12 years ago
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Am I The Only One Who Thinks This?
I read on the front page of the Green Lake Reporter this week about the restriction of dogs and skateboards in the downtown area during the Harvest Fest Weekend. Dogs are not allowed in any of the parks at any time. This doesn't create a Festival friendly atmosphere. This is the only town I know of where this happens. Why can I go to Door County and see dogs and kids on their skate boards all the time, festival or not? How can a city like Chicago or Los Angeles or New York be OK with dogs but Green Lake seems to have a problem with this? It is absurd. Green Lake is not people friendly which may also be extended to the way businesses get treated which is why people don't want to open a business here. (Look at the silly sign ordinance here) This dog/skateboard ordinance is foolish and detrimental to a tourist atmosphere. It is just one more way Green Lake tells tourists we want your money but we really don't want you to feel too welcome.
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About Me
- Chief Highknocker
- You aren't local until you have at least three generations in the cemetery.
47 comments:
It's the Green Lake Clique at work, or shall I re-phrase Steppford wannabes.
I can't find the article in the paper. Are you sure it was the GL Reporter?
We saw several (well-behaved) dogs at the Harvest festival. I wasn't aware that they were no longer permitted. Green Lake is not a dog-friendly place, I agree. I also didn't know about the skateboard ordinance, not that skateboarding has ever been a problem here that I know of. Damn kids should be home doing drugs in their bedrooms where they belong.
At one of the vendor booths by the bandshell there was a sign tacked to the top of the display saying: "do not try on mittens if you don't intend to buy them". I was so disgusted by the sign, I wouldn't have bought the mittens even if I wanted them. Later I went back and tried on a pair of mittens just to spite them.
That's basically what Green Lake it like.
Apparently Green Lake is not a very people friendly place, either. One woman from Fond du Lac that I spoke with fell off the "double curb" on Mill Street. She said she didn't see there were two steps, she fell and twisted her back (and was very embarrassed). She was with her teenage daughter, and neither of them could believe that the curb was not painted bright yellow. She also said that it was just a matter of time until someone gets seriously hurt. City counsels members, are you out there? Can you spell l-a-w-s-u-i-t?
Much sadder was the death of a very sweet 86 year old woman who was trying to cross the street at Harvest Fest on Saturday. It took a long time for an ambulance arrive. This brings up the question of WHY THERE IS NOT AN AMBULANCE STANDING BY AT OUR FESTIVALS. In this case, I don't know if it would have saved the woman's life, but in the future, precious minutes can make all the difference. I believe that the Chamber should consider this matter for future events. Many thanks to the EMT's who assisted in tragic accident. The citizens of Green Lake should be very proud of their volunteers. I know that I am.
Until someone gets bit by a dog, steps in a pile, or gets injured due to irresponsible skateboards...and lawsuits will abound. Then GL people will complain that GL's city didn't use common sense prevent such injury or expenses.
Yes. Let's please do give our sidewalks and streets to the irresponsible, inconsiderate, kids for skateboard practice.
I also would've been *put off* by a sign at a booth asking me not to try on merchandise. Maybe this vendor had awful experiences with people trying on the mittens with dirty, sticky hands??
Collective punishment and rules aren't always fair but they're are meant to protect the innocent from the *not so innocent*. And, legally the rules must apply to all or none - otherwise, MORE lawsuits! Vicious cycle that the people create for themselves.
I was at the festival this weekend with my 12-week old puppy. I would have brought my dog regardless if they had an ordinance or not. Since I wasn't aware of it (nor were the other people who brought their dogs) my pooch and I walked all over the festival. She gave out plenty of licks and only jumped on a few people walking by....but they didn't mind. She recieved plenty of pets from everyone.
Let's not let this dog/skate board debate dampen the fact that once again, we had a GREAT Fall Harvest Festival. Many many thanks are due the chamber folks and their countless dedicated volunteers.
We had friends in from out of town who happen to be beer connoisseurs. They were obviously not pleased with the beer selection offered at the Chamber booths. More importantly, they wondered why the Chamber was selling canned beer, rather than tap. Beer by the keg is more affordable and would be more profitable for the Chamber. They should offer some classic specialty beers such as Oktoberfest and other seasonal brews. The month of September marks the end of the hop harvest and the introduction of seasonal releases, including Harvest ales and lagers. Other fall festivals offer these fine selections and Green Lake could vastly improve their Golden Days festival by offering better beer. We paid $4 for a pint of Oktoberfest at a Wisconsin festival recently, and were happy with our purchase.
Also, the empty beer cans were being thrown away with the "other" garbage downtown. Whatever happened to recycling???
Good points.
I am not a beer connossier and I like cans, but my simple tastes should not hinder attempts to bring reasonable class to an already memorable and loved festival.
Harvest Fest was GREAT. My favorite of the year. Kudos to all involved. I also like specialty beer, but I like walking around with the cans of Americana.
Recycling containers were in place all along the street. People just needed to see them. All the cans went to help Habitat for Humanity.
