I was so surprised that the 25th year of this festival was BEARLY noticed in the ENTERPRISE. What a let down for Wytheville and the sponcers of the event. 
Usally there is a BIg section in the ENTERPRISE on the CHAUTAUQUA FESTIVAL. I could not believe this years (THE 25th) being only 2 pages in the back of a pull out booklet of all festivals in the area. I’ll admit I don’t have 20/20 eyesite, but I JUST COULDN"T READ IT. 
Where were all the pictures of the preformers that are usally in the paper and the pictures of the businesses and sponsers of the festival.  It was always helpful to see the pictures of who was going to be there at different times.  You don’t always reconize a name but maybe a face from the pictures.
The only name I was familar with was—-Little Texas—- They were the first night and then it was over. I’m not putting down any of the other preformers—I may have enjoyed them but it would have been nice to have MORE PROMOTIONAL PICTURES AND ADVERTISING for the events.
So far I have not made it to the Festival and it may not happen tonight. Maybe next year things will be different and BETTER.

I agree with this!! Another big disappointment for me and my family….NO FIREWORKS! What’s up?!?!  I always thought it was neat we got to see fireworks twice a year here…... my family, friends and I are all truly disappointed!  Hopefully next year will be better!

I think it was on WYVE that they are having the fireworks after the concert in the park on Friday night. Lets hope Wytheville does something for the July 4th Holiday..

The daily events were broadcast several times an hour on Z103.5 and Rock 102.5 all during the festival, sponsored by Applebee’s. I personally tried to work with the Chautauqua Committee to get more media coverage for the festival, but was totally shot down by the committee leaders, and was told that the festival was not going to get any media coverage because they wanted it to remain small so the town would not be swamped with people from other areas, and be kept for only Wytheville residents.

I bent over backwards to try to work with the committee to make the event as accessible as possible to the public, but was shot down and embarrassed in front of my employers. It is one of the contributing factors to my leaving those stations and moving to another company. I am sorry that I ever attempted to work with those in charge now, I wish it was run the way it used to be, when we had big names, like Lorrie Morgan, Dr. Hook, Etc. I found that local businesses were not responsive to working with the present committee, in fact many were completely hostile to the idea of even being associated with the festival at all….apparently present attitudes have affected their feelings about donations an participating in the affair.

If you look at the website for the festival, you will see that there were very few sponsors for this year. Maybe a change in management is needed if the festival is to survive.

Beth, I see many sponsors on that site from local/national major corporations to individuals.  Little Texas is no small time act
And, again, Lorrie Morgan was here last year.

I’m thinking there may be some “sour grapes” on your part for not selling Wythe Arts Council any ads.

LOL, ‘Little Texas” is a very inexpensive act to book. The corporations that were sponsors gave very little money to support the festival. There are certainly no hard feelings on my part, I was simply stating that as a member of the media, I experienced what many others in the media had happen to them…they were shut out by the Chautauqua committee, even though we offerred our services for free.

I have no worries whatsoever about the festival, I wash my hands of it, as have many of the businesses and original founders.

Oh, and Lorrie Morgan was last year, but it was a HUGE mess, ask anyone who was involved with it who will be honest.
Beth

LORRIE MORGAN IS THE LAST PERSON TO WASTE TIME OR MONEY ON—I WAS BURNT OUT WITH HER WHE SHE WAS TO PUT ON A “FREE SHOW” AT SHELOR IN CHRISTIANSBURG A WHILE BACK.  SHE SHOWED UP OVER HOUR LATE AND THEN THEY MADE EVERYONE UP FRONT __ WHERE WE WERE AT __ MOVE HALF WAY BACK….  SO WE LEFT .

Maybe the committee decided against doing advertising in the paper, because they had there own, very nice, schedule printed this year.  The schedule had all of this years events, the sponsors, the committee members as well as photos and information about the past 25 years.  The local radio stations, WYVE & WXBX also gave daily schedules. Chautauqua is run, every year, by volunteers, so lets give them a break.  If there are those of you who think you can do it better, maybe you shold see what you can do for next year.  The entertainment is free!  And some of the “lesser known” groups & performers did great shows.  Chautauqua is more than entertainment, it is a time for people to get together and have a good time!  Every year I see friends who come in for the week, or even a few days.  many class reunions are planned so people can come home for both.  My family was disapointed about there not being Fireworks, but I also know that they are very expensive.  I would like to Thank the Wythe Arts Council, for 25 years of memories, with more to come!

