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| Arts & Heritage Festival Not Big on Bike Valet Parking |
| by Mary Cash http://www.coopersbike.com |
| Wheel Issues May 2009 |
| Well, the valet parking at the Stillwater Arts and Heritage Festival was a great idea that fizzled. First, we were not placed in an area that would encourage cyclists to drop off their bikes. Second, the weather was iffy; and third, attendance was lower than usual. Given those three problems, RDP volunteers had a good time at the Arts & Heritage Festival, but didn’t have to hustle to park bikes.
Saturday the valet parking area was staffed by the following volunteers: Mary & Wes Cash, Carl Hamby, Kathy Legako, Bob & Joanne Huss, Scott Nutt, and Joe & Yvonne Walker. Sunday saw volunteers Mary & Wes Cash, Carl Hamby, and Chris Kamp taking a turn. Thank you to all volunteers! The RDP Valet Parking area was supposed to be at the south end of Couch Park, but when we arrived, there was nothing there, so we moved to organization row, in the middle of the park. This was a great location to talk to people. We gave away RDP Club newsletters, RDP brochures, ride flyers, trail work flyers, and bike safety books for kids. But this was a very poor location to park bicycles. In fact, on Saturday we parked more volunteer bicycles than festival goers’ bicycles. Sunday we parked one bicycle! Nonetheless, the RDP proved we could do this, and we came up with a good system to check-in bikes. Cooper's Bicycle Center donated a $50 gift certificate, so we had a drawing. The winner was Joe Walker. (Since there were so few people parking bikes, we decided to allow the volunteers to enter the drawing.) Next time—if there is a next time—we need a better spot, near the entrance so we can catch cyclists before they enter the pedestrian exhibit area. Also, bicycle parking should be listed in the articles and ads promoting the event. |
