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There are 16 posts — by 9 authors — in this topic.
Latest post made by Steve Kranz at Jul 24 21:10 UTC

From: Linda Fort Date: Jun 30 20:57 UTC Short link

This isn't necessarily about talent but I think Winona often misses the
boat so to speak on getting more tourists.
  Look at all the people that just attended the biker build off in LaCrosse.
I was told that was expected to generate $3M for the city.
 The little city of Richland Center,WI has their country music fest; I have
no idea what that event adds to their economy.
  Eau Claire has their country jam music event.
 Winona needs a huge event to get tourists to town.  The highway passes the
city and unless someone was coming for a purpose I don't know if they would
even stop.


Linda Fort
Ridgeway



> My personal opinion is that Winona is NOT lacking in talent.  We have
> access to some of the brightest people in the world through our
> Universities and Technical College. If not at the College itself, then
> through their contacts. We have had several groups go through Blandin
> Foundation Community Development training, just to name a few reasons we
> have talented people in the area.
>
> When one looks at the multiple businesses in this community that have a
> successful international presence we have to be in awe of the business
> accumen there is available.
>
> Where Winona has it's problems, again in my opinion, is pulling it all
> together.  There are two many folks "satisfied with the way it has always
> been".  There are a lot of "NIMBY" attitudes that keep us from going
> forward and looking forward to what is possible.
>
> Rochester, for example, says we have a problem or here is an idea and
> everyone asks "how can we make it work". Some one in Winona has an idea or
> sees a problem and immediately it is a negative response.  "It won't work
> here", "we don't need that", "what we have was good enough for my parents
> so it's good enough for my kids" are some of the typical responses.
>
> No Paul, we don't lack talent.  We lack strong enough leadership to move
> people forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  We aren't proactive,
> we react instead.
>
> Joliene Olson
>
>
> Joliene Olson
>
> Info about Joliene Olson:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7gGuqd5qt3yGTZRFH9QK43
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/SUO5O0WMcBT8yZShbPRpT
> -----------------------------------------
>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
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>
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> -----------------------------------------
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>
>

From: Bob Sebo Date: Jun 30 21:02 UTC Short link

I don't know...Great River Shakespeare...Gilmore Creek...Beethoven
Festival...Dakota Homecoming...Steamboat Days...Frozen River Film
Festival...

or did you specifically want a Tractor Pull, Linda?

----- Original Message -----
From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 3:57 PM
Subject: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


>  This isn't necessarily about talent but I think Winona often misses the
> boat so to speak on getting more tourists.
>  Look at all the people that just attended the biker build off in
> LaCrosse.
> I was told that was expected to generate $3M for the city.
> The little city of Richland Center,WI has their country music fest; I have
> no idea what that event adds to their economy.
>  Eau Claire has their country jam music event.
> Winona needs a huge event to get tourists to town.  The highway passes the
> city and unless someone was coming for a purpose I don't know if they
> would
> even stop.
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Ridgeway
>
>
>
>> My personal opinion is that Winona is NOT lacking in talent.  We have
>> access to some of the brightest people in the world through our
>> Universities and Technical College. If not at the College itself, then
>> through their contacts. We have had several groups go through Blandin
>> Foundation Community Development training, just to name a few reasons we
>> have talented people in the area.
>>
>> When one looks at the multiple businesses in this community that have a
>> successful international presence we have to be in awe of the business
>> accumen there is available.
>>
>> Where Winona has it's problems, again in my opinion, is pulling it all
>> together.  There are two many folks "satisfied with the way it has always
>> been".  There are a lot of "NIMBY" attitudes that keep us from going
>> forward and looking forward to what is possible.
>>
>> Rochester, for example, says we have a problem or here is an idea and
>> everyone asks "how can we make it work". Some one in Winona has an idea
>> or
>> sees a problem and immediately it is a negative response.  "It won't work
>> here", "we don't need that", "what we have was good enough for my parents
>> so it's good enough for my kids" are some of the typical responses.
>>
>> No Paul, we don't lack talent.  We lack strong enough leadership to move
>> people forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  We aren't
>> proactive,
>> we react instead.
>>
>> Joliene Olson
>>
>>
>> Joliene Olson
>>
>> Info about Joliene Olson:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7gGuqd5qt3yGTZRFH9QK43
>>
>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/SUO5O0WMcBT8yZShbPRpT
>> -----------------------------------------
>>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>>
>>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>>
>>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
>> -----------------------------------------
>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>>
>>
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Winona
> Info about Linda Fort: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/56Gdn9mHXfvfdgH6m7sjAc
> -----------------------------------------
>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
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>
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> -----------------------------------------
> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net

From: Linda Fort Date: Jun 30 21:37 UTC Short link

I doubt a tractor pull would be popular in Winona, I will go to the Houston
Hoedown for that :-)
 Do the events you mention bring in a large number of tourists though?  If
so, it is not mentioned in the local news.

