be very eager to work with the festival and help the group do those things I generally outlined and have spoken on. If you would like to continue the conversation off-forum, that'd be fine and you can get my info from her.
As for "benchmarking", no one said it has to be an expensive, highly formal undertaking. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a few phone calls. Let's just focus on what we can do...not what we can't.
In the end, you and Ryan are more aligned than you think. Rather than seek opportunities to be defensive, it's important to harvest the positives from all of these comments, incorporate them into the planning process, and go from there.
My resentfulness is strictly toward Janet's article. This article creates skepticism and forecasts failure yet is based on nothing more than a bunch of questions that could easily be answered with a little discussion. I agree it is an opinion piece, but I try to form my opinion based on some research. Janet even admits that she hasn't been able to attend the meetings thus far.
From discussions, committee members are doing what they can to revive the festival and are doing what they can to show immediate improvement. This article really doesn't reflect that and implies that activities such as beer tents aren't a consideration (or weren't last year).
I don't think asking folks to see what is going on prior to comparing their efforts to a failed soft drink is asking too much is it? Maybe my point was lost in all of this, but hopefully this explains it a little better. It would be nice to see something written in this media since it is directly for Holly that supports the efforts of the volunteers without an "if", "and" or "but". I apologize if this point was lost in the midst of being defensive.
First off, it's kinda of ridiculous to put the word "opinion" in quotes when referring to Janet's article since it is indeed located in the Opinion section of this website. Get a clue.
Next, I would assume that since Janet is on the Township board and runs the Economic meetings and volunteers with the DDA and participates in a number of other public events in the governmental capacity that she not only is 'in the know' and qualified to give her opinion about things such as the Carry Nation Festival, but she probably is also quite busy to be able to attend every single meeting for every single function in town, despite probably desiring to do so.
Jason, besides providing your witty sense of humor in this forum and perhaps attending a Carry Nation Festival meeting or two - as it would seem from your comments - what other participation have you had with the local events? Are you helping with Dickens? Are you attending the Economic discussions? Do you make all the Village and/or Township meetings? Hell, have you even shopped the downtown stores to keep the local economy booming?
I see a lot of stones flying from your glass house...
I have in fact been in contact with Ms. Hughes. (I'm rather surprised you are unaware of that.) What we have decided, since I have a scheduling conflict with her meeting on December 8th, is to add her to the agenda of the Economic Development Task Force meeting to be held at 7pm tonight in Council Chambers. I have offered Ms. Hughes the opportunity to share her perspective on the festival, and to invite our membership to attend her next meeting. December 8th would be the next regular meeting of the EDTF, but since I am unable to attend, I will ask EDTF members to attend the festival committee meeting instead. I can't promise you that any of them will volunteer, but at least it gives you the opportunity to educate them on your efforts.
I will reiterate to you my previous invitation to attend tonight's EDTF meeting yourself.
If your approach to criticism or opposing viewpoints is to take it personally and be as confrontational in person as you are on here, it should be fairly obvious as to why there isn't much walking being done.
Along the lines of beer brewers, it might be beneficial to seek the participation of businesses like the Ann Arbor Brewing Company, Dragonmeade and the Redwood Lodge. The same could be looked at for wines now that Spicer's is making their own. There is also a company that does wine tasting at the Home Builders shows (the name escapes me at the moment) but this could generate more interest as well.
It seems there are plenty of ideas for the older crowd. I had even suggested having a live band at 3 bars, one at the north, one at midtown and one in the south to draw activities and attention in each section.
There is a lot of potential here and the only limitation at this point is money and approvals. Trying to focus on Holly's history brings in grants which is a source of funds that I don't think has been pursued before.
Another thought in regards to a tournament... Holly does have a bowling alley. It could be more spectator friendly and could also operate as a pre-festival fundraiser. Speaking from experience, bowling requires a little less skill than golf and might even attract a different crowd than golfers. Using Holly Lanes may also peak the interest of the businesses near the Grange Hall and Fish Lake road intersections.
Considering that, with an unbiased view, who is helping and who is hurting? Is it wrong for me to come to this website and do to Janet what she is doing to the festival committee? I am sure it isn't the popular thing, but I don't regret it. As a matter of fact, as of yesterday Janet has still not responded to requests to set a date and meet with a member of the festival committee since Janet can't make the scheduled meetings.
