Success is a primary reason why the Greater Emporia BBQ Festival for this year has been canceled.
Organizers announced the decision Friday in a news release that stated the event was growing faster than the finances needed to support it.
The announcement came jointly from a core committee in charge of the event. De Henderson, committee chairman, and Joe Endres and Ron Thomas started the barbecue competition nine years ago, not long after the annual Twin Rivers Festival was discontinued.
“It was our dream to bring back a festival to Emporia,” Henderson said in a telephone interview Friday afternoon. “We’ve all missed Twin Rivers (Festival) and that was where we were trying to go with this. We have great new ideas and more people wanting to get involved.”
All the committee needed was a major sponsor to help defray costs of the event.
“It costs right at — before the increased gas prices — it cost right at $18,000 to put this event on, and we had wonderful, wonderful sponsors. These people were phenomenal,” Henderson said.
The growth, however, exceeded the sponsorships.
“The more we grow, the more it costs, so ... this year we were shy about $6,000,” she said.
The committee was expecting 42 teams this year, plus the 65 judges, assistants and others who attend the festival, she said. The event brought in about $45,000 in revenue for the city last year.
“We kind of track all of that, too, because the Convention and Visitors Bureau was one of the sponsors, and that was one of their criteria.”
Teams came from across the United States — last year’s overall winner was from Florida — and they were profuse in their compliments about the change of venue to Peter Pan Park.
“The park’s just gorgeous and we were so excited to get the park,” Henderson said. “We were well on our way to make it more of a festival.”
The park came with inherent additional expenses.
“There’s lack of power in the park,” she said. “We have to supply power for all of these people. So, by the time you rent your generators, you buy your utility poles, you buy your gas, that gets more and more costly.”
The committee’s release said that the local contest competed against other large competitions in Arkansas, Colorado, Osage City and elsewhere. More money or better prizes can often tip a barbecue contestant’s decision on which competition to attend.
Most of those competitions receive backing from corporations and from the host city governments.
“We love our festival, but we personally couldn’t come up with $6,000 to help us finish out the year,” Henderson said. “We understand as a non-profit that things are tight. If we could just find that one big guy that would say, ‘You betcha! This is great.’ ...”
The committee was pleased that the number of teams competing continued to increase.
“In fact, we were drawing some of the best teams from the nation and a wonderful representation of teams from our local area,” the release stated.
The expenses involved in providing logistical services for the festival, as well as prize money for the different categories of competition, increased in proportion to the number of entries.
“If you take the business approach to this, we were a startup company and we were growing faster than the income was being generated,” Henderson said.
If one large sponsor, or several smaller ones, steps forward, the Greater Emporia BBQ Festival could be resurrected.
“We would love to bring the festival back in 2009, but in order to do that we need that large corporate sponsor, or other entity to help us achieve this,” Henderson said.
Comments
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Posted by emporiateacher (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems to me that everything in Emporia is being canceled this year.
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No fireworks can be fired off, No Emporia sponsored fire works display, No BBQ cook off. EMPORIA CLOSED-COME BACK SOON
Posted by stevenlk (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, the city of emporia is so broke. whats going out with everything now. canceling every event for the summer, giving tickets for every reason, for ex. $500 mowing ord. wow..
Posted by kansasgirl (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes it is a sad state of affairs that is taking place in Emporia right now as it is all around the country. But seriously have all of you not been paying attention to what is happening in this country as a whole. Gas prices are astronomical. Food prices are up. Everything is up right now. Then of course you have the people in Iowa and Missouri who are trying not to lose everything they have in life. Did you not think the down sizing of Tyson would affect the city's budget? If all of you are all so hell bent on what Emporia needs to do why don't you just put your money where your mouth is or come up with some other solution. Would any of you by chance have an extra $6000 to help out with the BBQ? Not so easy is it. Instead of complaining about what Emporia doesn't do or have why don't you try to look at what they do have. It is still a wonderful community to live in.
Posted by esu42 (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There was a BBQ festival?
