barry liss on 
Kathy Tepsa on 
clhughes on I have grown tired of the words “family entertainment”. I get 10 e-mails a week about some event someplace, and invariably they have the words family entertainment or family-friendly, or some other variation on the same theme. I decided that I am so through with it. I am not coming to your shindig if you call it family friendly.
I am 40. I am in the age group where those words should mean something to me. Do not get me wrong, I am not in any way discouraging you from going to something with a jumpy house, or pony rides, or fruit on a stick coated in bad chocolate. Go on with your bad self. You and your kids need someplace to go, and it appears that everything in this town is targeted for you. So, you are set.
But, there is also a group of people who do not have children. Who want something to do where they can do what they want, be in the moment, and not have to worry about exposing someone elses child to something that childs parent thinks is inappropriate. So let us start there.
We live in Wisconsin. A state that just put forth concealed carry, a state that likes its beer. At some point it should be all right for an adult to consume beer in a legal manner, and enjoy themselves. Sometimes this enjoyment takes on the form of dancing, or talking loud, or other things. Things that in the company of adults, totally acceptable. Or at least not corrupting. But, in the company of a 9 year old, this behavior, which is legal, is totally forbidden. And it should be. You should pay attention to your behavior around children. No one is suggesting you should not.
Look, I am not espousing doing lines of crank at the Renaissance Fair dressed in a chain mail shirt, and leather man skirt while while holding a battle axe, while little Jimmy looks on. Not at all. But is it too much to ask to not have to walk around baby strollers at blues fest? Jesus, Junior Wells was a bluesman and he took a gun onstage each and every night, blues music and some of its subjects is totally not family friendly. Is it too much to ask that at some point I can wear a sun dress, drink too much red bull and vodka and spin to the sounds of Irenes Garden? And not have to worry about the down the nose glances of mom and pop late 30 somethings. Or that if I fall down, somehow Little Jimmy will be traumatized to the point of, well, who knows what Little Jimmy will end up with.
I understand the desire to keep families rooted here. Keep the tax base, keep something. I get it. So, we offer families a ton of entertainment. Every church, every Wausau Area Events event, every this every that, its all for kids and parents. Nothing is beyond that label.
But, there has to be something. There has to be some form of challenging art, challenging music, challenging food. There has to be something where we can say to a 29 year old who has just finished medical school, that there is a reason to be here besides schools, and a great place to raise a family. We have to embrace those without children, who choose another path.
I get that these family friendly things are supremely valuable for the vast majority. But, there has to be more. There has to be something for those people who are sans children. There has to be something for people with babysitters.
We just found out what our local brand is going to be. We just survived the creation of the 400 Block. We just lived through the beginning of the Walker era, and we are onto something else. But, jeez, if I am 27, single, and a professional or just someone looking for a fun place to live, is this it? Is there any reason to come here save for schools, and a place to raise kids? Is there any reason for a young person just graduating from STOUT who wants to work in new media to come here? Or should they just jet off to other places, for other opportunities?
I feel the absence of events and activities you want to do, makes it easier to CREATE the place your looking for.
I feel like that is a huge reason why we were able to get Malarkey’s off the ground. If we would have tried this business model in towns like Milwaukee, Madison, or Appleton-I feel like we would have been lost in the shuffle, or needed A TON more capital to get going.
A reason for a 27 year old, single, professional to come to Wausau is you have to chance to create your life or business here.
Wausau is already great for families, but there is little competition for non-family events, you can do or try anything!
If a young, single, professional wants to move here, and can’t find or make their own fun, they may have trouble doing so in any community.
This was an interesting post to read.
We have heard this comment all the time from the younger generation.. the 15-19 year old saying that there is nothing for them to do.
Growing up in small towns (Dorchester / Stratford), there was REALLY nothing to do… yet most of us found ways to keep ourselves entertained. For me personally, during my High School years in Stratford, it was volunteering at the local ball diamond where I would keep book, announce and run the scoreboard for weekend softball tournaments.
