As in 2006, the crowd was well-behaved and the music superlative. The festival’s organizers persist in espousing the apparently revolutionary notion that a gathering dedicated to the diverse ethos of folk music should also reflect grassroots choices in food and drink. 
Consequently, Budweiser was not available, there was no California box wine in sight, and Taco Bell didn’t have a concession. It was enough to gladden a contrarian’s heart – although the Thomas Family Winery’s delightful hard cider helps on that count.
There was a noticeable sprinkling of New Albanians in the crowd, and most probably were thinking much the same as I: Why can’t New Albany use its riverfront more often? Or hold more than one festival a year? Or work together in some fashion resembling a team to stage events that bring money and tourists from outside the city limits?Is it in the water?
But it’s the same river, isn’t it?
New albany is still trying to survive Reconstruction...still trying to shrink the pie so all those "others" don't get any. Hard to imagine what kind of festival would unite this mean little town.
ReplyDeleteHow about a Springtime "Unity" Festival around Memorial Day, or during Derby week each year? How about following that up with a series of weekend "Heritage Festivals" throughout the Summer to celebrate our ethnic diversity, complete with music, food, booths, games...etc. Maybe something like this would make this "little town" seem a little less mean.
ReplyDeleteWe truly have no "festival" to celebrate this cities river history. We were founded as city because of the river, it was our communities life blood, steam boats, glass works, so many other neat and interesting things.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile our riverfront is collapsing, it has become a jungle of concrete and overgrowth.
The Scribners were the reason this city is here, do we celebrate them? NO.
Should we? By all means, combine the rich history of the Scribner family (Businessmen, adventurers, war heros, ect) with the river history of this city, and you have the makings for one big spring festival. We have a "captive" audience of those cutting through our town on the way to the boat.
With the openings of several really nice eateries downtown, the upcoming speakeasy jazz club, Conners place, there are plenty of venues for food and drink in place.
(Hell, maybe we could get our host here to have a beer tent!!)
But where does one start to get something like this going?
I'm originally from Madison and now call New Albany home. I've often wondered why New Albany doesn't concentrate more on its riverfront. The city as a whole, especially downtown, has such potential. It makes me sad to see the beautiful old buildings empty and falling down.
ReplyDeleteThis has hit a nerve with me, as a great branding oppurtunity, at this time of much pondering our future. Let's organize one of those get-togethers for the purpose of brainstorming a festival concept. Maybe at one of our lovely downtown patio hot-spots?
ReplyDeleteIn 2013, New Albany will be 200 years old. How about a rotating theme festival each year leading up to the New Albany Bi-Centential, that celebrates entire history as a river town. Some of the proceeds from each year could be used for a huge Bi-Centenial Celebration in 2013. We could start with a "Scribner Days" festival, to possibly, a S.S. Robert E. Lee Days festival the next year, and add a different theme each year.
ReplyDeleteOK John, My friend, I officially appoint you as the chairman of this festival.
ReplyDeletePlease keep us all up to date as to how this developes.
We expect to have a full account and schedule with in the next 48 hours, complete with permits, adverts, scheduled street closings, and at least on bikini wearing girl holding a sign.
Seriously though, that would be GREAT. But since we can not even seem to be able to get a pot hole filled around this burg.......
Yeah..ain't it the truth! Doesn't hurt to have some wishful thinking though. Hey! How about this! A "washboard festival" we could have it on ANY street!
ReplyDeleteHow about we hold a worldwide competition to find the person who can say "NO" the most times in 2 minutes?
ReplyDeleteNaaaah...nope.. "No" wouldn't go over very well with the "Yes" crowd. City couldn't afford it. Nah-No...couldn't justify funding it..you know, finding translators and all...not to mention competition judges, and you know just where it would lead? We'd have to have a "yes" competition to appear we're not favoring the "no's"! Then you'd have to watch out for the cheaters! You know, like people who just can't say "no"!
ReplyDeleteWhy go worldwide?
ReplyDeleteWe have a room full of the most capable nay sayers in the world right here in town. Even more so when it comes to bettering the community!
So, how do a group of people go from running their mouths to moving something like a festival celebrating our history from blah blah blah to reality?
Actually, John, I had someone else in mind as the likely winner but you might just give the "singer" a run for his money!!(Nice answer)
ReplyDeleteIamhoosier..I couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteChris,
How do a group of people go from running their mouths to moving something like a festival celebrating our history from blah blah blah to reality?
First, You organize a volunteer New Albany Festival Committee.
Second, You select people who are actually serious, have the dedication, and are optimistic about this type of festival and the positive impact that it could have on New Albany, to be on the board.
Third, You plan by example. The Harvest Homecoming is one of the most successful festivals in Indiana, and it is a perfect blueprint to follow. It gained it's status through great planning, hard work and dedication. A Spring Festival that celebrates our history as a city..and why we are even a city.. deserves no less.
Fourth, To help with funding, sell festival pins for $3.00 each, and booth space rentals. Separate events in the months leading up to the festival could be held to help with funding. There could be a package deal offered to booth vendors whereas they could have the same space for both the Spring festival and Harvest Homecoming for a price.
Fifth, Bring in Marcy from the Clerk's office for imput on issuing permits for booths, street vendors...etc.
Sixth, Bring in representation from Develop New Albany to help showcase the impact that a second festival could have on the economy of our city.
Anybody up for forming such a Committee?
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ReplyDelete*adam is going to kill me*
ReplyDeleteI am!
Gee, where'd everybody go?
ReplyDeleteOh that's right, someone made a call for volunteers...
ceece,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that about the truth!