Chingawassa was a winner
From the weather to the festival's attractions, Chingawassa Days in Marion was an unqualified success.
Part of what makes this festival outstanding is the volunteer spirit of those who do the work. This is no organization sponsored by a club or government body. The Chingawassa steering committee is made up of volunteers from across the community. They don't represent an organization, club, or group. To become a member of the committee requires effort and a great deal of hard work. There's no other way. This newspaper is proud to have two staff members of the steering committee: Donna Bernhardt and Matt Newhouse.
Without going into a litany of this past week's festival, consider that the price of a button was more than recovered by watching the afternoon performance of the Chinese acrobats. They were awesome. People pay $25 or more to see such performances. Your Ol' Editor saw acrobats in Shanghai that were no better than the troupe which came to Central Park.
Or, consider that the price of a button was more than paid for by those who enjoyed a barbecue meal, the ice cream social, or watermelon feed.
All those, plus nearly countless other acts and booths were provided without funds being used to underwrite the expense of the evening band, 38 Special.
Folks who have complained that they didn't want their money going toward a rock band have nothing to fear. Just buy a lower priced button. The more expensive square buttons pay for the rock band. Proceeds from the square buttons paid the price of bringing a first-name band to Marion. It also brought people from across Kansas.
Chingawassa Days is a success because it is spontaneous. It's not contrived. It's a fresh approach to entertainment. Other cnot easy. It requires hours and months of hard work.
The festival is a well organized series of events which come about through the efforts of a dedicated few and the appreciation of many.
— BILL MEYER