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All some people ask for is one day where we can gather and celebrate the countries independance. If they cannot afford to do a display then let the PEOPLE of the community, for one day, put things behind them and relax in celebration with their families. Is Lebo doing that much better than Emporia? Forget the BBQ, I can cook my own much better then any place here, But I think the 4th is a very special day and should not be thrown out. Are we going to stop the x-mas parade since the gas is so high? They were able to still raise $12,000 for the BBQ with being $6,000 short. Could we raise that for a fireworks display since we are not aloud to shoot our own? I would be more than happy to make a donation for a display and I am sure more would too. It is just sad that I have to go out of town to enjoy the holiday. This is anouther reason that people are leaving this community. It is sad because it is a very nice area with nice people but the priorities are just not in the right place right now.
Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Best thing about Emporia is going somewhere else.
Posted by jennienbj (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kansasgirl,
Can you tell me what is so great about this town? Nothing, that is what it is. We don't have a movie theatre really worth going to, no firework displays, can't shoot fireworks, the circus we do have is a joke. Let's see what else, there is not careers in emporia, our streets aren't the best anymore, but we are going to spend 300,000 dollars on a fire department renovation, all the parking lots in town need some major redoing, we got like 5 stores in our "mall." Not much to do here and it is not the best place to raise your kids. There is so much petty crime, kids running around at all hours of the night up to no good. Please tell me what we do have that is here?
I think it is just plain nuts that emporia is out of money to fund things that have been going on for a long time. Why not charge $3 dollars a person, $5 dollars a couple and 10$ for a carload to get into the fireworks display. Wouldn't that help raise some money? But nope, lets just cancel it and not try anything else out. Way to go good ole' emporia.
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ahhhh, Kansasgirl.....I DO put my money where my mouth is!!!!!!
My husband and I, own a home in Emporia...(and, I might add, we pay an outrageous amount in taxes....We had a house in another State that was valued at twice the amount our house is, in Emporia..and the taxes were less than HALF of what they are in Emporia)....We SHOP Emporia, almost exclusively....for groceries, furniture, clothing, gas. We give Emporia a large chunk of our Retirement checks each month......as do many others!!!!!!
What more do we have to do to be "worthy" of living here...and to give our opinion?
I can't fix it...but I can tell you this.........
Emporia is growing OLD...Not just the town, but...the people!!!
We are Status Quo....and when our youth, and young families, want to do something for fun, they have to go out of town to do it. We send them there!!!!
Emporia will never survive if we don't keep our Youth here...our Young families....and, leaders with our Youth in mind...Even Baby Boomers, are young people in Emporia now........
Yep, we're growing old folks...We need our young people. Time to quit complaining, and find a way to keep them here...or it won't matter about our roads....or, a big arena, or anything...We won't even need new retirement homes...... Emporia will just be memories..........
Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There could have been a fireworks display if people wanted to volunteer to fund it. The city has no charter obligation to fund it. I believe the flags will go up downtown as always. Are the employers who require their employees to work this holiday unpatriotic? Any city I've previously lived in provided the fire department to assist with public display and the police to help with traffic and any other issues as well as public works to clean up the mess the crowd leaves at no cost. I would assume the city would do so and has done so here in the past. It has been my experience the previous celebrations were usually provided by civic clubs or VFW organizations. I would imagine the reason they did not participate this year is the lack of giving for their fundraising projects by the community. It can't be both ways....no new taxes and continued or expanded programs. Seems like these kinds of events are great for the community but people forget the costs to city services to expand to meet the additional people, police and medical services needed, etc. There are always hidden costs people forget about. Everybody is always screaming about running the city like a business....sounds like they are trying to do that. If you as the "shareholders" don't like the return on your "investment" IE., taxes, then vote in a new board of directors (commissioners) or cough up additional funding through a sales tax, admission fee or other type of pay as you use or pay as you go funding. I've lived other places that tax property much higher than here and I've found the taxes are about the same or lower than other places I've lived.
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Even if the charge is $3 a carload to attend the fireworks show, people will still overload the car then squawk because that's what they do, squawk about "what we don't have."
People can't have what they want, and they want to spend a boatload of money to go out and watch fireworks then spend more money on gas while the engine idles waiting to get out of the fairgrounds. But by golly, that's what they want!
Why does it have to be a fireworks show? If you people want fireworks, so go buy fireworks already. Pack a picnic dinner, go out of the city limits, shoot your fireworks the entire night long. Who's stopping you?
No movie theatre? I think we have a fine one with your choice of films playing. What's wrong with that? Don't like it here in Emporia? Go to Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita. Pay their ticket prices. Who's stopping you?
