You know, it takes people caring. More so, it takes communities caring. And even more so, local governments need to care.
It is about the people. It has always been about the people. That is who we are. We get together, socialize, we learn to get along with each other with respect. However there are barriers when we try to organize social events, and that is called local government.
This blog happens to be about this event, however it applies to every community that I have gone to participate in events. I will state I do not care for the commercialization of events to make money for local government. I do not care for attractions in disguise that are used to make money for local government. I am for the events that support the community, the ma and pa's out there that just want to make a little extra money, the events that promote all inclusive socialization that makes everyone happy and waiting / wanting the next event to come.
There are many barriers local government puts up. Yes, their intentions are to protect the people, yet to what extent? Things need to take place. First, the person in charge of the event must be trustworthy, and of most important TRUSTED to run the event. That means to select the appropriate days, times, vendors activities, and whatever else is necessary. If the person in charge can remove some of the burden, then there needs to be a give and take. This means waive the fees for vendors to participate (local government to absorb the paperwork cost). If everyone agreed up front the scenario, and you have a person you trust to execute it, then let it just happen. Yes, there still needs to be a check and balance for accountability. You cannot go carte blanche. Vendors still need to be registered and held accountable for what they do. (Again, local government should absorb that cost. If the cost is too high, simplify the process.) Public safety should always be a concern. To what degree we choose to hold them accountable can be a graded approach. It all depends on the event, time, circumstances, location, and much more.
The thought process to want and hold an event is simple and so should be the solution. Local government needs to partner with the community and socialize, and to participate and enjoy what we the public want to enjoy. Support the arts, support local, support the ma and pa, support what makes us proud of ourselves. Remove barriers through elimination, simplification, or assistance.
This does not get the public off the hook either. We need to participate as well. Attend, voice your opinion (even add comment to this blog), improve who we are.
This was not a rant. This is my observation of all communities. Hammond just and this event happens to be this blog, and yes Hammond needs to be a true partner with the Monday Blues Cruise nights and the 2nd Friday Farmers Market / Art Alley / Celebration (and events of local business). These are wonderful events that serve the community and that will grow / bring together the community. This is something that has virtually disappeared and is much needed now.
Here are some photographs of this weeks Monday Blues Cruise, starting with some wonderful blues at Paul Henry's Art Gallery with our extremely talented friend Mike Owens.
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