Its easy to talk the talk but there isn't much walking being done. I am glad to see so many people responding with new ideas and would hope that more people volunteer. As I said before, most of these ideas are actually being discussed. The fishing derby is a great idea. From the discussion last year, Sharpshooters would love to be involved but the festival date is in conflict with one of their largest events from what was said last year.
Ann, some of the ideas you mention have been tossed around (like biking and the use of Holdridge). The fishing derby hasn't been mentioned and that is a great idea. Spotshooters (?) Archery did make a donation to this years festival and I am sure they would be willing to contribute more with better planning. Fantastic ideas!
First, they already have a membership which meets at least once a week, so the communication of meeting dates is simple. They can advertise their need for volunteers both in the weekly church bulletin and during the announcements after Mass. I did not receive notice of the date and time of the first meeting of the new Carry Nation committee until the morning of the meeting, and so I was unable to attend. This time, Ms. Hughes has advertised the date, time, and location of the next meeting well in advance, right here on this site. I expect this meeting will be better attended.
Second, St. John's has had a history of success with Applefest. Everyone wants to be on a winning team, including volunteers. In the case of Carry Nation, recent efforts have been disappointing, and this makes people wary of getting involved. However, if the festival committee allows new volunteers to contribute to the creation of a new strategy, I think they will feel more optimistic about the outcome, and will be more likely to pitch in.
We have attended the Montrose blueberry fest and they have a real nice thing going. HUGE ball tourney and marathonâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã Æ’Ã ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s. and everyone getââà ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ã Æ’Ã ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s involved in some way. They also do this football squares thing thatââ ‚¬Ã Æ’Ã ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s a hoot! They make a chalk grid on the football field (we could use the old H.S. field) sell the squares for a small fee and then get a farmer to bring in a cow and turn them loose. The cow grazes and eventually has to relieve itââà ¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬Ã Æ’Ã ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s self in one of the squares and the owner of that square is the winner. We could run it like a 50/50. How about some other fun stuff like a catch the chicken or greased pig??? not only are these cheap and easy but whatââ ‚¬Ã Æ’Ã ‚¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s better entertainment than watching someone try to catch a slippery pig?
If we were going to put together a fun festival, I would even lend a hand.
(Ah, forget that last question. We don't need to you to take this too seriously again, or else you might start listing your family tree or something.)
There Bob gets his beer and Ryan gets his run.
Here's the thing though, you'll never accomplish anything big if you don't have big thoughts, big dreams and big goals, and then have a good roadmap and plan to get there and beyond.
A 5k event will last ~60 minutes, from start to finish if run efficiently. A 10k will take ~90 minutes. A half marathon or triathlon, at least 3 hours. As you increase the scope of an event, you attract more people with more disposable income to participate, and they are around town and the festival even longer. Couple in a post-race event and people will make a day of it, instead of running in and running out.
Need to think big picture...
Seriously thought, let's not take a good idea and overdo it. A nice race is a good accompaniment, but I don't think we need to add more races... have a separate race day event another time for that...
As for practical ideas, I would recommend not just a 5k, but at least also a 10k and possibly a longer race. We have plenty of long country roads, and the more distances, the more people. Or capitalize on our numerous lakes and have a sprint triathalon. And have mini hatchets for trophies for age-group winners.
A festival like this is a perfect opportunity to roll out the red carpet, attract demographic groups who are potential home buyers (especially first time home buyers), and sell, sell, sell Holly.
Instead of asking those uptown merchants to donate to the festival, why not provide them with an item to sell that benefits the festival, and also pays a little back to them? Something low cost, eye-catching, and easy to display would work. T-shirts are nice because they also serve as walking billboards. They have to be cool enough to make people want them though. Any other ideas?
Anyhow, I love the idea of a 5K. I recall this suggestion being surfaced a few months ago as well, so it sounds like there's demand for it.
As ideas are considered, think about what audiences and populations are catered to and what ones are neglected from a space-high perspective.
What is the revenue and cost-recovery potential of the event?
Is there synergy between the event and local business?
How does the event integrate with the festival marketing strategy, short-term and long-term?
Are there tactics that can create engagement and interest before and after the festival?
How can key stakeholders be integrated into the festival?
It seems like there are great ideas for the 'over 21' crowd but ideas are still needed to make this a community festival as well.
They were looking at trying to utilize the Heritage farm in some fashion as well as the grounds of Sherman Middle School to increase the traffic through the north and south ends of town.
