Bikes, Babes & Bling coming to Fayetteville in July, 2010
If you’re a fan of the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally on Dickson St., you probably popped a wheelie at last week’s announcement that a sister rally called Bikes, Babes and Bling is coming to Fayetteville for the first time next year.
If you’re not a fan, there’s probably smoke coming from your ears.
Either way, the Fayetteville A&P awarded $20,000 to the fledgeling rally last week which is scheduled to roll into town July 15-17, 2010. Update: Bikes, Babes & Bling has been moved to July 1-3.
Like Bikes, Blues and BBQ, the new rally will be a non-profit event. Organizers are hoping that the festival will raise money for local charities that aid women and children, and that it will attract tourists to town during a slow summer season.
“We believe this will provide a significant impact to Fayetteville by bringing visitors into the area that will stay in our hotels and enjoy our restaurants during what would normally be a slow time of the year,” said Coleson Burns, Event Director for Bikes, Babes & Bling in a press release.
Bikes, Babes & Bling is said to be the South’s first motorcycle rally that caters specifically to women riders. There is another women’s rally called The Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally held annually in Crownsville, Maryland that raises money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
“This is an exciting new endeavor for Bikes, Blues & BBQ. In the past five years, there has been significant growth – approximately 35% – in the market of female motorcycle riders. Since the majority of the nation’s rallies are tailored for the male biker, we feel that we can and should offer an experience that caters to women,” said Allyson Twiggs Dyer, board member for Bikes, Blues & BBQ, and director of the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau.
Reaction will no-doubt be mixed. In fact, Alderman Matthew Petty said today in a comment here on the Flyer that he is considering action to prevent the event from happening at all.
Comments
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mpetty
November 17, 2009
The A&P Commission is out-of-touch with Fayetteville’s character. We don’t even have an arts festival and they are pursuing a second motorcycle rally without any public input.
I wonder if the fact that there are people serving on both the A&P Commission AND the BBBQ board have anything to do with it? Can you say conflict of interest?
mpetty
November 17, 2009
PS – If you don’t like it either, you need to do more than leave a comment here. Send an email to our City Clerk and ask her to distribute it to the entire Council. Her email is ssmith@ci.fayetteville.ar.us
Brandon Kittler
November 17, 2009
Whatever. This won’t generate charity money. Or a tiny amt ifat all based on bbbbq results. It’s $20k in the crapper.
Let’s use that to diversify events and put on real arts/music festivals.
Brandon Kittler
November 17, 2009
And further, why don’t they use this new data to alter bbbbq to be more inclusive of women? Is that not the logical answer?
jesse
November 17, 2009
Any event empowering/benefitting women should be indictive of Fayetteville’s character. I say “yes” and think it would be quite something to witness. (But I won’t be there.)
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
Is there still a lesbian bar in town?
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
Hey A&P,
20k could have gone towards providing venue space for local musicians and developing our arts scene.
Instead, we get more crappy vendors, more noise, and more….just….crap.
I blame Steve Clark.
Brandon Kittler
November 17, 2009
I still think empowering women by making them a more equal part of a large, established event would be more of a statement than segregating them.
jesse
November 17, 2009
Actually, now I think about it, some of these comments are irritating me. You might be surprised at the charity money generated by women’s events. (See Race for the Cure.) And by “inclusive of women,” do you mean offering biker fashions that actually cover the breasts?
brandon kittler
November 17, 2009
I don’t know what that means Jesse, but clearly the bbbbq ppl think they do, and I’d rather they integrate it all into the regular rally rather than blow more city money.
But from the proposed name, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Me
November 17, 2009
Matt, what is the name of the City Clerk?
brandon kittler
November 17, 2009
I know womens events generate cash for charity. But race for the cure is nothing like “bikes babes and bling” will be, I gurantee you that
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
Race for the Cure is shoved down our throats year round. When NFL teams are wearing pink for breast cancer awareness, I think its time for the brakes. Breast Cancer awareness is a fine cause, but is there anyone out there not now aware of breast cancer?
Aren’t we forgetting about a thousand other types of cancer in our rush to focus in on one form of cancer?