I, too, am thankful of what Wytheville provides each year by way of “Free” (to citizens) entertainment and I know how much time and effort goes into Chautauqua. It’s a tough time financially, and we should all be thankful that businesses came through with money to make it happen. I did miss the usual newspaper insert, but, was able to find what I needed by going to the website. I am concerned about the number of teens and kids, that prowl the grounds beginning at eight o’clock each evening until closing. My husband was nearly knocked down on two occassions, and I had heard about a couple of fights, sexual encounters, plus heard much filthy talk.  I saw several Moms drop kids off and pull away, kids that looked like they were 10 and maybe 12 years old , perhaps to pick up later? so that these kids could hang out with their friends. This, to me, could cause a reduction in attendance, or especially in allowing the vendors to serve customers. My suggestion to all who were disappointed or see problems, email or find out whom you need to correspond with (Wythe Arts Council) and express your concerns but more importantly, bring forth your solutions or new ideas. I’m sure that this would be most appreciated. Marsha Turpin, Wytheville

I TOO WORRY OF THE THOUGHT THAT ALOT OF PARENTS AND STEP-PARENTS DROPING OFF CHILDREN AT THE FEASTIVAL.  IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR ALOT OF KIDS JUST RUNNING AROUND WITH PROBABLEY NO INTEREST IN THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES GOING ON. MOST OF THEM JUST WANTING TO BE OUT OF THE HOUSE AND AWAY FROM PARENTS. PARENTS DON’T THINK OF ALL THE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN TO THEM AND MAY JUST NOT CARE EITHER.  LET ON OF THEM GO MISSING, GET ATTACKED , RAPED OR KILLED, SEE WHO THE PARENTS BLAME. IT WON’T BE THEMSELVES. THEY WILL START POINTING FINGERS AT EVERYONE ELSE.  THIS HAPPENS AT OTHERS PLACES TOO—THE CARNIVAL—THE RURAL RETREAT FAIR—LOCAL THEATHERS—AND SOMETIMES JUST STORES AS WALMART.  YOU WATCH THE NEWS AND FIND OUT IT HAPPENS ALL AROUND US—SO FAST—AND TOOOO MUCH.  AS PARENTS WE NEED TO SET BETTER EXAMPLES TO OTHERS AND OUR CHILDREN AND SHOW THEM THAT WE LOVE THEM BY SAYING NO TO———DO AS YOU PLEASE.

I agree totally with Marsha, the lack of parental responsibility during festivals and carnivals is appalling. As the mother of a teenager, I know that the kids seem to take over these events in the evenings, and some of them are as young as 12 or so. Although I hope I have raised my child to behave herself in public, a parent never knows and other parents may not have done the same job as we did. I too have witnessed bad behavior, language and actions by teens in the festivals, fairs and carnivals. I worry about the safety of the younger children just dropped off by parents, I worry about dark spots and whether or not there is any monitoring by the local law enforcement. And I am not sure if local police are supposed to be entirely responsible for monitoring these events, or whether event sponsors should pay for security. These details I truly know nothing about. But I do know that you as a parent are responsible for your own child, and if you drop them off and leave them at these events, you are playing with fire. I know that teens hate having parents following their every move, but parents should be in attendance, and keep in contact with their child. That is just part of being a good parent. My daughter is 18, but still while she was at the festival, we stayed in cell phone contact, and she stayed with a group of friends. LOL and she better have behaved properly!
Beth Farmer

One of the things that I found very disappointing about Chautauqua is that pets were not welcome in the park.  Always before I have seen people in the park with pets.  I had a little tiny Chihuahua mix with me that I was going to hold and allow the little girl that I keep to watch the Marionettes.  I was told I was not allowed to take this little dog into the park!  Her little tiny feet would never have even been on the ground!  I had to leave with a VERY disappointed 5 year old.  I could not put the dog in my vehicle because it was too hot.  I had planned on also buying our lunch there, but after I was turned away, I was not about to spend my money there.  I saw nothing in either of the ads in the paper about pets not being allowed.  This should have been made well known.  I doubt if I go back.  My pets are part of my family.  If they are not welcome in an outdoor park, then I don’t feel welcome either!

I could see if you were bringing a big snarling rottweiller on a harness to the park, or a slobbering, uncontrolled big dog, but the idea that a tiny, hand held chihuahua would get you kicked out of the parkis rididulous. This is just another one f those rules tht was made for cover all the bases to keep out those who refuse to contol or clean up after their large pets. In a polite world, dog owners would travel with pooper scoopers and bags, and dispose of any waste, but unfortunately there are many who don’t.

I am a former small dog owner, and he traveled everywherew with me in my purse, he was my bby. So I totally undersand how you feel.

The wise thing for the committe to have done would have done like they did at Wither’s park, probide appropriate contianers for cleanup, and have a few signs throuhgout the park.