Emporia does not own the circus. The circus owners are the ones who decide what towns to play in. Don't like the circus? Don't go. Go to Disneyland. Who's stopping you?
We have the Flinthills Tech College and Emporia State University to train people for careers. But you have to spend a few bucks for the training. No bucks? Apply for a student loan. Who's stopping you?
Spending three hundred thousand to renovate the fire house sure sounds better than millions to build a new one. That's just common sense.
Bad streets? Some, yes. In the past, we've always had repaving of so many streets per year. But we weren't in a recession then. In some cities, people themselves have begun a street repair fund. Go for it. Who's stopping you?
Only 5 stores in the mall? Whose fault is that? If Emporia's spending habits went beyond Wal Mart, then stores would be racing to locate here. What's stopping them? Demographics.
Petty crime, kids running around all hours of the night. And this is the city's fault? Where are their parents? Why must people depend on the city to provide something to do all the time? What happened to being creative and looking for healthy outlets for their own children? Many do. Same old, same old, "There's nothing to do, there's nothing to do." Answer this: What do you want to do? Sit down and figure out what it is that you want to do. Who's stopping you?
Oh yeah, you wanted to do fireworks. For one day? Then what? More squawking about nothing to do?
If raising kids here is so difficult because there is nothing for them to do, here's something: They need help filling sandbags in Iowa and other places along the Mississippi. Why not go there for a little side trip? Many folks are doing that to teach their kids about how lucky they are not to be living there.
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As far as the parades go umm if I remember correctly everytime I entered and participated in the parades the cost of the floats, decorations etc were all the patrons responsibility.
What does the city contribute to a parade that is so expensive that it has to be cut from the budget???
Having a parade required some traffic control and setting up a few baracades for a few minutes of which officers are already on duty! Canceling a parade due to budget cuts isn't a very good excuse in my opinion!
As far as the fireworks had someone notified everyone more then 8 dayss before the 4th maybe the community could have done a fund raiser to help out.
I think there is more to the story & they arent willing to telling us yet!
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Create...Last Easter someone posted on the forum that they were stopping over in Emporia for a day or two, and wanted to know of a good place to stay and eat....Where he and his buddy could have some fun, kick back, have a few drinks, and talk to the bartender...and you,and a few others, told them to go to Cottonwood Falls...By the end of the conversation he said thanks for the "referral"..and they were going to, not only go there for dinner, and drinks, but... made their room reservations there, as well.
I was criticized by a few people for my opinion on how I felt about that.
That was the last time I posted here....but, I'm really upset about your attitude that "if we don't like it, we can leave...who cares...or who's stopping us?"....
Maybe that should be our City MOTTO...Create.
First off, let me say, that you have posted 1156 times on this forum, and given your opinions on just about every matter in this town....You have that right....and I don't remember anyone telling you that if you don't like it......too bad....go someplace else...Who cares, and who's stopping you?....
You may own this forum, with your opinions, but you do not speak for Emporia, any more that I do.
But, as an Emporian...I will use the forum to give my opinion...and respect those that don't agree with me....
I won't tell anyone that their opinion has no value...and if they don't like it...to get out of town....Who cares?, and...Who's stopping you?
If I think Emporia should be able to have fireworks...then I have that right..and I don't need you to make a snotty remark about spending a boatload of money, packing a dinner, and going out of the city limits.. Nor, do I need your permission......
Well, you have given several suggestions, for people, who have issues... to go someplace else...get out of Emporia, ...who cares, and who's stopping them?
I hope that's not the attitude of our City leaders, and business owners, or Chamber of Commerce.........
I care Create!..not just about myself, but about many of the people in Emporia that feel cheated by something as insignifcant, to you, as fireworks on the 4th of July, or some community events to Celebrate the 4th of July...
Uhmmmmm...and if you dont like it, well you can leave too...who cares, and who's gonna stop you?....(Someone finally said it to you Create....How does it feel?)
Posted by Peyton (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Back to the original topic at hand...Although it is sad there will not be a BBQ festival this year, it does sound like they are working hard for one next year!
In the meantime, there will be a "Grillin' at the Market" sponsored by Flinthills Technical College, Emporia Mainstreet, Emporia CVB, and the Farmer's Market....August 9th from 9am-1pm in the Farmer's Market parking lot.