If Race for the Cure were an event specifically targeting a male disease, such as prostate or testicular cancer, the feminists would be crying foul. In fact, it would never happen for that very reason. In their rush to empower themselves, women have become more or less completely selfish and self-focused.
Anyway, its not the women that bother the posters on here. Its the ****ing bikes.
Me
November 17, 2009
So if BBBBQ is back in the black and is donating to charity, why does the A & P decide they need additional funding?
mpetty
November 17, 2009
@Me – Sondra Smith
jesse
November 17, 2009
Ahhh, the subtle and not-so-subtle influence of sexism.
Me
November 17, 2009
And there’s also a Bikes, Blues, & Hot Rods Too event??? How many BB events do we friggin need? More importantly, why is the city paying for them to come if they are making enough money?
By the way, Matt, you mention we have no arts festival, but the A & P report that listed the $20k for this even also listed $30k for an arts festival.
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
@jesse:
You’re the only sexist one here, by saying that this event should get a pass and that we should support it, simply on the basis that its directed at women.
When is the male-focused event, since you’re obviously so concerned with fairness and gender-based empowerment?
Me
November 17, 2009
Also, shouldn’t we also have a rally like this catering to male riders? I’m sure the A & P would love to give money to such a cause! :) Don’t men need to be empowered also?
a. brown
November 17, 2009
*head explodes*
Oh, this will be fun. If women aren’t being catered to at BBBBQ, then *start* catering to them. Believe it or not, most women would rather be a part of what’s happening instead getting stuck in a separate (pink) area*. Personally, I see BBBBQ as a macho, stinky festival that is not respectful of women. I am STILL picking off “I Love Hooters” stickers off the sidewalks of my neighborhood. Starting a whole new festival for women sends a message that reinforces that women aren’t welcome at the current one. And pink? A logo that looks like a flaming, flying vulva? Give me a f*cking break, “babes”.
*Pink Area is now my band name. Mine.
brandon kittler
November 17, 2009
The whole thing would be personally insulting to me if I were a woman, and it’s a bit offensive to me anyway. Segregation never did anything positive.
a. brown
November 17, 2009
@BurgerBoy AND @Jesse Let’s not jump to calling anyone sexists yet, ok? That’s not gonna get this comments section very far. Jesse, I think that just because it’s “for women” doesn’t mean it should get a free pass. Remember that this is not “for women” but marketed “at women”. It’s just a money thing, it’s covered in pink and assumes that all us babes like shiny, expensive things. Now that’s a great thing to get hell-bent-femi-angry at (I include myself in this mad-fest).
As for you, BurgerBoy, I’m going to assume you’re joking about male-centered festivals. It puked, spewed, revved and pissed all over downtown Fayetteville last September.
Infidel
November 17, 2009
@ Burgerboy…the cherry pit?
a. brown
November 17, 2009
Brandon Kittler, I think I love you. And you’re right– you don’t have to get shat on to know that getting shat on is not a good thing.
brandon kittler
November 17, 2009
They shouldn’t be male or female centered. We ought to be looking past that, and work on including all at any of these types of events.
But then, hey, I’m not getting paid (or not paid either) to make those decisions.
I also think that if bbbbq is only donating <$50k, they need knew leadership.
Me
November 17, 2009
@ jesse: You say: “inclusive of women,” do you mean offering biker fashions that actually cover the breasts?
But the rally is called Bikes Babes and Bling… so I doubt it. In fact, it is funny because by definition, this event is sexist against men since it is for the women riders but BBBBQ is not for the men riders, but it is also sexist against women because it uses babes and bling in the title…
Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why a self respecting woman would attend a rally called bikes, babes, and bling?
mpetty
November 17, 2009
@Me – That’s $30,000 for a regional festival that lasts a month and is spread across Washington and Benton Counties. It’s an awesome thing, but it’s not the kind of concentrated event that the Fayetteville Arts Festival was.
It’s also only one festival, and now we’re talking about at least two BBBQ’s. Let’s not forget that BBBQ makes plenty of money to fund itself and is well-established and doesn’t require any seed money.
At the same time, we have funding going to UA sporting events (because the athletics department is so hard up for cash?), and reduced funding to organizations like Arts Live!