Bringing traffic through town will also increase participation from local business. Last year many of the businesses on the north end didn't want to invest time/money because all the activities have been on the south end. There was no return on investment for them and this is part of the division in our community that was spoken of that had been questioned.
There are also ideas out there for pre-festival fundraisers that would contribute directly to the festival.
I think if you let the creative genie out of the bottle, a revived Carrie Nation festival can be a smashing success, now and for years to come. I sure wouldn't want to see something with such great potential become victim of a hatchet job and some overly-tempered thinking.
Regardless, changing the name has been a topic of discussion and nothing has been or was set in stone. Nothing has been done that can't be changed since the goal of the meetings thus far has simply been to generate ideas.
What has been lacking in years past hasn't been ideas, it has been effort. The festivals have been planned and run with a very small group of volunteers. If enough people can get interested and help out, especially with ideas of local brew tents and even wine tasting tents (Spicer's Orchard has their own now), then the potential for a better 2010 festival is huge.
The ideas are great but help to implement them is still needed.
What about a canoe and/or kayak race starting at Waterworks Park? This would attract those young adults with disposable income that might also enjoy the brew tent downtown. From what I've read, outdoor activities are key to attracting this demographic.
Perhaps some other outdoor activity could take place at the Heritage Farm. Having an event there would bring visitors right up through the north end business district.
The high school theater department could present a play that has turn-of-the-century small town America as its theme, like The Music Man or Our Town. Our beautiful high school is a great selling point for our community.
Ms. Hughes has said they will keep the parade, which I think is a good idea. But, in addition to our own schools' marching bands, why not invite bands from other communities? This might lead their parents and supporters to Holly too.
If you can make it, I encourage any and all interested parties to attend the next planning session. Make your voice heard by joining the crew in developing the framework for the 2010 festival. We enthusiastically welcome your efforts!
Tuesday, December 8th
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Village Council Chambers (Police Station)
Looking forward to seeing you there!
I am welcoming change and progress with open arms. I am providing as many ideas to committee members as I can through conversation. I am not fortunate enough to work a shift that allows me to attend meetings, but I am involved and hoping that new ideas can be added to old ways to create a great experience for all. I just don't see the need to maintain the name and don't see a 'beer tent' as the deciding factor of the festivals success.
If anything, this has generated enough discussion and effort to hopefully make the 2010 festival more successful than the previous year, which is a fair goal to aim for.
Bob, I am all for letting go of the past and any negative stigma that has gone along with it, including calling the festival "Carry Nation".
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I don't know what the festival committee's research has shown them in terms of what demographic the festival should seek to attract, but I believe the community would benefit most from attracting the so-called Generation Y. What we want is to attract visitors who will not only come back to our retailers again and again, but who might also be in a position to make a more significant investment in the community, such as buying a first home, or starting a business.
Involving Michigan brewers, local eclectic entertainment, etc. help position Holly as forward thinking and creative. The possibilities for really making Carrie Nation a focal point are endless!
But...there's already been media coverage that the festival is now based on "Holly's Historic Past". I don't know if you could go back to the Carrie Nation theme without coming across as bush-league, at best. And so, some things are set in stone.
I think we can all agree that the festival is moving on. With the love and support from public leaders, volunteers and members of the community the festival is sure to become a success once again.
I do agree with Brian, we could pull some weird stunt to generate some viral marketing. Its free and increases exposure.
Any Ideas?
I could shave my head, but as I'm going bald the dramatic effect is drastically reduced.
Any other ideas? I'd like to see comments that are value added.
Jason, you obviously have been around the Holly area a long time to have such emotional ties to the past. As with other 'long timers' in there area, it appears you too are blinded by your desires to relive the great days of what 'once was' at the cost of disregarding what needs to be done today to make sure there is a festival in the future. Too much time has been wasted over the last several years trying hard to work with people who can't let go of the past. Time to make some hard decisions and build and market something that is going to attract visitors, commerce and funds. Milford did it. Rochester did it... hell even Fenton TRIES to do it... time to let go and move on and stop nit-picking those who have opinions that might be slightly - or historically - askew from what you believe or emotionally feel is right.
Are your issues with the way Janet portrayed her thoughts about Carry Nation or are your issues with Janet herself? Your words would suggest the latter.