Sounds like it will be a fun event....there will the authors "BBQ Queens" there demonstrating their grilling techniques with a variety of local produce and ingredients! Plus other local merchants are encouraged to bring samples and products to show off as well!
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Peyton, for the information....and, I apologize for getting "off topic"...and, appreciate you getting back to the original topic at hand....But, you've only reinforced my point, and that is.......some people just dismiss what other people feel in Emporia.
I'll be honest...I didn't even go to the BBQ festival last year. I was new to Emporia, and, didn't know much about it. I saw that it was a $20.00 entrance fee..(about that much)...and, I couldn't find anyone that could give me anymore information about it......So, I don't really know what it is that we are missing this summer.
And, as far as August is concerned..I look forward to the events you have just posted about ...
but....THIS is the the week of the 4th of July, and, a celebration of the our Countrys Independence....The Flag.....Fireworks, and traditions.....and, instead of Emporia invitings other people to come here to celebrate.....We have been told to pack our bags and go to their celebrations.
It might have cost us some money, but it also might have brought in some revenue with a little creativity.
Posted by zeus (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can respect the lack of funds for events such as the fireworks show, the BBQ festival etc. But considering this would it be to much to ask of the City of Emporia to join other cities in the state and allow people to shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July without worrying about a ticket.
Posted by wyse_guy (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
create -- dont let the door hit you where the good lord split ya!!!!
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you need help with gas money on your way out create I will be more then happy to help with the expense. There is a nice place in the artic where noone would bother you with such stupid things as celebrations. If you would like I am sure others could pitch in and you can take the whole damn city council with you and you can all stew in a shack with nothing to do or worry about.
Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
<sigh> Another Emporia "quality of life" event bites the dust. I think Emporia needs a morale officer.
Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morale officer is a good idea but be careful...someone may have to spend one of those "mils" everyone seems to be so focused on. It seems supply and demand follows a business model. Since the Commissioners are so bent on running the city like a business, then those things that don't make a profit or at least break even are eliminated. I don't agree with this but they were elected by the majority of the voters last time it seems. Seems like based on what I hear, the next elimination should be incumbents on the Commission.
Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just came through Emporia today on my way back from KC. We drove around for a long time, and It is sad to see how empty the town looks. It is wonderful that Peter Pan now has a new playground, but sad that there was hardly any children there. It is even worse to see that the town is canceling activities that are not only fun for families, but would be a good way to keep people in town. It is amazing how many people live in a community not only for jobs (which are dwindling in Emporia), good schools (which are so-so in Emporia), but for activities to entertain their families (which, obviously- you no longer have).
It is a suggestion that the council members in Emporia get their heads on straight, or they will end up running the young family population off... and all you will have left will be the "older" population, people who rarely spend money in any place other than Wal-Mart, never attend community functions, and don't have children in school anymore, or college kids who are only interested in going to class or hitting the bars in the evenings and weekends. Am I the only one who is seeing this????
I consider myself incredibly blessed. My community is incredibly wonderful. We have a great park for the children with ample picnic area, excellent schools that care about our children and work with them one on one, jobs are minimal, but that is because people keep moving in and taking the ones that do become available. As for community actives... we have a wonderful Christmas celebration, St. Patrick's Day celebration, soup and chili feeds all the time, a decent downtown, a renovated movie theater where on Saturday nights, you and a significant other can get in with snacks for under $20.00, free will donation hamburger feed on the 4th of July, as well as a fireworks show for free, and the ability to set of fireworks the WEEK of the 4th, ending on the 5th. There is much more, and I don't have room to mention it all.
We have softball leagues, dance leagues, golf leagues, summer reading program, a pool where you can get a FREE unlimited summer pool pass if you pay a water bill, Girl and Boy scout troops, we have things to keep all kids happy no matter what they are interested in.
Emporia should try some of that. If they can't, well.....
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My wife and I arew both very excited that I am a senior at ESU this year so that we will not have to be here by this time next year. We have been looking at anouther community north of here that is THRIVING and have family activities almost every weekend or if not then close enough to Topeka that we can go there. This is just getting frustrating staying here and my family is tired of it. Just try to imagine this town without the college? scary thought isnt it.
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Doesn't bother me a bit to be told to get out, Renegade. I've lived here for nearly 35 years, paid taxes the entire time, paid fees to put two children through school here, paid tuition to ESU for two degrees, done tons of volunteer work, dipped into my pocket everytime there was a family in need -- I think I've done quite a lot for this town.