Yes, this probably wouldn’t have been concerned fun for many in my age, but that was my fun… and others found their own fun.
There are things to do.. you just have to look for them. And not everyone in that demographic is looking for the same thing. You might be looking for live music that is not censored down because their may be kids in the audience. Others may be looking for outdoor activities (such as biking or boating). Others may be looking for cultural activities, which we have through the PAF, the Woodson, or the Grand.
I always find it humorous that when teens complain there is nothing to do, so someone opens a teen nightclub of some kind, the behavior of many of those attending the night club cause it to shut down the teen nights almost as quickly as they opened.
We are not New York, we are not LA, or Chicago, or the Twin Cities… We are not even Madison or Milwaukee. It is unreasonble to expect a city of 40,000 (a metro area of about 100,000) to have the same offerings as those large urban areas.
However, I do think that for its size, the Wausau metro market has a great deal for people to do… teens, single 20-somethings, families, seniors, etc… without having some of the negatives that come with the major metro areas.
If you can’t find something to do.. you just aren’t looking hard enough.
If you want the night life and activities of Madison, Chicago or New York…. then that is where you need to be looking.
My two cents (money back if not totally satisfied)
So, just go to bars. Got it.
I do not think you read what I wrote. I think there are plenty of activities in and around Wausau. Especially if you have a stroller or small children.
If you do not have them, then you are out.
Not everyone wants to spend time with small children. There is considerably less organized activities for those without.
Tyler, to your point that there is a lot of opportunity for me to create my own fun. That makes sense, to a point.
I pay taxes, and my tax money goes to civic programming. And it appears that this civic programming by groups like Wausau Area Events and others, have nothing to do with me. Instead, they focus on those with strollers.
Of course I can make my own fun. I have a transformer diaorama I am completing in my basement. It ties in nicely to my Tyco trainset model of Civil War battfields and the trains that supported them.
But, people are tasked specifically with programming. It draws.
And right now, my sense is no one cares about people without strollers.
We are each different… and even if the civic programming doesn’t target you specifically, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t target some people without strollers.
I don’t have kids, have never had kids, never want kids, and am just not kid-approved in general… yet I personally enjoy many of the offerings of Wausau Area Events.
Join a softball team. Go paintballing. Take a painting course. Take voice lessons. I don’t think the wine and art thing downtown caters to kids. Go hunting. Be involved in a community garden. Join a book club. Be a participant or volunteer for the badger games. Go check out a Beltane festival. Jackpine isnt that kid friendly last time I checked.
These are just some things off the top of my head that wouldn’t require you to see children, or deal with being inappropriate. Just look. If it’s not what you want or like, then look somewhere else.
Dino,
What kind of event’s are you looking for?
I am just asking, because many times when I hear people bring things like this up, they don’t know what they are looking for-which makes it very difficult to find something.
However, in your case, I am assuming you have some specific ideas, maybe if you share them we can find or create them in Wausau.
I am not looking for anything Tyler.
I am simply stating that the vast majority of programming in the central wisconsin area is driven to those with strollers, or children.
I am simply stating that this is missing a vast majority of people who do not have said stroller dwellers, or short humans in tow.
I am further stating that this focus on family activity misses an opportunity to draw young professionals to our area.
From that I am also saying that if all we have to offer a 20 something single person is alcohol related, then we should apply for more Exhibitour Waivers.
The comment is not solely mine. There are others who have voiced this anti family fun time position as well.
Well-spoken, Dino. I love my grand-children, but I love my “adult time”.
Dino, For the most part I agree with you. Thing is, most events that happen in this town are kid friendly, family oriented because that is where the money is. Wausau Area Events is a for-profit biz and they would like to make every dime possible and children are an exploitable resource of revenue. Churches of course are going to have a family friendly event because that is, well, what they are about.
However, I was very disappointed last year when Wausau Area Events sposored/organised a beer festival on the 400 Block and kids, or those under 21 years of age were a part of the “plan”.
