"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #1055, September 19, 2022
Issue #1055, September 19, 2022
Steve Prokopek noted that this is the 30th year for the Carefree Thunderbird Fine Arts and Wine Festival, so it's been a staple for a very long time. It brings a lot of challenges and the Town works with the Thunderbird Artists to work through them as it relates to street closures, working with businesses and property owners, etc. The presentation is the culmination of those efforts.
The Thunderbird Artists used to use the Gardens for their wine element, but there were a lot of complaints about the barriers from citizens who wanted to walk their dogs there. Last year, the park was eliminated from the wine footprint. The stars in the slide show the pass-throughs so people can just walk through the Gardens at the natural locations, and where the road closures are located. It makes a nice atmosphere for people who want to just walk out and enjoy the Gardens.
The Thunderbird Artists used to use the Gardens for their wine element, but there were a lot of complaints about the barriers from citizens who wanted to walk their dogs there. Last year, the park was eliminated from the wine footprint. The stars in the slide show the pass-throughs so people can just walk through the Gardens at the natural locations, and where the road closures are located. It makes a nice atmosphere for people who want to just walk out and enjoy the Gardens.
This slide shows the dates of the 3 shows for the 2022/23 season and the times of the street closures, including set up and tear down times.
One of the big issues has been parking for the businesses in Spanish Village. They need to make sure that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking accessibility is provided. The carve-out in front of the Grace Renee Gallery will be reserved for ADA spaces. Thunderbird Artists will hire 2 people to assist with helping people find parking spaces for customers going to Spanish Village establishments.
Mr. Prokopek was asking for approval for all 3 events for this season. If adjustments need to be made, it is flexible and they can be made. Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer asked if these were the same road closures that were made last year. Mr. Prokopek said they are. Because some of the vendor spaces were lost over by Spanish Village, Thunderbird was allowed to pick up some spaces on Sunshine Way.
As the hotel and The View condos are completed, they will look at taking some of the vendor spaces on Ho Hum Road and moving it around to the other side of Easy Street, so access to those businesses on Ho Hum will be not be blocked.
Vice Mayor John Crane noted that this will be the first year of doing these shows with the hotel open, and if it doesn't work, changes made will be the Town's call. He encouraged the hotel management to sit down with the Thunderbird organizers so the hotel would understand what was coming in November. He wanted to make sure those visiting the art show knew not to occupy spaces meant for the hotel's guests. "That could be a real problem. The guests would come and have no place to park." Mr. Prokopek replied that some of the vendors will stay at the hotel even though they bring motor homes and trailers. Parking management is an issue they deal with each time.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked if Thunderbird Artists would be hiring people for security and parking. Mr. Prokopek replied that the only place they have hired those people in the past were to monitor parking at the post office. This time, they will have people to assure there is parking for Spanish Village. Mr. Prokopek has worked with them to secure some additional parking after 5 PM. One of the issues the Parking, Circulation, and Signage Committee has been working on is event parking.
A motion was made to approve what was presented, with the ability to make revisions to the January and March shows if deemed necessary. The motion passed unanimously.
https://vimeo.com/748384878
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
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As the hotel and The View condos are completed, they will look at taking some of the vendor spaces on Ho Hum Road and moving it around to the other side of Easy Street, so access to those businesses on Ho Hum will be not be blocked.
Vice Mayor John Crane noted that this will be the first year of doing these shows with the hotel open, and if it doesn't work, changes made will be the Town's call. He encouraged the hotel management to sit down with the Thunderbird organizers so the hotel would understand what was coming in November. He wanted to make sure those visiting the art show knew not to occupy spaces meant for the hotel's guests. "That could be a real problem. The guests would come and have no place to park." Mr. Prokopek replied that some of the vendors will stay at the hotel even though they bring motor homes and trailers. Parking management is an issue they deal with each time.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked if Thunderbird Artists would be hiring people for security and parking. Mr. Prokopek replied that the only place they have hired those people in the past were to monitor parking at the post office. This time, they will have people to assure there is parking for Spanish Village. Mr. Prokopek has worked with them to secure some additional parking after 5 PM. One of the issues the Parking, Circulation, and Signage Committee has been working on is event parking.
A motion was made to approve what was presented, with the ability to make revisions to the January and March shows if deemed necessary. The motion passed unanimously.
https://vimeo.com/748384878
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.