If all the vitriolic remarks make you feel better, go for it. Who's stopping you?
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hogan77...
Emporia is a lovely town, but apparently, we have developed an attitude with some members in our community, that you can either love, it or leave it, ....Who cares.?
rdgrey.
It is hard to imagaine Emporia without the College...It is quiet in our town now, because so many students are gone until Fall. It's nice to know they will return in August.
I hope you won't leave Emporia, after you graduate. We need to keep the younger population, and, encourage them to be leaders, with new ideas, and motivation.
Posted by Peyton (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Renegade, I do appreciate your thoughts and opinions on the topic.
I however disagree with much of the conversations on this blog or rather it makes me feel sad! As Emporians, we need to stop trying to be a town we are not....we aren't Lawrence, Topeka or KC! We are our own unique town with a lot of wonderful attributes! I think sometimes people just love to harp on the negative instead of looking at all the positives we have.
Here is what I see...
--A larger community with a small town feel
--Unique shops and businesses Downtown
--Granada Theater that is getting ready to open
--Plenty of activities put on by the Chamber, CVB, Mainstreet, Farmer's Market, Arts Council, Library for us to enjoy this summer especially and year-round...for all ages I might add.(Back to School events, Great American Market, Christmas activites, Parades, Live in the Lot, Brown Bag Concerts, Farmer's Market, Summer Sales, Art events, Plays, tours, and more)
--Great additions to our Parks, playgrounds, and an Aquatic Center for all to take advantage of
--Educational centers with FHTC and ESU, plus the National Teacher's Hall of Fame and all their events, plays, plus
--Founders of Veteran's Day
--Flinthills in our backyard
--Our beautiful Zoo
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!
Positive people will be positive about Emporia....negative people are always going to find something negative about Emporia or to complain about. I just don't find that very useful!
We all pay taxes and contribute to our community, if you really want change....GET INVOLVED! Join an organization, volunteer, run for an office....there are so many ways to contribute to the community in a POSITIVE WAY!!!
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sorry that I came off sounding so negative, I am just very fustrated about the 4th of July situation and then to see this event canceled I had to sound off. We participate in many things here that are listed above and really enjoy the live in the lot. There are LOTS of very nice people here to enjoy sitting on the front porch with on a wonderfull evening. Drives in the country (wont mention gas price) is a very wonderful experience with the best of wooded areas just east of here and the majestic flint hills just to our west and north. I an so busy with going to school full time and working 2 diffrent jobs (one on a part time basis) that I can not see taking over the city council position as of yet. There will be no quick fix but all the tools are here ready for this to be a prosperous community, just need some good bait out there for some takers. Thank you for your nice comment Renegade and we will see what happens in the future.
Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Renegade:
I never said Emporia wasn't a lovely town. It has grown so much since I lived there... with all of the businesses, the park renovations, the Granada being renovated and reopened, the downtown area and their beautification, and the new schools... I can't believe that so much has changed. However, my main point was.. if the complainers don't like the town it is, the way it is run, etc, then they are in a fork in the road. They can either take the path to become active and change it, or, they can take the other path as I did and leave. I left because I knew that my time in Emporia had been well spent, but it was no longer home to me. I was pointing out to people that there are places that rely on the general community to do things.. not every place just sits back and lets the city politicians do it all. These same people, the complainers, think that in order to live a full and happy life, they need to be in the bigger cities, like Topeka, Wichita and KC. My intent was to point it out that even smaller communities can be great.
Emporia can be great too... if people would just get their heads on straight and DO instead of COMPLAIN! You want to be able to set off fireworks... then say something. Start a petition, attend a city council meeting. Last I knew they were open to the public. Or at least, in my community they are. You want the BBQ fest to go on? Then why don't you go to the head of that committee and say hey, I don't want to see this not happen this year. What can I do to help? Ask businesses for donations, talk to some of the companies for sponsorship, get out the old coffee cans and ask for donations at the local stores, heck- there is so much you can do to make things happen!
Stop letting politicians run your lives. Become active in your town, step up to the plate. And NO. Sitting on your hind ends and just paying taxes isn't enough if you want things to change. That is only contributing to a very small section of what your town stands for. You want more jobs? Make it happen... speak your minds. You want better schools? You have options, they DO have school board meetings. You want more activities in town? Then form a committee to do something. The council members should be working towards making Emporia all that it can be. However, they are too concerned with other things evidentially to care.