I have been an organiser of Beer, wine and liquor events for more than 20 years and have set up and promoted near a hundred of these tastings. Never have minor children been allowed at any liquor, wine or beer tasting or even try to make them a part of the plan. In fact printed on our tickets and posters was printed prominently “Must Be 21 or Older. No Children, No Pets”. Also I have never attended an event where children have been a part of the event.
Face it, it is a beer fest for adults and not chalk fest. Leave the kids at home.
Mark, I’m going to disagree that events are labeled ‘family friendly’ because kids are where the money is at. Quite frankly, for many non profit type events, the opposite is actually true. There isn’t much money being made from the kids. The money is being made from the beer tent. Look at the church festivals around. Beer tents make up a large majority of the revenue generated. Trinity Lutheran had a ‘family friendly’ event that they put on for a number of years that didn’t have a beer tent. This was funded by the church, not a money maker for them.
As far as Tyler’s comment that it’s easy to start anything you want here, that’s true. But that can also be stifling for those that really want to explode. Do an awesome job, and someone will come in and undercut you. We’re so accustomed to accept mediocrity around here that it’s quite a challenge to move up. When you’re the top player, it’s also hard to become even better. Malarkey’s is great, but with some solid competition, it could be pushed to become awesome.
I view Wausau’s ‘activity life’ the same way as Dino. There are lots of family events out there, and that’s great for the community. There are also some events that border on family appropriateness, but are still pushed as family friendly because that’s the in thing to do. If you have a family, Wausau is great. But Wausau is big enough now that there could be more events that skip that family friendly name and are honest about their intentions.
I guess what I was really trying to say was unless the event is booze related(and even if it is), the likelyhood of it being promoted as kid friendly is high.
Mr. Mason,
My St Bernard happens to LOVE beer… how day you exclude him from your event.
:P
That is partially what I am pointing at Mark. The inclusion of children at adult events. You came at it from a different direction than I did, but still.
I think that presence of children at some events, or most events, is a hinderance to some.
Also, seeing every event marketed as family friendly is frustrating to many. It marginalizes those without children in such a way that ripples become real, resentment becomes palpable.
Yes, of course there are plenty of activities for adults. And I take part in all of the ones that I choose. But, it is fair to point at the majority of planned activities in this city as something less than non stroller friendly.
I was not considering the idea of booze around kids. I suppose I do not have that issue, having grown up in the tavern life.
But, I think more than that, there is a pervasive culture here that marginalizes non stroller people (now that is just a catch phrase for me) to bars, and other things.
And if these “events” you want aren’t “family friendly”? I can’t go? Because I’m a “stroller person”?
When these young professionals flock to Wausau due to the awesome brand we just got, what happens when they do start a family? Shouldn’t these things be in place so these professionals stay? or should they leave once children become a factor?
How many events should be non-family friendly? 4? what percentage should be family and non family? Do you do two days of the same event, one day kids and the other day not?
If I want to bring my kids to an event, they are coming with me. I don’t care if you like it or not, or if you feel they are going to “inhibit” you in any way. If the event is not appropriate for my kids, I won’t bring them.
How about this: We hold a family friendly event. Three areas: One for families, one for adults who want adult beverages, and another roped off area for those who don’t want to deal with my snot-nosed brats, don’t drink but still want to find some way to have fun. Sounds like a great time!
Thanks Matt. You hit it perfectly.
Mr. Fischer, It is easy to exclude your dog. Just don’t allow it in.
was supposed to read “how dare you”.. and be meant in jest.
alas.. my habit of clicking submit and THEN proof-reading foils me again.
Ah, the pitfalls of not being face to face for a discussion.
Maybe Wausau will just continue to be known as a place that people move back to when they’re starting a family. Still young (nearing 30) and entering their professional prime. And to that degree, I think that Wausau Area Events, etc. simply book events based on the existing demographic and what has worked in the past. Makes it self-perpetuating, but so be it. Not every place can be all things to all people.
