Bravo! Chingawassa
When several inches of rain fell Thursday and Friday, naysayers said "This will be the end of Chingawassa," and went back to watching TV. It's a good thing they weren't in charge.
What do you do when it rains and rains and rains a few hours before a couple thousand people are expected to show up for a weekend-long event in an outdoor setting?
Members of the steering committee rolled up their sleeves (and pant legs) and got to work on an alternative plan.
There's no question — Chingawassa Days 2005 was a success. And there's no question — it was wet, hot, and loud. But it was memorable — and it sure was fun!
The committee deserves a huge pat on the back for calmly (at least from an outsider's perspective) shifting gears and going with Plan B
Lee Leiker and everyone at Marion-Florence USD 408 also deserves a pat on the back for opening the school and cooperating with the steering committee to make sure events went as smoothly as possible.
In fact, anyone who had anything to do with making Chingawassa Days "work" deserves a pat on the back. That includes city workers, hospital employees, sponsors, contributors, and participants.
Anyone who attended all or part of the festivities had a great time. There wasn't a single event that didn't draw a crowd. There wasn't a single performance that wasn't up to Chingawassa standards.
Those who attended the Friday and Saturday night events at the MHS gym were the true die-hard Chingawassa fans. They are the same people who probably would have shown up for Chingawassa in a snowstorm, hurricane, or drought. They deserve a pat on the back as well.
The weekend was an eye-opening experience for everyone. The naysayers were proven wrong — Chingawassa will carry on. Marionites can cooperate and work together in the face of adversity. And last but not least, Marion is a great place to live!
Those who let a little rain keep them from attending all or part of the festivities — well, it's their loss. They missed out on a great weekend.
Thanks. We had a great time!
— DONNA BERNHARDT