Linda Fort



>I don't know...Great River Shakespeare...Gilmore Creek...Beethoven
>Festival...Dakota Homecoming...Steamboat Days...Frozen River Film
>Festival...
>
> or did you specifically want a Tractor Pull, Linda?
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
> To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
> Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 3:57 PM
> Subject: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
>
>
>>  This isn't necessarily about talent but I think Winona often misses the
>> boat so to speak on getting more tourists.
>>  Look at all the people that just attended the biker build off in
>> LaCrosse.
>> I was told that was expected to generate $3M for the city.
>> The little city of Richland Center,WI has their country music fest; I
>> have
>> no idea what that event adds to their economy.
>>  Eau Claire has their country jam music event.
>> Winona needs a huge event to get tourists to town.  The highway passes
>> the
>> city and unless someone was coming for a purpose I don't know if they
>> would
>> even stop.
>>
>>
>> Linda Fort
>> Ridgeway
>>
>>
>>
>>> My personal opinion is that Winona is NOT lacking in talent.  We have
>>> access to some of the brightest people in the world through our
>>> Universities and Technical College. If not at the College itself, then
>>> through their contacts. We have had several groups go through Blandin
>>> Foundation Community Development training, just to name a few reasons we
>>> have talented people in the area.
>>>
>>> When one looks at the multiple businesses in this community that have a
>>> successful international presence we have to be in awe of the business
>>> accumen there is available.
>>>
>>> Where Winona has it's problems, again in my opinion, is pulling it all
>>> together.  There are two many folks "satisfied with the way it has
>>> always
>>> been".  There are a lot of "NIMBY" attitudes that keep us from going
>>> forward and looking forward to what is possible.
>>>
>>> Rochester, for example, says we have a problem or here is an idea and
>>> everyone asks "how can we make it work". Some one in Winona has an idea
>>> or
>>> sees a problem and immediately it is a negative response.  "It won't
>>> work
>>> here", "we don't need that", "what we have was good enough for my
>>> parents
>>> so it's good enough for my kids" are some of the typical responses.
>>>
>>> No Paul, we don't lack talent.  We lack strong enough leadership to move
>>> people forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  We aren't
>>> proactive,
>>> we react instead.
>>>
>>> Joliene Olson
>>>
>>>
>>> Joliene Olson
>>>
>>> Info about Joliene Olson:
>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7gGuqd5qt3yGTZRFH9QK43
>>>
>>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
>>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/SUO5O0WMcBT8yZShbPRpT
>>> -----------------------------------------
>>>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>>>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>>>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>>>
>>>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>>>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>>>
>>>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
>>> -----------------------------------------
>>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> Linda Fort
>> Winona
>> Info about Linda Fort: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>>
>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/56Gdn9mHXfvfdgH6m7sjAc
>> -----------------------------------------
>>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>>
>>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
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>>
>>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
>> -----------------------------------------
>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
>

From: Leslie Hittner Date: Jun 30 22:43 UTC Short link

Linda,

Whether or not it's "for you" the GRSF, the Beethoven Festival,
and the Frozen River Film Festival, among other things, do just
that. Those of us who have been there see the tourists. I think
our local hotel man sees them too. Look what's going up next to
the Holiday Inn.

Now perhaps we could add some things, such as biker activities
or Country Western musical events. That would be great. But
let's not ignore what has been happening. This town is getting
to become a really GREAT late winter and summer destination (and
we haven't even begun to capitalize on our great out-of-doors).


-Leslie Hittner


----- Original Message -----
From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 15:57
Subject: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


>   This isn't necessarily about talent but I think Winona often
misses the
> boat so to speak on getting more tourists.
>   Look at all the people that just attended the biker build
off in LaCrosse.
> I was told that was expected to generate $3M for the city.
>  The little city of Richland Center,WI has their country music
fest; I have
> no idea what that event adds to their economy.
>   Eau Claire has their country jam music event.
>  Winona needs a huge event to get tourists to town.  The
highway passes the
> city and unless someone was coming for a purpose I don't know
if they would
> even stop.
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Ridgeway
>
>
>
> > My personal opinion is that Winona is NOT lacking in talent.
We have
> > access to some of the brightest people in the world through
our
> > Universities and Technical College. If not at the College
itself, then
> > through their contacts. We have had several groups go
through Blandin
> > Foundation Community Development training, just to name a
few reasons we
> > have talented people in the area.
> >
> > When one looks at the multiple businesses in this community
that have a
> > successful international presence we have to be in awe of
the business
> > accumen there is available.
> >
> > Where Winona has it's problems, again in my opinion, is
pulling it all
> > together.  There are two many folks "satisfied with the way
it has always
> > been".  There are a lot of "NIMBY" attitudes that keep us
from going
> > forward and looking forward to what is possible.
> >
> > Rochester, for example, says we have a problem or here is an
idea and
> > everyone asks "how can we make it work". Some one in Winona
has an idea or
> > sees a problem and immediately it is a negative response.
"It won't work
> > here", "we don't need that", "what we have was good enough
for my parents
> > so it's good enough for my kids" are some of the typical
responses.
> >
> > No Paul, we don't lack talent.  We lack strong enough
leadership to move
> > people forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  We
aren't proactive,
> > we react instead.
> >
> > Joliene Olson
> >
> >
> > Joliene Olson
> >
> > Info about Joliene Olson:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7gGuqd5qt3yGTZRFH9QK43
> >
> > This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/SUO5O0WMcBT8yZShbPRpT
> > -----------------------------------------
> >  To post, send your message to:
<email obscured>
> >  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest
on,"
> >  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
> >
> >  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
> >  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
> >
> >  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> > -----------------------------------------
> > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net
> >
> >
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Winona
> Info about Linda Fort:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/56Gdn9mHXfvfdgH6m7sjAc
> -----------------------------------------
>   To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>   To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest
on,"
>   in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
>   More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>   http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>
>   E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> -----------------------------------------
> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net


----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------



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Checked by AVG.
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6/30/2008 8:43 AM

From: Leslie Hittner Date: Jul 13 12:23 UTC Short link

I did a bit of an informal survey this past week. On Wednesday
my wife and I attended the King Singers concert. On our left was
a couple from St. Paul. On our right was a couple from Arcadia.
Across the aisle from the six of us were two couples from
Rochester.