Beth Farmer

After reading these comments regarding this year’s festival, I have no choice but to comment.  I served 9 years on the Board of Directors, 3 of those as Chair, and no one knows the work, time, and commitment involved by board members and the hundreds of volunteers.  People seem to forget that the 8 days of the festival are “free” to the public.  However, the cost of putting on the 8-day festival is by no means “free”.  And, without the continued support of the patrons and sponsors, plus people who buy drinks, food, and other special concessions there would be no festival.  Anyone who has suggestions or would like to volunteer should contact the Chautauqua Office.  The issue of no dogs allowed in the park has been in effect since the festival began.  Park Guidelines are posted in the schedule.  I love my dogs too, but the park during the festival is no place to bring an animal.  Want to show off your pet?  Enter them in the Pet Show.  I, too, have a concern about the young people who are either dropped off or just show up each evening.  The Program Committee tries to offer entertainment to all age groups, but it’s rare that the young people will and actually watch any of the performers.  I have experienced the foul language and lack of respect some of these young people show for others.  Luckily, there are more young people who do have respect for others and just want to spend time with their friends than those who are destructive.  I hope everyone purchased or got a chance to see the 25th Anniversary schedule which was put together by some former board members.  The pictures and memories are priceless and they should be commended for doing such a nice job.  The comment about not wanting out-of-towners to attend is absolutely not true!  There are a lot of people in Wytheville and Wythe County who have never attended any festival activities.  There are also people from Bluefield, Marion, Galax, Pulaski/Dublin who do attend plus people plan their vacations and visit family while attending the festival each year.  Regarding entertainment—-again, no one realizes the cost of the big name performers.  The committee works with booking agents to get good entertainment at an affordable cost.  We’re also blessed to have a lot of really good local talent in the area.  I salute the Wythe Arts Council and their continued efforts.  I hope there will be another 25 years of Chautauqua.

I haven’t been on the board in a while, evidently, so please excuse the late reply.

There are some posts I couldn’t agree with more, some that I couldn’t disagree with more, and others that I kind of see both sides :)

I, personally have not been to the festival in a couple of years. For me, there are just too many people and vendor stands crammed in to a space that’s inadequate for either. You ever try to navigate a stroller in that sea of people? Not fun. But, it was really nice this year because my wife and I had our “date night” during the festival and were able to get in and out of pretty much everywhere in town, since most people seemed to be at EBMP.

This quote really stuck out for me:

WineDiva - 10 July 2009 09:43 AM

The Program Committee tries to offer entertainment to all age groups, but it’s rare that the young people will and actually watch any of the performers.

Perhaps the Program Committee should re-evaluate the entertainment offered. I get the fact that the effort is being made. Believe me, I’m not knocking the Committee for the effort. I’m just saying that evidently, it’s missing the mark. Has the committee considered doing “market research” to find out what the younger people like/dislike about the festival entertainment and what they would like to see more of. I’m sure the schools would be open to allowing the committee to take surveys to help out with the festival. I’m not one of the young people in question, but frankly, the entertainment offered isn’t that appealing to me, either.

I have experienced the foul language and lack of respect some of these young people show for others.

The “drop-off” kids are not their fault and the problem is not limited to Chautauqua. We have some really pitiful excuses for parents in this area, and it shows. Just like smartdog said, if something was to happen, those parents would be the first to point a finger everywhere except the mirror. But, in their defense (the children’s, not the parents’) the foul language is not limited to the young people. Most of the adults around here have “language issues” as well. Where do the kids pick up the foul language, anyway? Must be TV, right? Plus, what else is there for them to do here in the ‘ville? If they’re not being bored at Chautauqua, they’re being bored in Walmart or the parking lot. Not the Committee’s fault at all…I’m just sayin.

As for the pet issue…let me just start by saying that I like my dog just as much as the next person. But, he’s perfectly fine staying at home. Believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there who own and love their pets but have no desire to cater to the pets that are carried around everywhere. Should there be a weight limit on the animals that are allowed inside the park? How are all the big dogs gonna feel? They can’t help that they are genetically predisposed to be bigger. It’s discrimination, I tell ya. :)

To answer one question regarding the fireworks. Blame was placed on the wrong person. The head of the Chautauqua commity that took over this year was at fault. This man let a lot of things that should have been done fall to the side and place blame on innocent people. The fireworks did not come to be because he never contacted the gentleman who handles putting them off. He never bothered to return calls placed to him about them.
The Chautauqua Festival use to be nice. Now it has come down to high priced vendors who have to charge too much for food just so they can make something after paying the money to the committee. Some of the shows are nice while others fall flat!!! Day time activities are a joke, while they are to work with kids which is great, they cost too much are seemingly set for very small kids. People also come to the festival drinking and think they are hiding their beverages in cups sold at the park…yeah right. Some of them believe they can do this because they are members of the committee, this makes the group look bad in a whole. Out of control teens that seem to think it is the place to fight and cause trouble run the Fire Department ragged while trying to control them. The Fire Department was constantly having to break up fights between teens and even some adults who obviously do not know how to act in a public setting.
Chautauqua is not what it use to be and continues to go down hill. Until someone is on the committee who can manage the event and knows what they are doing, I am sorry to say this festival is doomed!