I never saw an article about dogs in the Green Lake Reporter. I tried to find it. Dogs in the parks should not be permitted since so many owners do not pick up their droppings.
"Recycling containers were in place all along the street. People just needed to see them. All the cans went to help Habitat for Humanity."
Most excellent. :)
While dogs in parks may not be permitted, how can you prohibit dogs from being on a leash on the street/sidewalk?
And it's not like people who have mean, vicious dogs are going to bring them to a festival. The dogs that I saw this weekend behaved very nicely. We always enjoy seeing dogs at the festivals.
Many, many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this another wonderful Golden Days! Even the weather held off until mid-Sunday afternoon. How lucky can you be? It was a GREAT event everyone can be proud of plus it was so much fun and so enjoyable!!!!!!!!
Kudos to Ellen, the Chamber, the food providers, crafters and all the volunteers that helped to make a successful event. My grandkids had a great time doing the games and using the bungee jump provided by the Kiwanis.
I commend Ellen for her leadership on this event with the Chamber. I realize many volunteers, businesses and organizations all pitched in, but you have to have a leader, and she did a nice job pulling it all together. Green Lake was the place to be this week-end and despite those things which can be improved, the community hopefully can take a moment to be proud of representing ourselves well to the greater public. If people have a good time, they will invite more friends to come back next time or maybe for something else. Congrats, Ellen, Chamber, and all of Green Lake who helped.
I didn't realize this years Harvest Festival was a costume party! Next year I will wear my tie-dye T-shirt and motorcycle boots. Honestly, lets show some professionalism, people. We can do better to represent Green Lake. Nothing personal.
But, hey, don't put those down who actually came to support the festival. Where was everyone else to balance the apparently unprofessional, tie dye look? Just saying. If not "those" down to earth, hardworking, middle class people wearing tie dye and motorcycle boots, than who? I love my tie dye, Dead shirt, but I don't own or ride a motorcycle.
There was an article regarding the dogs and skateboards in the Harvest Fest Insert in the paper.
I think the tie dye shirt and boots were in reference to the "leader" that everyone is gushing about, not the attendees.
If you are going to be a leader you need to look and act the part.
I agree with anonymous #19
are you people EVER happy?!?!
for pete's sake- grow UP!!!
if you can't go to a festival, enjoy yourself, and have a good time without tearing everyone else down the PLEASE STAY HOME!!!!!!!!!!!
Ellyn worked her a$$ off, who cares what she wears , she did a outstanding job , we took 1 & 1/2 days off of work to volunteer Sat. and enjoy the fest the rest of the weekend. We love green lake and all the great people we've met. I agree with the last comment STAY HOME, party poopers, have a party at your house and you can impose whatever dress code you want. Pati & Mark AKA the fibs
Thank you Mrs. Kravitz for agreeing with me. You (and I) are absolutely correct in our observations. For those of you who think that we are "tearing everyone else down", you should re-read the respectfully written comments. And for you who thinks that we should "stay home" because we don't know how to enjoy ourselves, grow up. Did I say that I didn't enjoy myself? Did I say that the festival was horrible? No, all I did was comment that those who officially represent Green Lake should put a little more attention to how they look and how others perceive them. It was meant as "constructive criticism". As I stated, it is nothing personal.
As far as Ellen working her a$$ off, that is her job. She gets paid to organize these festivals. If she worked too hard, then she should learn how to delegate better. However, nobody was putting down her efforts.
Thanks to everbody who did volunteer even with the tie die shirts, which I think are great. (I think they represent this town just fine) I constantly hear from people who say they are going to volunteer "next time" or "next year". I have yet to see them volunteer their time except to sit on a bar stool and talk about the possibillty of volunteering so I applaud ALL of the people who make this a great weekend.
It is a sad thing that all of these recent posts are because someone cared enough to say a nice thing about the job done this weekend by our Chamber Director.
I guess we just cannot let a nice comment stand on its' own and allow something nice to be said about another person. C'mon Green Lake, let's rise above pettiness and once in a while just make other people feel appreciated and leave it at that.
I find it very bizarre that you find it sad that someone mentioned something on this blog that needed to be addressed. While you might find it petty, others might actually think it is important. Most people who are employed in the professional workplace understand the protocol of dressing appropriately.
The "nice comments" that were made are still nice comments. Why would you choose to perceive these recent posts in a negative fashion?
It's understood, but no commonly practiced, that it's not right to judge a person by their dress. But when a person is fulfilling municipal duties (and getting paid for it) to represent that municipality, it is expected that they would dress professionally. This is not a personal attack but merely a good, solid suggestion made by people who pay the municipal employee's salary.
If someone would not wish to be critiqued by their persons, live in a cave. If someone would not wish to be critiqued by a town's residents, don't take a job as an employee who's salary is paid for by that town with residents who have every right to voice their expectations of the town employee.
does anyone realize that the tye-dye t-shirts were made specifically for Harvest Fest and sold like hotcakes?!?!