On Friday, we attended the Joshua Bell concert at Somsen
Auditorium at WSU. While standing in line to enter this sold-out
concert, I reflected that people were doing the very same thing
at the GRSF event in the WSU PAC only a block away. Where did
all these people come from? We sat on the aisle at the Joshua
Bell concert and I gather from their conversation that the
couple to our right were not from Winona.  We also had a friend
with us that night who lives in St. Paul. After the concert, we
got in line to obtain an autograph and visited with a couple and
their two children who were ahead of us. They were from Eau
Claire.

Saturday, was a marathon GRSF day for us. We attended The
Merchant of Venice in the afternoon and The Taming of the Shrew
in the evening. Our St. Paul friend was with us for both events.
Sitting to our left in both plays was a couple from Blaine
(north of Minneapolis). Both of these Shakespeare events played
to sold-out houses. I understand that a busload of people came
from Northfield and that they stayed the entire day, attending
both plays.

Between the plays, we sat on the WSU Greens and listened to a
free concert put on by local artist, Simone Perrin (She's great,
by the way.) The people immediately in front of the three of us
were from Milwaukee.

Oh, yes, before attending the plays, we spent over an hour at
the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. While there are a number of
"static" exhibits, there were also many different paintings than
when we were there last. It certainly was a "do again." Perhaps
more importantly, there were many people there while we were
there - I estimate at least 15-20 moved through while we were
there and others were coming is as we left. I overheard these
people as they purchased tickets. Many were from outside Winona
(mostly from the Metro). One couple noted that articles (perhaps
advertising) in a regional AAA magazine drew them to the museum.

Even the naming of these events (which I believe is very
important) places them on regional RADAR screens. The GREAT
RIVER Shakespeare Festival, the MINNESOTA Beethoven Festival,
the MINNESOTA Marine Art Museum, Theatre du MISSISSIPPI, and the
FROZEN RIVER Film Festival all speak to the Upper Midwest and
wider audiences in ways that the WINONA Steamboat Days
celebration never will. The METRO area learned this a long time
ago (the MINNESOTA Vikings, the MINNESOTA Orchestra, etc.) These
are all continuing events that will increase their ability to
draw people to Winona for a long time. Sooner or later local
businesses will learn how to capitalize from these events,
particularly as the larger festivals take on a year-long nature
(a goal of both the GRSF and the Beethoven festivals). The hotel
industry appears to be responding already.

In the past, I have been critical of Winona's ability to draw
tourists but I have to admit that, as far as the arts community
is concerned, Winona is now getting it right. In five short
years, Winona has become a "destination of choice" for people
looking for arts entertainment. While in-line for my brat and
corn-on-the-cob between the Shakespeare plays, I overheard two
couples from out of town visiting with each other. One person
said, "You could spend a week's vacation in Winona and still not
see it all."

You bet!

-Leslie Hittner



----- Original Message -----
From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
To: "Winona Online Democracy" <>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 16:36
Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


>
> I doubt a tractor pull would be popular in Winona, I will go
to the Houston
> Hoedown for that :-)
>  Do the events you mention bring in a large number of tourists
though?  If
> so, it is not mentioned in the local news.
>
> Linda Fort
>
>
>
> >I don't know...Great River Shakespeare...Gilmore
Creek...Beethoven
> >Festival...Dakota Homecoming...Steamboat Days...Frozen River
Film
> >Festival...
> >
> > or did you specifically want a Tractor Pull, Linda?
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
> > To: "Winona Online Democracy"
<winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
> > Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 3:57 PM
> > Subject: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
> >
> >
> >>  This isn't necessarily about talent but I think Winona
often misses the
> >> boat so to speak on getting more tourists.
> >>  Look at all the people that just attended the biker build
off in
> >> LaCrosse.
> >> I was told that was expected to generate $3M for the city.
> >> The little city of Richland Center,WI has their country
music fest; I
> >> have
> >> no idea what that event adds to their economy.
> >>  Eau Claire has their country jam music event.
> >> Winona needs a huge event to get tourists to town.  The
highway passes
> >> the
> >> city and unless someone was coming for a purpose I don't
know if they
> >> would
> >> even stop.
> >>
> >>
> >> Linda Fort
> >> Ridgeway
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> My personal opinion is that Winona is NOT lacking in
talent.  We have
> >>> access to some of the brightest people in the world
through our
> >>> Universities and Technical College. If not at the College
itself, then
> >>> through their contacts. We have had several groups go
through Blandin
> >>> Foundation Community Development training, just to name a
few reasons we
> >>> have talented people in the area.
> >>>
> >>> When one looks at the multiple businesses in this
community that have a
> >>> successful international presence we have to be in awe of
the business
> >>> accumen there is available.
> >>>
> >>> Where Winona has it's problems, again in my opinion, is
pulling it all
> >>> together.  There are two many folks "satisfied with the
way it has
> >>> always
> >>> been".  There are a lot of "NIMBY" attitudes that keep us
from going
> >>> forward and looking forward to what is possible.
> >>>
> >>> Rochester, for example, says we have a problem or here is
an idea and
> >>> everyone asks "how can we make it work". Some one in
Winona has an idea
> >>> or
> >>> sees a problem and immediately it is a negative response.
"It won't
> >>> work
> >>> here", "we don't need that", "what we have was good enough
for my
> >>> parents
> >>> so it's good enough for my kids" are some of the typical
responses.
> >>>
> >>> No Paul, we don't lack talent.  We lack strong enough
leadership to move
> >>> people forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  We
aren't
> >>> proactive,
> >>> we react instead.
> >>>
> >>> Joliene Olson
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Joliene Olson
> >>>
> >>> Info about Joliene Olson:
> >>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7gGuqd5qt3yGTZRFH9QK43
> >>>
> >>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> >>>
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/SUO5O0WMcBT8yZShbPRpT
> >>> -----------------------------------------
> >>>  To post, send your message to:
<email obscured>
> >>>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or
"digest on,"
> >>>  in subject line and send to:
<email obscured>
> >>>
> >>>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
> >>>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
> >>>
> >>>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> >>> -----------------------------------------
> >>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >> Linda Fort
> >> Winona
> >> Info about Linda Fort:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
> >>
> >> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> >>
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/56Gdn9mHXfvfdgH6m7sjAc
> >> -----------------------------------------
> >>  To post, send your message to:
<email obscured>
> >>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or
"digest on,"
> >>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
> >>
> >>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
> >>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
> >>
> >>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> >> -----------------------------------------
> >> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net
> >
> >
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Winona
> Info about Linda Fort:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/6qIefkeNf0J9cG3aalVCX5
> -----------------------------------------
>   To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>   To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest
on,"
>   in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
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> -----------------------------------------
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----------------



