Aquatennial Parade Participation

[WinStuart]

If Minnesmarta seriously wants a placement in the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, 7/23, evening, then 4, 6, 8 or 10 members need to meet this week for a brainstorming and planning meeting.

The application deadline is past due, May 23. The selection notices will be sent June 19. To be considered, we have to have our detailed application in next week.

We need:
· to brainstorm some practical but eye-catching routines; and consider ways to enhance the experience: lights, music, etc.
· to fully understand the 17 pages of rules and restrictions.
· to quickly work with our individual insurance brokers to obtain insurance indemnifications naming the event and its primary sponsors as additionally insured.

If you are interested in participating, send your email address and phone number(s) to WinStuart, exelon@comcast.net, 612-719-6593. State what evenings this week you could meet at Perkins, just south of I-94 at the Riverside exit, just west of the Mississippi in Minneapolis. I’ll scan the rules/application document and email it to you tonight. Thanks.

[blackbeagle]

I know that I would be interested in this.

[WinStuart]

So far several people have said they are interested but haven't responded with when they could meet to plan.

I need the phone number and mail address of at least six people if we want to get into this year's parade.

[jefferios]

WinStuart, I am interested, but I am too busy every evening next week. I am either interning or working at the golf course as next week is the BIG Invitational Tournament here at the club. After next week I am free, but that seems like it will be too late. I can do it next year.

[Dan500]

Sorry Winstuart, doesn`t look like I`ll be able to attend. Have a good one!

[MinnySmart]

Hi WinStuart... I'm interested, but the sudden time commitment has been hard to add to my schedule as well. I didn't realize we'd be so under the gun. Perhaps if everyone's going to the grand opening today we can discuss things there a bit and see what's possible... but if it's already so late in the game, perhaps we should plan ahead for next year? Kind of a bummer, I know... sounded like a great idea! Just needed a little more time to plan.

[slime]

If you need one more, i'll join you.

[WinStuart]

Well, the good news is that we have an excellent opportunity to brainstorm some excellent street drills for the 2009 Parade. The not so good news is that we approached this year's parade after the official deadline and were not able to organize ourselves fast enough to make the extended deadline.

I encourage everyone to ejoy "the ten best days of summer" at the Aquatennial. The torchlight parade and the milk carton boat races are my personal favorites. Enjoy.

[WinStuart]

On July 23rd, my wife Julie and I were Aquatennial volunteers and carried one of the award banners in the parade. It was great fun and now we have a much better idea of what the parade watchers respond to and don’t respond to.

I’d like to meet with a couple of the Minnesmarta members to discuss how Smart cars could take next year’s parade by storm. We have time to work out some great parade routines, could practice in other parades and make a name for ourselves next July. Could be a lot of fun!

Interested? We hope to attend the 8/10/08 rally and hear feedback from those who might join the Minnesmarta Parade Corp!

[jefferios]

Sounds good to me WinStuart. I will look foward to talking about it Sunday the 10th.