Since we are contributing constructive criticism in order to better our festivals, I would like to say that the man who was singing and playing guitar in the bandshell on Saturday was very bad at singing. It was awful. I just thought that the gals at the chamber should know this, so that they hopefully will not hire him again. He was really so bad, I thought maybe he was playing for free. He had an audience of 1, and that person was probably his father.
All I Can Say is WOW!
How does this blog wander so fast? Someone talks about topic A and we conclude on topic Z. This is exactly why GL is in deep sh?t. This city has serious, serious, problems. Forget about what people are wearing or saying, we need new leaders immediately. From city government, to the schools, county government and the chamber. Send out an SOS we need help NOW.
All towns need help, and need to continue helping themselves. These blogs are NOT mindless blathering, they are similar to what discussion sound like because there are so many philosophies, priorities and personalities. The ones who call themselves "leaders" must learn (from the comments) about the parts while deciphering what is and isn't good for the whole with professionalism, compassion, articulation, motivation, justice, balance, etc.
Blogs aren't the best form of communication, this is true. But, at a time when there aren't many who are willing to speak publicly, for fear of being childishly attacked, and when "leaders" spend just as much time offering up excuses to avoid accountability and dodging any constant voices of opposition, these blogs DO serve as some type of insightful processing and planning.
Very well said!
The is another, new lein against ABA/Lindenwood in today GL Reporter.
"Very well said!"
- thank you ;)
To "Who Is The Pessimist" blogger.
I'm taking a wild guess here. Is it possible that your real issue could one of jealousy?.
Just because we have a Chamber Director who can pull off having fun with her outfit, and still look good, since she'd probably look good in anything, you could very well be one of the spandex queens waddling around the festival, taking time out for extra funnel cakes and brats, looking for reasons to find fault with any female not carrying two rear ends. It's a fun festival, people are supposed to relax, have fun, celebrate the fall festival season, and take it easy, even in tye dye shirts and boots. There's plenty of time for professional dress, Mon- Fri. One of the reasons people come to Green Lake is to relax and get away from the world.
Grow up and stop the ridiculous accusations of jealousy. NO ONE remarked on anyone's appearance - just the proper representation of a town's image.
ChiefHighknocker entered that GL was unfriendly to businesses, and that implied GL is unique in that aspect. I disagree. It's our culture that is perpetuating the growing control city's are gaining for themselves, and this is what feels/is unfriendly and causes necessary/unecessary rebellion. Us GL residents better figure it out our beautiful little town becomes known as a bully with a reputation that precedes itself, in a situation where GL's government and the residents are no longer united on just about anything.
As the t-shirt says: "Skateboarding is not a crime", except in Green Lake, where it is always illegal on the street or sidewalks (also includes bmx bikes). Oh yeah, the cops also tell the kids not to skate near the athletic field, where there was an attempt at a skatepark several years ago. So what do the kids do? THEY GO TO RIPON, WHERE THEY HAVE A SMALL SKATEPARK!
Wake up people! We should be thankful that we have kids who want to be getting exercise and fresh air. A number of communities have skate/bmx parks and they are popular with the local youth. Like it or not, skateboarding & BMX are mainstream sports thanks to such events as x-games. In fact, BMX is actually an olympic sport.
Why not support an effort to build a small park like the one in Ripon (by their mill pond), so the local kids can have their fun in their home town, instead of reinforcing that they want to "get the heck out of dodge" at an early age. Also, hassling kids is not a great way to earn respect for law enforcement either!
Hassling kids? Respect for the law? Don't hassle kids so they'll respect the law? Spend money building a skate park to dispell any "get the hell out of dodge" ideas? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????? Shortsighted wannabe.
We're supposed to let the kids hassle adults so kids won't hassle the law enforcement meant to protect the adults that pay law enforcement a salary to protect the kids? Is expecting law enforcement to do its job of protecting and upholding laws a hassle too? Stop trying to be your kid's friend and your government's friend - and do your job teaching them right from wrong whether they like it or not. If not, don't wonder who's to blame and why it all went to hell. All people do now is blame everyone else for their mistakes, with that growing sense of entitlement.
If we're not hassling the kids with those darn pesky rules about kindness, justice, and community, then we're not doing our job as parents or as a community.
The issue here is whether Green lake is "kid friendly" or whether the powers that be would just as soon have them go elsewhere. Part of the the problem lies with an ever growing government, where a few people who don't like something get a law passed against it. Where will the money come from to continue to enforce the laws that offer dubious benefit. If we had fewer laws and rules, we would have fewer police and lower taxes. The last time I checked, every County police officer passes right through our little town.
"If we had fewer laws and rules, we would have fewer police and lower taxes."
That is an extremely broad statement and, with today's declining moral standards, a very dangerous suggestion. If adults/children are brats with the laws in effect, you claim they would no longer be brats without the laws? C'mon.
No matter what or which laws exist/don't exist, those that are hell bent on abusing/breaking them for their own selfish benefit will ALWAYS be a threat to society. When my kids do wrong, they are grounded. They try the old "let me watch tv or drive the car now, and I promise to do my homework/chores the next time". I don't fall for that. Too many parents do.
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