LETTERS: Chingawassa
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Chingawassa Days Steering Committee, I wish to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this year's festival.
A special "thank you" goes: to all of the businesses and individuals who contributed money, equipment and time; to the City of Marion and the City crews (thanks for your support and labor); to the many, many volunteers who worked the gates, the games, and showed up before and after to help. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of you!
Others who deserve recognition are Jim Novak and Kim Walker, Court Services Officers for Marion County. Jim has been helping with the festival for the past four years and Kim joined us this year for the first time. Under their supervision, court-ordered community service workers contribute many hours to the festival by assisting with park set-up, cleaning during the weekend, and park tear-down. Jim and Kim, thank you for all of your work.
The economic impact of Chingawassa Days, on the Marion business community, is quite significant. The Chingawassa Days Committee itself spends 90%+ locally — food for the bands, shirts, publicity, fuel, hardware and lumber supplies, etc., etc. (The other 10% is spent on items that can't be purchased locally.)
In addition, those attending the festival contribute to the economy — motel rooms, gas, food, retail shopping, etc., etc. This year, there was a larger number of people who traveled to Marion from longer distances and stayed locally. The most significant traveler was from County Durham, England. They had contacted the Marion website seeking information about Marion and Chingawassa Days. This young couple with two pre-teen boys, planned their mid-west visit around Chingawassa Days — arriving on Thursday, staying at the Country Inn Motel, and departing Marion on Sunday.
Marion's retail and service businesses should have significantly profited from the support of the residents and visitors.
The other impact, that is much more difficult to measure and determine, is the future impact visitors have on the Marion economy. Some of these visitors may consider relocating to Marion for various reasons — small town atmosphere, more individualized education for school-aged children, safe environment, opportunities for retirement-aged individuals, business opportunities, and having great activities for themselves and their families to enjoy and participate.
Chingawassa Days is more than a distraction for a weekend — it's a sense of community, pride and a healthy shot for the local economy.
Susan Cooper
Committee Chairman 2002
Donna Bernhardt, Jeff Cady, Chris Costello, Dave Crofoot, Dave Hett, Sharon Kelsey, Matt Newhouse, Mike Powers, Bruce Skiles, and Margo Yates