The A&P Commission is out of control. Bob Davis, one the Commissioners, inquired about the City hiring his own insurance firm back when he was a Council member. That’s a major conflict of interest, so he wasn’t allowed to do it then, but as soon as he left the Council and joined the A&P Commission, which is governed by no such rules, he got to work hiring his own insurance firm.
Out of control and out of touch.
We’re lucky we got Pat Gazzola out and Tim Freeman in, or there might not be any hope for it at all. Personally, I question whether or not we even need an A&P Commission. I think we could do a better job of managing the funds at City Hall.
Scott
November 17, 2009
I’d like to get a more organized protest of this event started, if possible. I invite you all to join the Facebook group I’ve just created called Fayetteville Residents Against Bikes, Babes, and Bling. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/group.php?gid=183201030853
I’m basically looking for input at this point.
-Scott
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
For the record, I’m all for a bigger Goddess festival, or something focused towards women and culture that doesn’t involve more bikes.
A second biker rally in the name of equality is absurd.
burgerboy
November 17, 2009
How about a Bury the Poles festival, catered to males, full of stuff men like?
All proceeds could go towards burying power poles and lines all over town.
The Truth
November 17, 2009
@mpetty I absolutely agree that our city would be much better off to launch an Arts Festival than a second motorcycle rally, regardless of the nature of said motorcycle rally.
mpetty
November 17, 2009
I’m broken record, but please send your thoughts to all of the Council members. I guarantee only a few of us read the Flyer.
You can reach all of the Council members at once by emailing the City Clerk, Sondra Smith, and asking her to distribute your comments for you. Her email is ssmith@ci.fayetteville.ar.us
Innarested Observer
November 17, 2009
@burgerboy Bury the Poles. Friggin classic! Count me in.
Jason
November 17, 2009
Old biker babes with their beef jerky boobs classing this place up twice a year. Great.
jesse
November 17, 2009
Goddess festival? That’s just gross.
jesse
November 17, 2009
Grosser even than old biker babes with beef jerky boobs.
Cassy
November 17, 2009
This is the worst birthday present ever, Fayetteville. I hope it is a tremendous failure.
Another local resident
November 17, 2009
In this image, the festival creators unveil the creative process for Bikes, Babes, and Bling logo.
http://bit.ly/blingingbabes
Another local resident
November 17, 2009
http://bit.ly/blingingbabes2
Messed up the first one, sorry.
yrfuneralmytrial
November 17, 2009
My feelings on biker rallies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb3wgEs4uDE
Beat Bachs
November 17, 2009
Well, it appears that the AP Commission will give anyone money these days.
Looks like I’ll have to put together a proposal for next year.
Look for it in 2011. No lie.
Innarested Observer
November 17, 2009
I cannot wait to hear from Mulva on this. She’s gonna go ballistic!
Heather Kendrick-Gerlaugh
November 17, 2009
You know, there’s a pretty awesome arts-centered event in downtown Fayetteville that happens every month already that desperately NEEDS funding.
First Thursday happens every first… Thursday… of the month right here on the square. Fayetteville Underground & DDP Galleries open their doors and in the warmer months, the Visitors Bureau shows a film.
This event is currently looking for sponsorships. It doesn’t receive funds to advertise, in fact, there are a number of businesses giving their time and money, and loads of people working for free (myself included) to make it happen.
Full-scale art walks are a fantastic way to support and promote independent artists in the community. If First Thursday was to receive even a portion of the funding Bikes, Babes, & Bling is receiving, we’d certainly be doing things on a much grander scale…
Even Bentonville has a First Friday festival that absolutely blows Fayetteville out of the water. The main reason: funding. We’re already making a fantastic event out of people volunteering to give their time resources, but we’re definitely not doing everything we can to put the proper emphasis on arts in Fayetteville.