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From: John Slade Date: Jul 16 05:11 UTC Short link

Hi, and yes!

This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is right next to the old
Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two of the Great River
Shakespeare plays every year.

I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up with more expensive
gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special fare/hotel/ticket packages would
work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns have.

Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show up for me a class and
culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw it with the FFA kids -
rural kids and city kids, and working class families and educated middle class
families. Country music vs classical music.

I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on the college stuff
doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't into that kind of culture.
Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!

From: Linda Fort Date: Jul 16 12:14 UTC Short link

This is the point I was trying to get across but was somehow misunderstood.
Thank you for your comments.
 Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events for the "average"
middle class person who enjoys country type music and events.
 Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and their huge
Country Fest.
 Those of us who like the country type events go to other towns to spend our
money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of poll (Jerome do
one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of music the majority
of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.

Linda Fort
Ridgeway

From: Monta May Date: Jul 16 15:13 UTC Short link

Exactly Linda!
We need a diverse fare, reasonable rates (so families can afford to attend)
and excellent marketing of the events. And lots of local support.
And local businesses need to have a reason to buy into the process.
Monta

From: Leslie Hittner Date: Jul 16 20:10 UTC Short link

This started out by a question from Linda as to whether or not
Winona was encouraging tourists to come to our fair city. It's
beginning to feel like we are now talking about what our own
personal interests might be.

Yes, there is a major country music type event as close to
Winona as Richland Center, but I would suspect that doing "the
same thing" would result in one or more of the following
scenarios:

  1. Only locals would attend our new yet-not-established event,
which would make it short-lived. It takes more than local
participation to keep a major event going. Remember, such major
events are never put on for the locals. They are created to draw
tourists to the area.

   2. If ours is successful, other similar nearby events might
be unfavorably impacted. Eventually one or more might fail
because the customer base is being split to widely.

  3. The pool of available artists - pop-culture events depend
upon the availability of several name-brand artists - doesn't
grow when a new event comes into being. It may be difficult to
schedule popular bands. Pop culture artists have schedules that
are far more difficult to accommodate than do those whose
artistic nitch is just outside the mainstream culture. This too
can lead to the failure of an event.

 Major Shakespeare festivals aren't in just any town. They are
pretty widely dispersed. Winona can safely draw people from
Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Des Moines without
impacting the business of any other similar festival. That's
important when you want to draw tourists to the community.

With respect to the Beethoven Festival, the closest summer
classical music festival that I know of is the Aspen Festival.
That's a long ways from here. Again, we have a market that
includes the above-named cities and we don't have significant
competition.

It's not just what WE like. It's what we as a community can sell
to the REGION. .

Now, let's look at country music. I personally am not a fan of
Country Music. Nevertheless it is very popular and a big seller.
So big, in fact, that most county fairs probably feature country
music performers, as does the Minnesota State Fair. So popular,
that country music is available in many night spots in Winona
and in big metro areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul.

How many major Country Music Festivals, like is apparently being
held in Richland Center, can the region profitably support? I
think the market yields the answers to these questions. When
another Country Music Festival can be supported (based upon
facts such as over-crowding at existing festivals, etc.), I
believe someone will step in and make it happen.

The same can be said of other pop culture entertainment
categories, such as rock. The secret to bringing tourists to
Winona is that what we are doing is not just another version of
what is happening just across the river at the La Crosse Center.

Notice - I am not talking about what you and I might WANT.
Rather, I am talking about what you and I can SELL - that's what
the tourist business is all about. What we are selling right now
is bringing people to Winona like nothing we have sold before.
Perhaps it's because we are the only player in a 6 or 7 state
area. That's important in the tourist industry.

