Louisville Pagan Pride Day's 5th Year, 2010
I was amazed to find 2 vendors already set up by the time I got to the amphitheatre at 6:00AM! Many vendors arrived early and made the morning almost trouble free. Most were ready well before the 11:00AM start time. Perfect weather blessed us all day long, with just enough breeze to occasionally blow out the candles on the Bonewits memorial altar. A steady flow of people kept the place full most of the day, with 636 door prize tickets handed out and lots of overflow at both check-in stations, we estimated over 900 attended the event over the course of the day.
The Warrior blessing ritual started at noon and was well attended. The Courier-Journal newspaper interviewed me and took lots of pictures during this ritual. The online version of the write-up had 21 pictures, while the Sunday 9/26 paper edition only had 2. The flags used, the altar, and quarters were left up for a few hours after the ritual, making even the static display itself a moving experience. All the main stage performances went on schedule (a first for us!) so we rarely had to switch to the pre-recorded music prepared for the event, and even the CD programming got good reviews.
WHAS11 came out to do an interview while the belly dancers were onstage. The cameraman also interviewed author D.C. Grace, during her book signing of "The Sacred Oath". I was told WHAS played a few seconds of the filming, but it was shown at 7:00PM, I was still at the event! The "kid's corner" was a big hit, and our volunteers were overwhelmed at times. We didn't anticipate such a large response. Two workshop areas were running all day and attendance was good. The closing ritual had 75 people involved and went smoothly, despite me as HP being almost dead on my feet by then!
The raffle table was packed with stuff, and many tickets were sold. Even without an official emcee for the event, we managed to get most of the announcements done on time and keep the workshops on schedule through till closing. We tried something new this year, having Jerry Moody, a solo acoustic act, to play a few songs each during setup and takedown of Mayan Ruins and Fusionary's sets. Kind of felt how Woodstock '69 must have been like to stage manage, and it worked well. We'll consider using this technique again next year.
By the time it was over, we collected 585# of canned goods for the "Dare to Care" food bank, a record high! A dock worker at the food bank told me our event brought in the most poundage he'd seen from an event all year. All the vendors, info booths and workshop presenters were pleased with the turnout, and the performers enjoyed themselves. The vibe was good, and I saw nothing but smiles all around. Vendor takedown was the smoothest and fastest ever! A huge thanks to Jack for having the volunteer crew staggered to bring in some fresh legs to help with the loading. There was very little mess to clean up, and I was home by 9:30. Our smoothest event yet!
A personal note of gratitude goes to the LPPD coordinators and volunteers that gave their all to make this event memorable for all who attended. And to all the wonderful people who visited, generously donated, and enjoyed our gathering, brightest blessings to you, and thanks for your support.
Mike Avery- LPPD coordinator
The Warrior blessing ritual started at noon and was well attended. The Courier-Journal newspaper interviewed me and took lots of pictures during this ritual. The online version of the write-up had 21 pictures, while the Sunday 9/26 paper edition only had 2. The flags used, the altar, and quarters were left up for a few hours after the ritual, making even the static display itself a moving experience. All the main stage performances went on schedule (a first for us!) so we rarely had to switch to the pre-recorded music prepared for the event, and even the CD programming got good reviews.
WHAS11 came out to do an interview while the belly dancers were onstage. The cameraman also interviewed author D.C. Grace, during her book signing of "The Sacred Oath". I was told WHAS played a few seconds of the filming, but it was shown at 7:00PM, I was still at the event! The "kid's corner" was a big hit, and our volunteers were overwhelmed at times. We didn't anticipate such a large response. Two workshop areas were running all day and attendance was good. The closing ritual had 75 people involved and went smoothly, despite me as HP being almost dead on my feet by then!
The raffle table was packed with stuff, and many tickets were sold. Even without an official emcee for the event, we managed to get most of the announcements done on time and keep the workshops on schedule through till closing. We tried something new this year, having Jerry Moody, a solo acoustic act, to play a few songs each during setup and takedown of Mayan Ruins and Fusionary's sets. Kind of felt how Woodstock '69 must have been like to stage manage, and it worked well. We'll consider using this technique again next year.
By the time it was over, we collected 585# of canned goods for the "Dare to Care" food bank, a record high! A dock worker at the food bank told me our event brought in the most poundage he'd seen from an event all year. All the vendors, info booths and workshop presenters were pleased with the turnout, and the performers enjoyed themselves. The vibe was good, and I saw nothing but smiles all around. Vendor takedown was the smoothest and fastest ever! A huge thanks to Jack for having the volunteer crew staggered to bring in some fresh legs to help with the loading. There was very little mess to clean up, and I was home by 9:30. Our smoothest event yet!
A personal note of gratitude goes to the LPPD coordinators and volunteers that gave their all to make this event memorable for all who attended. And to all the wonderful people who visited, generously donated, and enjoyed our gathering, brightest blessings to you, and thanks for your support.
Mike Avery- LPPD coordinator