CONTINUED
My comments are doing to Janet and her opinion as her comments are doing to Katy Hughes and the festival committee's efforts.
Don't you think it would have been more helpful for Janet to write something a bit more positive? Don't you think that is the path to the solution? Instead you invoke that I am acting as part of the problem when I am doing nothing different than what she has done. Think about it...
Also, what were some of the market responses to the new theme? Historical and look-back marketing approaches appeal most to an older and local demographic--it's most relevant to them. How will this theme impact out-of-town 18-34 year olds?
What was the local response to the idea of scrapping Carrie Nation? Were attitudes based on the theme and concept itself, or was it implementation and execution? Were there potential corrective actions that could have been effective?
My point about the Chamber of Commerce and the economic task force is that in most other festivals, members of the Chamber of Commerce are also festival committee members and even chairpersons because they see having a successful festival is an opportunity for cheap advertisement for the community as well as local businesses and it draws outside dollars into the community.
Janet's column speaks about the lack of using a focal point, such as Carry Nation, and capitalizing on it. I completely agree but that focal point doesn't have to be Carry Nation. Maybe Janet hasn't been here long enough to realize that beer tents, street dances and bingo halls were a part of the festival in recent history and they still didn't have enough draw to make the event sustainable.
This is why there is an effort to create a new festival. It will have a better chance at being successful instead of being thought of as that little event with a rundown carnival and nothing else to do.
There's no need to argue. Instead, why not focus your energy on helping to make a positive impact on our town!
Ms. Hughes and I have exchanged more than one e-mail, and I certainly expressed my concerns about the festival to her prior to submitting my column. But please understand, I'm an opinion columnist who focuses on local community concerns. It's my job to express an opinion.
Nevertheless, last year I attended a meeting of the Carry Nation Festival committee, and seeing that the festival had no draw, participated in an effort to encourage a local business to host a beer tent. When this effort failed due to budget concerns, I felt there was nothing more I could offer at that time. However, I would be happy to offer my help this year, provided the effort is one that I feel has a potential for success.
But P.S., all of us who serve on the Economic Development Task Force are volunteering our time as well, and you are certainly welcome to join us.
You're words here are part of the problem, my friend... not the solution.
I guess you see the gist of my point though. You come out with 'guns blazing' and write extensive criticisms about the VOLUNTEERED efforts of others when you have made little to no effort of your own towards this. The meetings have been made public as well as the decisions and brain storming process. There is always a request and open invitation for more volunteers.
I guess it is always easier to be a critic standing on the outside than a volunteer in the trenches though.
Regarding Carry Nation: I've been to this event in the past. I saw nothing that would entice me to come back. it all just seemd rather sad. Maybe I'm just missing something, but I just didn't get it. It's not like Carry Nation was significant in Holly history. She did here what she did in countless other towns. Drop Carry Nation, call it a "Harvest Fest" or some such thing, get some good bands, some kid rides, and a beer tent, sell tickets, and go from there.
However, I have observed at least two situations that are often solved by the provision of alcohol and they are, one, when you want people to come to your party, and two, when you want to make money. Both of these conditions exist for our community festival.
If serving alcohol works for almost every community festival across the state, if it worked for our festival in the past, why wouldn't it work for us again? Of course responsible consumption is to be encouraged. I'm not advocating a return to the raucous days of Holly, merely a commemoration of them.
I have been in contact with festival chairperson Katy Hughes. As I was unable to attend last week's meeting, Ms. Hughes and I have discussed meeting at another date.
So you see, there is actually quite a lot of interaction, and I agree with you that it is important.
Janet speaks as if changing the name automatically negates the possibility of any activity that could be deemed a 'vice'.
The festival committee has every intent of having an enjoyable festival that would include many of the typical festival activities (like a beer tent). It costs money and takes time, both of which we are all short on. Janet's biggest flaw is speaking as if items like a beer tent aren't an option.
The real difficulty is that Holly doesn't seem to have that one item in which to celebrate. There is a lot of history in Holly but not a single unique item to capitalize on in regards to a festival. Members of the festival committee have gone so far as to research the Bailey house and try to bring a circus in but there seems to be more people saying 'no' nowadays than saying 'yes'.
It's totally understandable how a festival whose theme is based on upholding the liberty to have a good time, when few of the components even remotely reflect or convey that message or theme.
Staleness doesn't result from age, it results from something being left out.
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