What is perhaps more important for Winonans right now is that we
as a community learn how to PROFIT from the major events that we
currently have. For instance, Jeffersons - a popular downtown
eating spot - does not currently have anything on its menu that
was created or named to fit the Shakespeare theme. If I owned
Jeffersons, I would be advertising in the GRSF programs and I
would feature some sort of "special" menu item that connected
with Shakespeare. Mugby Junction does that. They have a special
Shakespeare brew.

We now have one fine dining eatery - Signatures. Eventually,
once these festivals begin to take on a year-around presence, we
will likely have one or more eateries like Signatures right in
downtown Winona. Moreover, family restaurants like Timbers and
Jeffersons can also thrive on festival business - especially if
they learn to market to those events.

If only one half of 1% of the people in any one of the above
communities likes Shakespeare or classical music festivals and
we are the only show in town, that represents one heck of a lot
of people. The rest can go to the many pop-culture music
festivals sprinkled throught the country.

So, should we talk about drawing tourists to Winona, or should
we have a conversation about what WE want to do?

-Leslie Hittner



----- Original Message -----
From: "Monta May" <montamay@gmail.com>
To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:13
Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


> Exactly Linda!
> We need a diverse fare, reasonable rates (so families can
afford to attend)
> and excellent marketing of the events. And lots of local
support.
> And local businesses need to have a reason to buy into the
process.
> Monta
>
> On Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 7:14 AM, LindaF
<lbfort@ridge-runner.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >  This is the point I was trying to get across but was
somehow
> > misunderstood.
> > Thank you for your comments.
> >  Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events
for the
> > "average"
> > middle class person who enjoys country type music and
events.
> >  Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and
their huge
> > Country Fest.
> >  Those of us who like the country type events go to other
towns to spend
> > our
> > money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of
poll (Jerome
> > do
> > one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of
music the majority
> > of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.
> >
> > Linda Fort
> > Ridgeway
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi, and yes!
> > >
> > > This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is
right next to the
> > > old Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two
of the Great
> > > River Shakespeare plays every year.
> > >
> > > I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up
with more
> > > expensive gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special
fare/hotel/ticket
> > > packages would work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns
have.
> > >
> > > Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show
up for me a
> > class
> > > and culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw
it with the FFA
> > > kids - rural kids and city kids, and working class
families and educated
> > > middle class families. Country music vs classical music.
> > >
> > > I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on
the college
> > > stuff doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't
into that kind
> > > of culture. Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!
> > >
> > >
> > > John Slade
> > > Dayton's Bluff, Saint Paul
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Monta May
> http://www.854w5th.com
> http://montagael.blogspot.com/
> http://winonadailyfoto.blogspot.com
>
> Monta May
> W2P2, Winona
> Info about Monta May:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/42pevyF5FjRBJ3LniDKAIg
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/7DVzyvEExE9L4VkomsnHFQ
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> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
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Date: 7/16/2008 6:43 AM
>
>
>

From: Jerome Christenson Date: Jul 18 20:52 UTC Short link

Ok, I ran a poll yesterday -- Thursday, July 17.
Here are the totally, absolutely unscientific, unreliable self-selected,
non-random, non-representative results (420 respondents) :

Question: What type of music do you usually listen to on the radio:
Answer          Total votes      Percent
Top 40                    45     11
Easy listening            43     10
Country western          105     25
Classical                 19      5
Oldies                   109     26
Jazz                      10      2
Alternative rock          48     11
I don't listen
to music on the radio     41     10


It looks like we'd best cater to old cowboys ... YEE HAH!



Jerome Christenson
Online Editor
Winona Daily News
601 Franklin St.
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-3522
www.winonadailynews.com


-----Original Message-----
From: LindaF [mailto:lbfort@ridge-runner.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:15 AM
To: Winona Online Democracy
Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


 This is the point I was trying to get across but was somehow
misunderstood.
Thank you for your comments.
 Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events for the
"average"
middle class person who enjoys country type music and events.
 Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and their huge
Country Fest.
 Those of us who like the country type events go to other towns to spend
our
money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of poll
(Jerome do
one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of music the
majority
of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.

Linda Fort
Ridgeway



> Hi, and yes!
>
> This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is right next to
the
> old Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two of the Great

> River Shakespeare plays every year.
>
> I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up with more
> expensive gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special
fare/hotel/ticket
> packages would work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns have.
>
> Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show up for me a
class
> and culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw it with the
FFA
> kids - rural kids and city kids, and working class families and
educated
> middle class families. Country music vs classical music.
>
> I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on the college
> stuff doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't into that
kind
> of culture. Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!
>
>
> John Slade
> Dayton's Bluff, Saint Paul
>

Linda Fort
Winona
Info about Linda Fort: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort

This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/14dVRRPp4viS9qtOhqEwUX
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From: Linda Fort Date: Jul 18 23:51 UTC Short link

Thank you Jerome.
 I am glad the GRSF is successful in drawing tourists.  But I still say that
Winona is missing a vast tourist possibilty by not having what the "average"
person finds entertaining.