Posted by admireed (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Emporia has its problems but the sainted city to the east, Lawrence does too. From the LJWorld:
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jun/29...
Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was in Topeka today. I noticed there was a fireworks tent--a very large tent---located every few blocks INSIDE the city limits. All legal fireworks are allowed to be discharged within Topeka city limits from June 27th thru July 5th. It is going to be a gala, patriotic, fun Fourth of July in Topeka. In Emporia, it will just be Friday.
I am saddened, and even a bit embarrassed, that our city leaders feel Independence Day isn't worthy of allowing citizens to shoot off some fireworks in celebration. I find it nearly incomprehensible that fireworks are banned here, even on the 4th. I have never lived in a city that forbid fireworks on the Fourth of July... until now.
Emporia is becoming an unattractive, backward place for people considering visiting or relocating. Those of you who have lived here all your lives and think Emporia is such a grand place to live need to see it through an outsider's eyes. You would be shocked by what you see, or don't see. People in the stands have a much better view of the football game than the players on the field.
Cities, like businesses, have no status quo. A city, or business, is either growing, or it is dying. There is no status quo. I fear Emporia is dying.
Posted by sunshine (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am trying to understand these cancellations...I don't understand alot about managing these kind of events, but it would seem to me that you would take what funding you do have and put on an event with that money. The committee may have to scale down the event in order to put it on with the funding available, or even move it to a location that makes more sense with the funding available. It seems that it would be alot easier to explain to the public, and easier for the public to swallow, that the size and location of the event is relative to the funding available. Why would you try to put on something bigger than the resources available, and then say oh well, maybe next year.
So now, alot of time was put into trying to make it work, and when the committe didn't get the amount of funding it wanted in order to put the size of event on that it wanted to they just QUIT! I sure hope my kids are not paying attention to that, I teach them not to be quitters and to make due with what they have. Maybe we should have the kids put on the event...they are actually quite creative about doing alot with a little.
So the committe wants to try to make it work next year....well, all these out of town or state teams that wanted to come and participate might be compelled to go on to other contests...why should they take Emporia's seriously because it might get cancelled at the last minute. Emporia will not benefit from any revenue that the event might have generated. Maybe the commitee could explain this to me in a way that I or my kids might understand...
I do like this town, and have seen some wonderful things happen in this community, but sometimes I see things like this and just wonder where people's brains are at. There are alot of things that happen here that make little sense. I too think there must be more to the story that we aren't hearing.
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sunshinbe I think you hit it right, we must be on the same track of thinking. Maybe we should go for coffe sometime.
Posted by momus (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With some events you can downsize without experiencing many problems, but with other events a significant decrease in funding makes the event unfeasible. To bring BBQ teams from out of town to a nicer event you need prizes, electrical power (in the park with liquid gold generators), marketing and a slew of volunteers. Events like the one mentioned above have a minimum threshold that they have to attain or they just can't happen as a stand alone event. From what I understand, leadership of the BBQ festival made an agonizing decision.
Maybe we could make the event part of Great American Market in September. Give the BBQ teams their own block, have a "people's choice" award voted on by shoppers at the market. The event could "piggy back" on another event and they could both help draw different crowds that could play off one another.
Times are tough right now. They are tougher in Emporia than some places, but we also have a lot going for our community. If you watch the national news, you will see stories of communities from throughout the nation that could not raise private funds for a fireworks display this year. Other festivals and public improvement projects have been put on hold EVERYWHERE because of the state of the national economy. We do have a lot of fun events upcoming (thanks Peyton for the list), and the Granada opening this fall should lead to more entertainment options for Emporia! But we need to temper our expectations of what Emporia can reasonably support in the way of businesses, events and taxes in the light of our past years economic woes. Things will get better IF we get involved an MAKE them better. If we just sit and gripe on a keyboard without working with others to improve the city, well...
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen, Momus.
Also, Here's everybody's chance to raise a voice. The 2009 Budget Meeting is being held by the City Commission TONIGHT at 7 p.m. Faith Lutheran Church, 1314 Trailridge. The commission wants to know what the public's priorities are. Perhaps some of those disappointed by the fireworks cancellation and fireworks ordinance can go to this meeting and voice fireworks as a priority.