Either way, I’m glad to see that the A&P Commission is giving deserved and much-needed funds to some really awesome organizations. I hope for sure that First Thursday can join in the ranks next year and am anxious to see what becomes of the Bikes, Babes, Bling, & Flaming, Flying Vulva festival (A. Brown, I laughed so hard I snorted. Thank you.)
jesse
November 17, 2009
It’s funny when a.brown writes it. Not funny in Another local resident’s truly tasteless link. Maybe I am sexist, but if I am, so is nearly everyone else who has posted here. Everyone except those who think the issue is funding or their dislike of bike rallies. Sadly, neither of these groups are getting at the real issue as is evidenced by the number of comments.
a. brown
November 17, 2009
I think the most productive thing we can do is send emails to the address Matt put up. I’ll even promise not to be crass about the logo. Do they want a festival that focuses on gender (and a really narrow view of it) or the activity of biking? If the latter, god willing, they only need one.
yrfuneralmytrial
November 17, 2009
Everything about this proposed rally/event reeks of BS. The name (idiotic), the logo, the complete lack of public need for it, how it likely got greenlighted, the quick $20k…everything. It seems the BBBQ guys are given the keys to the city…and it all comes across in a very “backroom good ol’ boys” kind of way. Say a bunch of BS, hope the media repeats it enough and pretty soon, it’s a fact. Yeah, we really need more V-twin ridin’ sister-pride around here.
Ronnie
November 17, 2009
I’m going to rent my house out to some beef jerky boob biker lesbians when this happens and go some place quiet and less chaotic for the weekend. Maybe Disney World or Six Flags.
When does that Bury the Pole event happen?
David Franks
November 17, 2009
“It’s funny when a.brown writes it. Not funny in Another local resident’s truly tasteless link.” –jesse
Would it be funny if Georgia O’Keefe had painted it?
Axle.Evil
November 17, 2009
And they are NOT bikes, fer chrissakes! They are motorcycles. Bikes are bikes, as inBICYLE.
Why can’t we have a bicycle festival? It could share a weekend with Joe Martin Stage Race, and we could have our town mobbed with stinky bikers who stink from B.O. rather than loud motorcycles. It would be family friendly, and quiet. We could call it “The Lighter Side of Dickson Bike Rally.”
Or “Bicycles, Bluegrass, and Bananas.”
Just a thought.
OutOfAR
November 18, 2009
You know, someone once pointed out to me that nudie magazines made for lesbians aren’t really made for lesbians- they’re made for guys who think lesbians are hot.
Babes/Bikes is the same thing- This event isn’t being made for women and their motorcycles, it’s being made for old grizzled dudes who think that **** is hot. Meaning, it’s going to be the exact same festival as Blues/BBQ, only with more vibrators on display And more pink leather.
Axle.Evil- Better yet, call it “Bikes, Bandanas, and Brakeless Fixed-Gear Abominations.” You can get PBR to sponsor some killer no-handed skid contests on the bike trails.
Jesse- Your misguided attempts at feminism bore me.
jesse
November 18, 2009
Oh, I’m sorry OutOFOAR. Did you ever put me in my place! (I actually agree with you re: the event. Segregation? Are you kidding me?)
a. brown
November 18, 2009
@OutOFAR, you’ve got a point about who this is really for. But don’t insult Jesse for trying to articulate her frustration. We do all seem to be on the same side, if arguing in different ways.
@Axles YES YES YES
Axle.Evil
November 18, 2009
OutOfAR-“Bikes, Bandanas, and Brakeless Fixed-Gear Abominations.”
Doesn’t roll off the tongue so well, how ’bout “Two-wheelers, Tricycles, and Tallbikes?” The PBR sponsorships is a good idea, though.
milky
November 18, 2009
Well, I emailed Sondra Smith. I hope that voicing our disgust about this thing works.
mpetty
November 18, 2009
There already is a Bicycles, Blues, and BBQ. It’s in Iowa: http://www.bicyclebluesbbq.com/
@yrfuneralmytrial – It got greenlighted so quickly because certain people sit on both the BBBQ board and the A&P Commission. Unfortunately, the A&P is not bound by conflict of interest rules like the Council is.
yrfuneralmytrial
November 18, 2009
Oh well, that’s different then. No problem. I think I’m going to get myself on the A&P board as I’m already the chairman of the “Flaming Lips & Arcade Fire Ozark Rally Rumble” board. Look for it in 2010.