Linda Fort


> Ok, I ran a poll yesterday -- Thursday, July 17.
> Here are the totally, absolutely unscientific, unreliable self-selected,
> non-random, non-representative results (420 respondents) :
>
> Question: What type of music do you usually listen to on the radio:
> Answer          Total votes      Percent
> Top 40                    45     11
> Easy listening            43     10
> Country western          105     25
> Classical                 19      5
> Oldies                   109     26
> Jazz                      10      2
> Alternative rock          48     11
> I don't listen
> to music on the radio     41     10
>
>
> It looks like we'd best cater to old cowboys ... YEE HAH!
>
>
>
> Jerome Christenson
> Online Editor
> Winona Daily News
> 601 Franklin St.
> Winona, MN 55987
> (507) 453-3522
> www.winonadailynews.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: LindaF [mailto:lbfort@ridge-runner.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:15 AM
> To: Winona Online Democracy
> Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
>
>
> This is the point I was trying to get across but was somehow
> misunderstood.
> Thank you for your comments.
> Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events for the
> "average"
> middle class person who enjoys country type music and events.
> Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and their huge
> Country Fest.
> Those of us who like the country type events go to other towns to spend
> our
> money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of poll
> (Jerome do
> one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of music the
> majority
> of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.
>
> Linda Fort
> Ridgeway
>
>
>
>> Hi, and yes!
>>
>> This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is right next to
> the
>> old Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two of the Great
>
>> River Shakespeare plays every year.
>>
>> I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up with more
>> expensive gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special
> fare/hotel/ticket
>> packages would work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns have.
>>
>> Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show up for me a
> class
>> and culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw it with the
> FFA
>> kids - rural kids and city kids, and working class families and
> educated
>> middle class families. Country music vs classical music.
>>
>> I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on the college
>> stuff doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't into that
> kind
>> of culture. Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!
>>
>>
>> John Slade
>> Dayton's Bluff, Saint Paul
>>
>
> Linda Fort
> Winona
> Info about Linda Fort: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/14dVRRPp4viS9qtOhqEwUX
> -----------------------------------------
>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
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>
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>
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> -----------------------------------------
> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> Jerome Christenson
>
> Info about Jerome Christenson:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/jeromechristenson
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3ctmCeRefBMentYU7mEcsF
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>

From: Leslie Hittner Date: Jul 19 02:49 UTC Short link

Yes Linda, we are. But I venture to say that competing for the
"average" person's dollar is more risky. There is simply a lot
more competition for those dollars. Frankly, if it were that
sure a bet, someone would already be doing it.

Winona is well-placed between large metropolitan areas to
capitalize on the interests of "non-average" people. Moreover,
we have quite a few "non-average" people ourselves. That's our
strong suit and I'm glad we are finally playing it.

I urge all "average" people to take advantage of the last days
of this year's GRSF. Go to Taming of the Shrew. It's not
"average" entertainment. It's way above average - even for
"average" people.

-Leslie Hittner

----- Original Message -----
From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 18:51
Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?


> Thank you Jerome.
>  I am glad the GRSF is successful in drawing tourists.  But I
still say that
> Winona is missing a vast tourist possibilty by not having what
the "average"
> person finds entertaining.
>
> Linda Fort
>
>
> > Ok, I ran a poll yesterday -- Thursday, July 17.
> > Here are the totally, absolutely unscientific, unreliable
self-selected,
> > non-random, non-representative results (420 respondents) :
> >
> > Question: What type of music do you usually listen to on the
radio:
> > Answer          Total votes      Percent
> > Top 40                    45     11
> > Easy listening            43     10
> > Country western          105     25
> > Classical                 19      5
> > Oldies                   109     26
> > Jazz                      10      2
> > Alternative rock          48     11
> > I don't listen
> > to music on the radio     41     10
> >
> >
> > It looks like we'd best cater to old cowboys ... YEE HAH!
> >
> >
> >
> > Jerome Christenson
> > Online Editor
> > Winona Daily News
> > 601 Franklin St.
> > Winona, MN 55987
> > (507) 453-3522
> > www.winonadailynews.com
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: LindaF [mailto:lbfort@ridge-runner.com]
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:15 AM
> > To: Winona Online Democracy
> > Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
> >
> >
> > This is the point I was trying to get across but was somehow
> > misunderstood.
> > Thank you for your comments.
> > Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events
for the
> > "average"
> > middle class person who enjoys country type music and
events.
> > Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and
their huge
> > Country Fest.
> > Those of us who like the country type events go to other
towns to spend
> > our
> > money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of
poll
> > (Jerome do
> > one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of
music the
> > majority
> > of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.
> >
> > Linda Fort
> > Ridgeway
> >
> >
> >
> >> Hi, and yes!
> >>
> >> This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is right
next to
> > the
> >> old Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two
of the Great
> >
> >> River Shakespeare plays every year.
> >>
> >> I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up
with more
> >> expensive gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special
> > fare/hotel/ticket
> >> packages would work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns
have.
> >>
> >> Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show up
for me a
> > class
> >> and culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw it
with the
> > FFA
> >> kids - rural kids and city kids, and working class families
and
> > educated
> >> middle class families. Country music vs classical music.
> >>
> >> I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on
the college
> >> stuff doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't
into that
> > kind
> >> of culture. Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!
> >>
> >>
> >> John Slade
> >> Dayton's Bluff, Saint Paul
> >>
> >
> > Linda Fort
> > Winona
> > Info about Linda Fort:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
> >
> > This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/14dVRRPp4viS9qtOhqEwUX
> > -----------------------------------------
> >  To post, send your message to:
<email obscured>
> >  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest
on,"
> >  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
> >
> >  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
> >  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
> >
> >  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> > -----------------------------------------
> > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net
> >
> > Jerome Christenson
> >
> > Info about Jerome Christenson:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/jeromechristenson
> >
> > This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3ctmCeRefBMentYU7mEcsF
> > -----------------------------------------
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on,"
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> >
> >  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> > -----------------------------------------
> > Technical assistance thanks to our friends at
http://OnlineGroups.Net
> >
>
>
> Linda Fort
> Winona
> Info about Linda Fort:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
>
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http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/vCFHLStjcl03E3j6NI4Nh
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> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.1/1560 - Release
Date: 7/18/2008 6:47 AM
>
>
>