Posted by siamesefred (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Every town that tries to plan festivals, whether privately funded or funded by the city government, runs into problems of planning. In my experience, however, it's often easier to do that planning in smaller towns that often are more accomodating. For instance, it's easy to take over the park in Americus for booths for Americus Days. I don't think there are permits to file, multiple offices to clear things with, etc.
I remember when the Twin Rivers Festival folded. The diehard committee members were feeling burned out and new blood wasn't ready or willing to step forward.
It is a shame that Emporia will not allow private fireworks celebrations. I understand safety issues, but I dare say some neighborhoods would welcome the opportunity. Look at what the DeLane Drive folks can organize at Christmas time. I suspect they'd organize a neighborhood picnic and fireworks, if allowed. What about all the cul-de-sacs in town. Could be a perfect spot to shoot from while folks sat in their driveways.
Again, sometimes it's easier in small towns. Several years ago, we attended an impromptu gathering in Allen (actually, we crashed it when we called to invite a family to our house and found out they were headed to an informal town celebration). Those who attended brought food for a potluck and fireworks for the display. And everyone in town could see the display if they wanted.
Nope, it wasn't on the same level as a professional display, but it was still fun. And folks were only out the amount of money they chose to spend on fireworks.
Personally, I think Create has a point that many missed. I'm not sure Create is really wanting to push folks out of town as much as wanting to stop the whining. In other words, if you don't like something, do something about it.
For some, doing something will mean taking their business out of town. For others, it will mean working to organize something new.
There will always be things about a town or life that folks don't life. We can choose how to react... with complaints and whining and negative attitudes or with positive action.
Right now, it seems that the negative attitudes are dragging the town down.
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
momus....
You can't do anything...if no one is here to do it!!! And, Create seems to think we should just tell everyone to leave town, if they don't like it......go to Topeka, or Kansas City, or Wichita....Who cares?....Who's going to stop you?....
Well, I DO CARE...and I think it stinks that we have to give up everything for the 4th of July. (and, yes, I know about what's going on all over the country!)
We decorate our house for the 4th..and fly our Flags...and, that's our way of celebrating.
Why couldn't someone have notified the community, when they first knew we couldn't have a Fireworks display, and there was going to be no parade?..no community activities for the young people?
Maybe asked for Volunteers?
You know what?...I have been in Emporia a year and a half...I volunteered to help out in any way I could with last years 150th Celebration, and 4th of July parade.....and, the events in Emporia. I met with someone that was very involved in organizing it.......I gave my resume, and information on my experience...
I have organized at least a dozen parades in my life...In bigger cities..and small mountain communities....
I have put together events in Malls, where the businesses participated, and, there were all kinds of booths and events for the young people, and adults.
Yes, sometimes it does cost to bring events to a Community...BUT, there is also revenue in return. It takes organization, dedication, volunteers, and work....
I have tried to volunteer in Emporia, and, so have others, that are new to Emporia, and they've told me the same story.....They were told they would "hear" from the powers that be...the organizers...the community leaders....and, guess what.........NO CALL back.....
So you can tell everyone to "do something" to "volunteer", and if you don't like what's going on, go to the source and let them know....and I'm saying that when your town is run by a bunch of "good ole' boys"...or if you have "too much" experience...they don't want you...Maybe they feel threatened, or, want the attention, and credit. for themselves.
When I came to Emporia, I was eager to be involved. Well, after being kicked to the curb a few times, and not having my calls returned....I decided....if ya want me...my fee as a Consultant is $70,000....and, maybe I stand a better chance of having my phone calls returned.
In the meantime...I am using the forum to air my frustrations...and, I'm going shopping for 4th of July decorations in Topeka tomorrow...
So, thank you to Create for her suggestions....
We're leaving town to go Shopping...and who cares?...who's gonna stop me?
Posted by momus (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the feedback. Concerning volunteerism, you have to keep trying until you find a group that you can work with to make a difference... or start your own. If fireworks on the 4th are important to you, start an Independance Day organization to raise money and organize activities. However, these types of festivals can't be planned in a matter of weeks. They take several months of solid planning to materialize. Unless everyone wants to pay higher taxes for every project, private citizens have to step up. Realize that different citizens and businesses have different priorities, and you have to constantly replenish your volunteer force to avoid burnout, but forming an organization (or tagging along with an existing organization) could allow you to raise money for next years event. The fireworks display in the past had a definate private component that made the event happen (the Optomist club, if I'm not mistaken).