In that same regard, I don’t think that a mass migration of so-called “young pros” to this area will be the result of Wausau Area Events, or a City Square, or another damn boutique shop downtown. I have reasonable proof that there are plenty of talented young and not-so-young pros who live and work here because they like it here. If these folks kick ass at what they do, and raise the bar for their profession, others of their ilk will naturally be drawn. Organic growth, rather than planning by committee. If you’re a college grad who is evaluating this area, and you see people in your profession performing at a consistently higher level elsewhere, you tend to be swayed elsewhere.
And specifically, Dino tell your friend Matt from Stout that if he thinks he’s of the caliber of NY, SF, etc., then get on with it and move out there, for gods sakes! Quit asking us what we’re going to offer him. If he’s that good, he shouldn’t be dinking around with these questions, and instead should just be going for it.
1. Matt is a fictional charecter. I know a Dave who went to stout, but technically I do not even know where Stout is.
2. I think you missed the point of what I wrote. I am tired of family friendly activities. Why do the powers that program, not address people without children?
Actually, there’s “social matt”, a social media guy from Stout who wrote a guest post here some months back saying that when he graduates, what does Wausau have to offer? Said he has the ubiquitous “big city talent” and was debating whether to come back here to be around old friends.
Sorry, forgot about him.
So, yeah, I know a dude named Matt from STOUT. I remember the post.
All those social media types blur together don’t they?
I thought you were dragging that discussion out again, my friend. Hence my little outburst regarding that.
I’m a Stout guy, too, and we’re all super talented (not to mention handsome).
But your point is well-taken and mostly accurate. Family-friendly does dominate the area, but I think it’s a product of the existing demographics (or at least what WAE, etc. perceive as the demographics). They cater to what they see. I just don’t think WAE, or The Grand, or bars, or whatever, will be the catalyst of change. So if not them, then who? People move for jobs/careers, so that’s probably the place to start.
Meaning jobs in certain industries could bring the younger folks to the area (or folks who haven’t started families), further changing the demographics, maybe amplifying the outcry for what you are looking for. I take nothing away from young-ish pros (like myself) who are already here and doing their thing. But adding to the ranks would boost our/their influence.
That’s the long way, takes patience and has no guarantees. I’m not sure what the short-term solution is. Hell, Wausau is still debating the merits of Dunkin’ Donuts :)
I have heard about the handsome men of STOUT. Now I know more of them than I had ever thought possible.
But, to your point about doing it ones self, versus institutionally. I think there is always going to be merit to the idea of doing it for themselves. Of course.
But, beyond that these organizations have taken on this programming and either through mission statements or acceptance of tax dollars make a commitment to provide programming. And it is my position, and will remain my position, that this programming as it stands now is weighted entirely on family friendly to the expense of unstrollered people.
People do move for jobs and careers, but not always. Some are committed to the region. You can look at the guys from Flapjack and their commitment to Wausau in the opening versions, and development of further larger versions of Why Not Wausau.
This event has had the sort of vibe that I think is good. Sure, there are strollers, and babies, but not at the expense of the others coming to the event.
Some events weight the experience of the event to the loss of those without strollers.
As long as we can agree on that, then I think we have a starting point.
Yeah, to me FJ are the guys who are doing it their own way. Perceiving a need, realizing the usual Wausau muckety-mucks aren’t addressing said need, and spearheading something themselves.
Brian, I never said that kids were the major source of revenue. Also a church event with a beer tent is not a beer fest.
I get what Dino is saying. One only has to look at the artists who play here. Sure, there are some great bands that play Malarkeys, The Intermission etc, and I am not expecting U2. There are, however, many acts that aren’t family friendly who could fill the Grand Theatre quite easily. All we ever see at the Grand is the family friendly stuff or that which is considered ‘arty’. That said, the ticket prices for B.B.King or Mr Nelson didn’t seem anyone friendly, let alone family!