From: Terri Hyle Date: Jul 19 15:41 UTC Short link

A couple of observations:


Linda may or may not be correct that adding a country music venue would draw
tourists to Winona.  She is probably correct that it would provide more
entertainment to residents of Winona.  Whether or not such a venue would be
considered to be inexpensive enough to bring a family is a different matter.  I
don't go to many concerts or plays or performances of any type, mostly because
of the travel expenses (including time) involved.  I grew up in a very small
town and as an adult, I lived in two major metropolitan areas before moving to
Winona.  I feel I need to say that performance prices ---for any type of
performance--are much less expensive here in Winona than for any other place I
lived, with the exception of my student days at Indiana University which hosted
many, many different entertainment opportunities.  Factor in inflation, and
Winona is still a lot cheaper.  How did I afford it as a poor student?  Well,
my living expenses were paid by academic scholarship and I was very, very, very
selective about what I attended---$10-15 was a pretty major expense for me.
Few places offer what Indiana University and Bloomingto

I would also like to dispel the myth that plays, including Shakespeare, and
(non-country)musical peformances, including those of the Minnesota Orchestra,
are not aimed at the rich and educated, but rather at everybody.  And the
Minnesota Orchestra performance at Lake Park, which draws huge crowds of
everybody from old folks to college kids, to families with small children--is
FREE.  Can't get any cheaper than that.  And being so family friendly (and
definitely not hi-brow:  I am a musical illiterate, but I recognized --and
loved every single piece of music played at last year's performance (wasn't
able to attend this year's).)  Being so familiy friendly--people brought their
kids from school aged toddlers to tiny babies--and even teens attended!
childcare is not an expense.  And what more beautiful venue than to be
surrounded by these bluffs and your fellow citizens.

Along those same lines, years back, the local youth soccer league held a
tournament that roughly coincided with Steamboat days.  Families who traveled
from the cities region (mostly but not entirely) loved coming to Winona and
sampling what our small city has to offer--and what we in Winona often take for
granted:  the fair downtown, Zesto and the Lake Park Drive Inn, Lake Park!
Prairie Island!  local hiking and small town dining.
Why?  Because Winona does have a lot of nice things to do, even if most of them
are fairly low key and even, for us, mundane.   A big part of the charm was
that it was all family friendly and inexpensive.  I think that many of us
forget that a big part of the charm of going to a new place for any sort of
vacation is ----going to a new (or different) place.

Finally, I would like to suggest that if people feel that Winona could offer a
country music festival and draw tourists (and their dollars) into Winona, that
perhaps those who are passionate about such a cause should organize it.

