In our view: Hear ye, hear ye

April 28, 2008 09:55 pm

— It was a fare-thee-well weekend for volunteers and organizers of Joplin’s first Renaissance festival.
Thousands attended the event, held Saturday and Sunday, in Landreth Park
Bruce Morgan, owner of deSign Concepts of Joplin and the organizer of the Joplin Renaissance Festival, said the economic implications for the event could be far-reaching.
Vendors from Washington, California, Colorado and Wisconsin, and entertainers from Utah, Texas, Oklahoma and northern Missouri attended.
Every fall for more than 30 years, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival has been drawing thousands of people from all over the United States to Bonner Springs, Kan. The festival has grown to 16 acres, 500 costumed characters, 13 stages and a seven-weekend run.
We believe the Renaissance Festival was a weekend crowd-pleaser and perhaps, in the future, could be an annual draw for Joplin.
We might suggest that organizers plan the event later into the spring. Cool weather on Sunday probably kept some people at home.
The festival also coincided with the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition and the Choppers for Children event — both of which have dedicated followings.
A portion of the proceeds from the Renaissance Festival will go back to the community. Morgan said he plans to donate to the Joplin Habitat for Humanity chapter.
It all proves that sometimes going back in time can be good for the future.

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