George
November 18, 2009
Sexism aside…is this the image we want for F-bomb? Like it or not, big events like BBBBQ and *cough* Bikes, Babes and Bling (seriously that’s just an awful name) go a long way to defining our town internally and externally. Spread sh%t…attract flies and maggots. Plant flowers…attract butterflies and songbirds. I know that’s not fair. Some bikers are completely awesome, beautiful people, but the generalization stands.
@mpetty – How much do the A&P Commission/BBBQ Board members hate you? LOL. I don’t always agree with you, but I am damn glad you are in there fighting the fight. I will email the Council today.
Also, the only person I could find that sits on the A&P Comm and BBBQ Board is Neal Crawford. Are there others?
mpetty
November 18, 2009
@George – I didn’t run for office to make friends… and I refuse to take a PR person (ha!).
Neal Crawford is the only one, but Allyson Twiggs Dyer is the director the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (which is the main office of the A&P), and sits on the BBBQ board as well.
Axle.Evil
November 18, 2009
Conflict of interest used to be called good ol’ fashioned graft. Neal should not be on a commission that can give 20k to fund an event (whose board he is on) that will directly benefit his restaurant. Shady, shady, sad.
George
November 18, 2009
Yeah, I’m not terribly concerned with Allyson Twiggs Dyer’s involvement in both. There’s not a direct financial benefit to her…at least not that I know of.
Neal Crawford sitting on both panels smells a lot like a catfish taco.
mpetty
November 18, 2009
I’ve asked for the books related to BBBQ. If their directors are paid, then things will be a lot worse.
milky
November 18, 2009
Matt Petty! I kind of love your activist ways.
Lawrence Caesar
November 18, 2009
I just gotta say that the entire distribution of the A&P should be questioned.
linked here->
http://www.ozarksunbound.com/fayettevilles-ap-gives-away-182850-tables-lottery-plans-at-visitors-center/7081
If you go up and down the list, there are a LOT of questions in my head about giving money to the money vacuums like Theatre Squared and Walton Arts Center, which SHOULD be self-sufficient. If it isn’t, then it’s time for them to change the venue to attract more people (OR LOWER TICKET PRICES!!!), or just call it quits.
And the Bikes, blah, blah events are just awful. Once a year, I can understand. It is an attractor…but you start having these overkill flagrant rip-off events and you spoil that whole thing.
I still say BRING IN A SIX FLAGS, a WATER PARK, or something that stays open all season to attract people from surrounding areas. And make all these people give back their money to fund it. If they really cared about Fayetteville, they would.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
Heather, Matt and Everyone,
As the chair of A&P, I would like to encourage First Thursday to apply for funding next year if they are so inclined. We did not fund them this year because they made no such request. We funded almost everything that made a request, and which we believed would use the money to bring visitors to Fayetteville. If they do not request funding (which we openly invite groups to do through newspaper advertisements), then we have no way of knowing that they need funding, no application from them, and no representatives from their organizations to make their case to us in person. Also, as you pointed out, we do already sponsor them through the CVB. I love First Thursday, have only missed it once since it started, and hope to see it flourish.
Now to address something else. While Neal was a part of the conversation relating to Bikes, Babes, and Bling, we made the decision as a group. Myself, Maudie Schmidt, the mayor, Robert Rhodes, Brandon Karn, and Bob Davis all thought that giving a first-year festival that would bring potentially thousands of visitors to our city was a good idea, regardless of what we personally think about motorcycles (I can’t stand them myself). We always try to help first year festivals if possible. If it does not bring people to town, we will likely stop funding it. If it does, we will most likely ween it off of public funds in the future as we try to do for most festivals, and which we did for BBBQ some time ago.
If anyone would like to start an arts festival, I am certain we would LOVE to look at funding it! Unfortunately, nobody is starting an arts festival in Fayetteville right now. Perhaps someone reading this would like to donate their time to starting one. I wish they would.
We don’t make money off of this–we all volunteer our time. The reason we sit on A&P is because we work in or own the businesses that collect taxes from these visitors. We make the best judgement calls we can based on the information before us, and what we believe will bring the most people to our wonderful city.