Terri Hyle





----------------------------------------
> From: <email obscured>
> To: <email obscured>
> Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
> Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:49:53 -0500
>
> Yes Linda, we are. But I venture to say that competing for the
> "average" person's dollar is more risky. There is simply a lot
> more competition for those dollars. Frankly, if it were that
> sure a bet, someone would already be doing it.
>
> Winona is well-placed between large metropolitan areas to
> capitalize on the interests of "non-average" people. Moreover,
> we have quite a few "non-average" people ourselves. That's our
> strong suit and I'm glad we are finally playing it.
>
> I urge all "average" people to take advantage of the last days
> of this year's GRSF. Go to Taming of the Shrew. It's not
> "average" entertainment. It's way above average - even for
> "average" people.
>
> -Leslie Hittner
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LindaF" <lbfort@ridge-runner.com>
> To: "Winona Online Democracy" <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
> Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 18:51
> Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
>
>
> > Thank you Jerome.
> >  I am glad the GRSF is successful in drawing tourists.  But I
> still say that
> > Winona is missing a vast tourist possibilty by not having what
> the "average"
> > person finds entertaining.
> >
> > Linda Fort
> >
> >
> > > Ok, I ran a poll yesterday -- Thursday, July 17.
> > > Here are the totally, absolutely unscientific, unreliable
> self-selected,
> > > non-random, non-representative results (420 respondents) :
> > >
> > > Question: What type of music do you usually listen to on the
> radio:
> > > Answer          Total votes      Percent
> > > Top 40                    45     11
> > > Easy listening            43     10
> > > Country western          105     25
> > > Classical                 19      5
> > > Oldies                   109     26
> > > Jazz                      10      2
> > > Alternative rock          48     11
> > > I don't listen
> > > to music on the radio     41     10
> > >
> > >
> > > It looks like we'd best cater to old cowboys ... YEE HAH!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Jerome Christenson
> > > Online Editor
> > > Winona Daily News
> > > 601 Franklin St.
> > > Winona, MN 55987
> > > (507) 453-3522
> > > www.winonadailynews.com
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: LindaF [mailto:lbfort@ridge-runner.com]
> > > Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:15 AM
> > > To: Winona Online Democracy
> > > Subject: Re: [Winona] Does Winona Lack Tourists?
> > >
> > >
> > > This is the point I was trying to get across but was somehow
> > > misunderstood.
> > > Thank you for your comments.
> > > Whether Winona realizes it or not they do not have events
> for the
> > > "average"
> > > middle class person who enjoys country type music and
> events.
> > > Again I am going to mention little Richland Center WI and
> their huge
> > > Country Fest.
> > > Those of us who like the country type events go to other
> towns to spend
> > > our
> > > money.  And I am not alone; too bad we can't do some sort of
> poll
> > > (Jerome do
> > > one of your online Daily News polls) to see what type of
> music the
> > > majority
> > > of Winona citizens listens to on the radio.
> > >
> > > Linda Fort
> > > Ridgeway
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >> Hi, and yes!
> > >>
> > >> This is John Slade - I live in Saint Paul now, Mom is right
> next to
> > > the
> > >> old Maxwell Library, and we go to at least one if not two
> of the Great
> > >
> > >> River Shakespeare plays every year.
> > >>
> > >> I really wonder if Winona will be able to keep it all up
> with more
> > >> expensive gas. Probably working with Amtrak for special
> > > fare/hotel/ticket
> > >> packages would work. The Amtrak is an asset not all towns
> have.
> > >>
> > >> Anyway - the original poster and subsequent posters show up
> for me a
> > > class
> > >> and culture difference. On the bus route into WSHS I saw it
> with the
> > > FFA
> > >> kids - rural kids and city kids, and working class families
> and
> > > educated
> > >> middle class families. Country music vs classical music.
> > >>
> > >> I think both are great. I think that focusing too much on
> the college
> > >> stuff doesn't play well for Winonans and others who aren't
> into that
> > > kind
> > >> of culture. Even if that's the kind of stuff I like!
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> John Slade
> > >> Dayton's Bluff, Saint Paul
> > >>
> > >
> > > Linda Fort
> > > Winona
> > > Info about Linda Fort:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
> > >
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> > > Jerome Christenson
> > >
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> > >
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> > Linda Fort
> > Winona
> > Info about Linda Fort:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lindafort
> >
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> >
>
>
> Les Hittner
>
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From: John Slade Date: Jul 21 03:40 UTC Short link

My aunt and uncle came from the Cities to see Beethoven - my cousin is dating
one of the bigger performers. So that's some more tourism.

Anyway - I like this discussion; but there's still some unclearness about what
'normal' or 'average' people want. Or maybe who they are.

My mom said that the Shakespeare really did a lot of outreach to people, and
free concerts are really important. I think they want to have a positive impact
on the town, and with a two-college (formerly three) town, you got a good bit
of 'Shakespeare customer base.' (Hey - I got two Shakespeare plays in school-
one at WJHS and one at WSHS!) So if you can get the core of your audience from
those folks, you can bring in others. A buzz gets going.

But the college folks have to NOT act like snobs. Social class discrimination
happens in the US all the time, and when Terri was saying 'hi brow' she was
recognizing that.

And on the other hand, people who like country music could try out the
Shakespeare, and the other stuff.

I think there's a good middle ground. I think people are tired of fighting
NASCAR vs. Ballet battles. But getting something that would draw well from the
rural part of the area is good too. And Great River Shakespeare should consider
adding more cheap seats - you might need ticket prices to keep the door open
but you have to be accessable as well.

From: Scott Lowery Date: Jul 23 19:29 UTC Short link

Hi,
It's good to see Winona Online risin again from the digital silence. I just
have a small chime-in to contribute to the tourism thread of conversation.

This summer I have been teaching 9th grade English at the Winona ALC, and
Shakespeare is one component of the curriculum, so I decided to include the
Taming of the Shrew. My students were almost entirely kids who dislike the
subject matter, hence their need to make up the credit, and most were vocally
opposed to doing Shakespeare at all. Nevertheless, we read a "graphic novel"
version of the play, were visited by two veteran members of the troupe, and did
several daily writing assignments related to the play. I offered them a
generous amount of extra credit to attend, under the auspices of GRSF's "Chill
with Will" educational outreach program, which includes $10 tickets and a
behind-the-scenes tour. We were also able to offer financial assistance to
those for whom even the $10 ticket was a barrier. Over half the class attended,
and all but one or two genuinely loved it. They laughed, they whispered about
the characters, and they were quickly on their feet and applauding loudly at
the end.

I have three points here. One is giving kudos to GRSF for outreach efforts and
for developing an artistic vision that includes accessibility for "average",
non-Shakespearophile folks. Secondly, if these kids can get into the GRSF
productions, just about anybody else can too, and they might be surprised by
what an enjoyable experience it is. Thirdly, I agree with an earlier comment
that GRSF might want to explore some cheaper ticket pricing options as an entry
level for somewhat skeptical first-time customers.
Scott Lowery

From: Steve Kranz Date: Jul 24 21:10 UTC Short link

There's an interesting related article in the Daily News about the development
of Arts events/tourism in Winona.

Winona takes center stage, emerging as destination for arts and culture
By Käri Knutson / Winona Daily News

http://www.winonadailynews.com/articles/2008/07/24/business/00lead.txt

Steve Kranz,
List Manager

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