My favorite four letter F-word
I should first disclose that I am the Event Coordinator at Wausau Area Events. I have just finished my first year and am proud to be a part of the organization. Any thoughts I share will be from my point of view – my comments do not necessarily reflect those of the organization I work for. At times they will, and I will preface my post that way. This is one of those times:
An interesting discussion has taken place in the comments section of the post “Overlooked Losses” by Jim Carlson.
A few questions/comments were shared:
- “The problem with a lot of things that are free; is you have to fit into a description, poor, “at-risk”, etc, etc, etc. Why can’t it be something that is for the kids?”
- “What Wausau really needs is something (free) for kids and young adults to do.”
What jumps out at me is the word: FREE.
I would like to share a list of events that Wausau Area Events put on in 2007:
- Summer Kick Off Celebration - FREE outdoor movie, FREE popcorn, FREE root beer floats, FREE slime to go with the featured movie Ghostbusters in 2007
- Summer Fun Series - Five different Thursdays during July and August featured one of the following: Action Painter, two music concerts, Fire & Ice carving show and the very popular Frisbee dogs. All FREE
- 4th of July Celebration - FREE parade and flag raising. FREE balloons and patriotic giant baseball bats
- Exhibitour (Spring and Fall) - FREE wine and appetizers while strolling and viewing art from local and Midwest artists
- Hot Air Balloon Rally & Glow - FREE entrance, FREE huge, aerial fireworks show, FREE balloon glow and launch
- Chalkfest (CVA/Wausau Area Events event) - Although there is a fee to participate, viewing the creative and colorful works of work is absolutely FREE.
- Big Bull Falls Blues Festival - Okay, you caught me. This one is NOT free, but proceeds from this event along with sponsorships are how we are able to fund the remaining events throughout the year.
- Concerts on the Square (Wausau Area Events/City Pages) - FREE entertainment on the 400 Block/City Square every Wednesday from mid-June through the end of August.
- Harvest Fest - FREE pumpkins, FREE petting zoo, FREE wagon rides, FREE coloring activity, FREE polka music
- Holiday Parade - FREE to participants and spectators.
We try to offer a variety of events that will appeal to many different people, with or without children. Wausau Area Events is open to suggestions and I would enjoy hearing your feedback
I agree with the commenter that said we need something for young adults (I’m guessing ages 15-20). I am in absolute agreement and would like to hear ideas from the community on this. I know there is the Mayor’s Youth Action Council which has put on music concerts, etc. Any other thoughts?
For those new(er)(ish) to the area, I hope you take advantage of what we and other organizations have to offer.
Marcus Nelson said:
what if WAE sponsored some sort of Octoberfest on the 400 block? (too late for this year) You could call it Blocktoberfest! There are many breweries in the area that i’m sure would want to be involved :-)
My $.02
October 6th, 2007 at 3:30 pm #
Kevin said:
Ah yes, just what we need, more reasons for the fine people of Wisconsin to drink beer (cause we don’t hardly ever have an excuse to do that).
But I must give mad prop kudos because I find “blocktoberfest” to be a ridiculously funny name and I love all things ridiculously funny.
October 6th, 2007 at 11:09 pm #
barry said:
Let’s talk about the crimewave…a blog that ignores current local issues is doomed…
Barry
October 7th, 2007 at 7:10 am #
Dino Corvino said:
Maybe you would like to write something Barry. I am on vacation this weekend.
October 7th, 2007 at 12:02 pm #
barry said:
Ok Dino, I’ll say a few things. Given the social and economic climate, the crime spree is unsurprising. I find it strange that people from Wausau seem to think the robberies are a symptom of growth. Also, the attacks on the Wausau PD (Keystone cops) in the Daily Herald’s chat rooms strike me as absurd. Few seem willing to acknowledge homegrown rot.
Barry
October 7th, 2007 at 3:04 pm #
Dino Corvino said:
Now were cooking with gas Barry. How about you write a full post based on those ideas. Expand on the short comment you made.
I know a guy at this website, and he can probably get it posted.
October 7th, 2007 at 4:35 pm #
Andy Laub said:
Barry, an article about that would be more than welcome here; I too am interested in hearing your thoughts. Abe’s article was intended more as an anecdote than any sort of analysis, so further elaboration is certainly appreciated!
October 7th, 2007 at 9:06 pm #
barry said:
Hey Andy, I wrote a piece - where should I send it?
Barry
October 9th, 2007 at 7:22 pm #