What about those bands that are too big for the local bars? Where are the Rap acts, the Heavy Rock, the Punk etc, etc? There are many local bands who could play the 400 Block but instead we get the same list of groups who will get the kids dancing at the front. Couldn’t there at least be a chance for some local acts of whatever genre, to play the new 400 block, maybe a touch later than the present bunch?
I, along with many, had hoped that the Fillmore would become a larger and more varied venue, but that was not to be.
You want suggestions? How about a band like Clutch? The tour constantly and repeatedly sell out venues the size of the Grand in places as close as Green Bay or the Twin Cities. Charge $25 or thereabouts, but don’t allow kids. Is it really that hard? I along with many I know, often take the drive to see bands elsewhere but would rather just walk, especially when there is a great venue sitting quiet for so much of the time. Even someone like Devo could fill the Grand but would be too big for the bars and when did they ever offend anyone?
Sorry but now I think you are just being a curmudgeon Dino. Face it, just about any event that is put on in this town is going to be an event that is focused on netting as many people and profits as possible. That includes the “Stroller People”. You don’t want to go to a bar to get your adult fix because you cant deal with “drunks” right? But Blues Fest is ok with all of its drunks IF it was kid free? This is not a “Wausau Area” problem, it’s you. Your Problem.
Here is an interesting possibility.
Maybe there are actually TOO MANY things for non-stroller adults to do, through the bar scene and families with strollers are “underserved”, so this more civic programming is trying to give something for them to do as well.
What programming does WAE do for nonparents?
Adult activities do not need to be limited to bars.
Yeah, adult activities don’t always have to be booze or bar centric. The thought process regarding what “adult” means needs to change.
There were kids at Why Not? last year, but it was decidedly not ever characterized as “family friendly”. Suitable for kids, but not pandering to them. The music was decidedly for young adults and regular adults, and kids could tag along, but there was no “bounce house” or clowns with balloons or anything.
See, they’re on to something there.
Let me add that at WNW, I didn’t see a lot of kids, just some. People could act in whatever “adult” manner they wanted. And to my knowledge, nobody was hammered or had to be fished out of a water hazard on the golf course.
Kids weren’t “banned” but it was put together and marketed in a way that made it a place for adults.
Exactly Tom…I am not saying that kids should be banned, but seriously just one thing for me? Blues Fest used to be one of my favorite weekends, but now it is a parade of strollers, and toddlers.
Its cute and all for a little kid to do the little kid dance in front of everyone, but at the same time…its not fun.
I think Why Not Wausau was tone perfect. Absolutely 100 percent perfect.
And dont get me wrong, I know a lot of this has come back to WAE…but that is just as examples. Obviously they do great work. But, look at their website, and show me something that is not for the kids and families?
There is some truth to that Mark…and some not truth. I used to not dig drunks, but the fact is I do not mind. This week I went and saw Greg Dulli and the Twillight Singers, and the places drunk.
I do not in general judge that. That has not always been the case.
I do have a problem with the only alternative for me as a 40 year old is to go to a bad, or to spend time at a a stroller event.
Look, I am a curmudgeon on a lot of stuff. But, I have worked through, with great effort, my judgemental side when it comes to the alteration of consciousness.
But, thanks for hte challenging response.
Doesn’t appear possible to reply to replies here on CW, but I’m sticking up for Dino (who knew?) in the face of Mark’s comment (#8780). We’ve zeroed in on WNW? as a good example of something for adults, that’s culturally enlightening, that doesn’t center around a bar or booze. It also wasn’t put together for the sole purpose of profit. The purpose was and is to try something different, even if it means taking it in the shorts financially. The debate needs to stop coming back to “bars”. If that’s our adult option, that’s depressing. Mohawk did a nice job compiling a list, for his part.
WNW? had a vibe that was much different than anything else I’ve been to in Wausau. And it took a private group willing to take a risk to make it happen. And believe me, the vision for how this could grow a few years down the line is exciting as hell.