Riverfest, Windom, MN Celebrates 125th Year of Volunteer Firemen

A board member happened to stop in Windom, MN recently, along Hwy 60 in south central MN, and read their local newspaper which was basically half filled with pictures and articles about their annual riverfest. http://www.winwacc.com/riverfest.htm

An interesting observation reflected on all the different activities that were scheduled which led board member to believe that everyone in the community could find something to enjoy during the 3-day of festivities. A lot of different organizations took part by sponsoring an particular event..

Norfolk has its share of festivals, yet they seem to be a single activity by a single organization. Boom Fest is increasing the number activities on the Saturday of their major July 4th event. The Comedy Festival is trying to incorporate more activities to support the event and comedians that visit. In both cases they need large group of volunteers to pull off the activities supporting the event. Carl Reeder has sponsored an “Old Cars” event downtown. We’ve had a Green Egg BBQ event in the past, a ethnic and watermelon festival have fallen by the wayside.

How can we rally the community, especially different organizations, to support a festival  that incorporates many different activities, similar to the county fair type atmosphere? Do we need to “hitch our flotilla” to the Comedy Festival and help promote and the increase the number of activities?

Given that NorthFork Riverfront Development Project has been approved for the $25K Nebraska Tax Credit program (help raise $65K) how can we generate more interest in finding those that have a passion that want to improve Johnson Park, the trails and river access? For example, do we need to support installing public art (and amphitheater) in Johnson Park to get the art and theater community involved, creating a “walk of fame” paver stones to get the trails people engaged, installing historical markers to collaborate with Preservation Norfolk and the Elkhorn Valley Museum supporters, creating flower gardens or a linear botanical garden alone the riverfront to support the master gardener community members, exercise stations for all ages in Johnson Park and along the riverfront to support the YMCA, schools, and City Park & Rec., etc.?

Info

Press Release published on June 24th, 2010 at 2:00 pm