As a secondary theme, can someone explain to me this "I'm going to shop out-of-town, that will show them" attitude? How is going out of town to buy decorations for the 4th as opposed to Daytons going to "show" anybody anything. If anything, shop in-town so the city has more money to spend on projects.
Posted by lycomu (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Lyon County Historical Society helps create a vibrant, energized learning community. Our achievement as individuals and our success as a democratic society depend on learning continually, adapting to change readily, and evaluating information critically. As stewards of cultural heritage, information and ideas, the Lyon County Historical Society offers the public unprecedented access and expertise in transforming information overload into knowledge. Our role at the Historical Society is to provide leadership in creating a center of learning for life crucial to achieving personal fulfillment, a productive workforce and an engaged citizenry.
The Lyon County Historical Society does not exist for economic reasons. Rather, we are a source of information about the past; we provide this area with an appreciation of our culture and we are an enjoyable place to spend time, contemplating the past and those who shaped and formed this part of the world. The importance of the Lyon County Historical Society is in direct proportion to the service we render, that is, the emotional and intellectual life of the people of this area. This is not a traditional measure of economic output by an organization and even though we are not thought of as an economic entity, we do provide important economic benefits to this area, such as: While in this area to visit the Museum, Archives, or Howe House, out-of-town tourists spend money at local restaurants, motels, stores, gas stations, and the museum gift shop. The purchases made with local merchants, as well as sales tax revenues are significant. In 2007, the Historical Museum had 14,000 visitors. 35% of those visitors were from outside Lyon County.
Please consider visiting the Museum, The Research Center, or the Howe House this summer. Better still, donate your time or your money to the Lyon County Historical Society because if we fail our mission of preserving history, then we all fail. History that is lost is lost forever and it affects everyone. History that is preserved, benefits everyone now and for the future.
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
momus.....
The out of town shopping thing....for me...is because I have shopped all over Emporia for decorations. Walgreens sent out an e-mail about their Red, White and Blue, strings of lights sale..We have a couple of sets and needed new ones......but, when we went to our Walgreens to get them...they said they didn't order any for Emporia this year...Guess they thought we wouldn't need any decorations ...since there wouldn't be any celebrating.
Posted by jmcmannis (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
renegade I understand the whole need to keep the younger generation around.
Unfortunately for me the career I chose as a living historian does not give me many job opportunites in Emporia. I will finish at ESU in May and more in likely will be relocating to the East Coast to work for the National Park Service.
I agree Emporia does have its good and bad qualities like ever city in America. I enjoy the small town atmosphere and the friendly people that you run into on a daily basis and I will miss it once I move to the east coast for work, but my heart will always be here in kansas and in Emporia.
Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmcmannis..and rdgrey.......
Thank you for your posts....Emporia will miss young people, like you...Of course, not everyone can make their career in Emporia....but, I will say that just knowing that we have students like you, and a few others, that have posted on the forum, gives me great encouragement that you all are, at least listening,...and, the future of our Country, and even Emporia, will be in good hands with our youth.
I'm done complaining....(maybe)
I just want to thank all of you that have posted with me about the 4th of July celebrations..(lack of)..
I will say that whether you agree with me or not, I think it's great that we have someplace to communicate with each other. Thank you to the Gazette for that.
If we didn't care, and if we couldn't feel passion about our community....it would be time to leave.....shut the door...and move on...................I'm not there yet!!!
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Siamese Fred, thank you for your comments on what I meant, and yes, you hit the nail right on the head. Thank you for reading as carefully as you did. My prose is expressive and a reader must make inferences; perhaps I have written too many essays in my time.
I have never had any trouble volunteering here in Emporia. So many organizations need help. For any of you who really care to be a benefit and work quietly in the background, CASA needs help with child advocacy.
Posted by jmcmannis (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do my part where I can. I will help out here in Emporia until I leave and on occasion speak out on a issue that is affecting the whole city.
renegade thank you for your kind words to me and rdgrey.
Also a big thank you to the local newspaper that gives the people of emporia and surrounding communties a place to voice their complaints without fear of retribution.
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