I hope you are all having a wonderful day!
Tim Freeman
Chair, A&P Commission
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
Oh, and if anybody wants to build a water park, or a Six Flags (an organization which is now bankrupt), I would bend over backwards to get them some funding. Due to our limited budget for special projects, we could only fund a small percentage of the construction cost of something this massive–although if the interest was there I feel confident that the commission would do EVERYTHING it possibly could.
mpetty
November 18, 2009
Tim – Thanks for weighing in. It’s important that the citizens of Fayetteville hear from you.
With all due respect, not funding projects because you don’t receive a funding request is a poor excuse. The A&P Commission should decide what it wants to happen, then issue RFP’s for groups to apply for the funding.
The sole focus on the A&P Commission seems to be bringing outside money to hotels and restaurants. That’s saddening. The A&P Commission should proactively seek events that build upon Fayetteville’s culture, instead of just going with anything that brings the benjamins.
I’m very happy you’re Chairman now. I hope next year you will have the courage to take the Commission in a new direction.
Don’t be afraid to knock heads.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
So, the same commission that you say is “out of touch with Fayetteville’s character” should be THE people deciding what events we want to have happen in town? I’m sorry, but that makes absolutely no sense to me.
I think we need to have people step up and apply for something they want to put on, not something we decide they should put on especially considering the trust that you seem to have in us (could you IMAGINE the heat we would get then–if WE were the ones deciding what events could even happen?!?). The reason we funded BBBQ and an arts festival in the first place (when we had one) was because somebody wanted to do it and thought it was a good idea–not commission members.
Thank you for your kind words. Believe me, if I thought it was a good idea, I would have the courage to herald it from the mountaintops.
Tim
Innarested Observer
November 18, 2009
Mr. Freeman, I applaud your having the stones to come into a public forum and interact with the citizenry and help demystify the process. This is the sort of transparency that our newspapers cannot or will not deliver and the direct approach that those of us who stop in cherish. It’s why we come here.
I still hope that we can get this thing killed, but your participation truly helps keep it civil.
OK, back to your regularly scheduled programs.
a. brown
November 18, 2009
Pssst.. feminist troublemakers. DM twitter.com/pinkpicnic
mpetty
November 18, 2009
@Tim – You already ARE the ones deciding what events get funding. Being proactive about soliciting public input on the front end is what you aren’t doing, and it’s precisely the reason you’re catching heat now.
By your own admission, you funded two more motorcycle rallies because no one brought anything better forward, and that’s hardly a good reason to dole out money.
mpetty
November 18, 2009
Tim, there is one way to fix the broader problem:
Commit now to going through a public input process in the first quarter of 2010. Based on the input received, establish RFP’s for the suggestions with the most public support in the second quarter. Examine the submissions the third quarter. Select the winners in the fourth quarter.
Can you commit your energy to involving the public with the A&P Commission’s process on the front end? Or should we expect the funding disbursed in 2010 to be similarly disappointing?
Mike Clark
November 18, 2009
If the event must go on, is it too late the change the god-awful name?
Innarested Observer
November 18, 2009
I second Mr. Petty’s proposal…
yrfuneralmytrial
November 18, 2009
Tim, I appreciate you coming on here as well. I think your explanation of how the A&P thinks/works likely has minds already reeling with ideas for future events. I also agree that the A&P should NOT seek out/solicit events to fund for the reasons you stated. Plus, I think event organizers should show some ambition on the front end. Having said all this, I still think the BB&Bling thing reeks. Neal, being deep into BB&BBQ, on the A&P board and anchored in the middle of V-twin heaven (Jose’s) should’ve realized this might get touchy. It’s like having Bikes, Blues & Bumperboats in the Loco-Motion parking lot and having Loco-Motion’s owner on the A&P board. Well, maybe that’s over the top but… People are soured on BBBQ. I am. 400,000 people = $48k to charity??? Anyway, you seem like a champ. Thanks again for coming on here.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
While they are disappointing to you, Matt, I do not think the 27 or so groups that we funded to the tune of $182,000 would agree (I’d like for you to tell TheatreSquared ($20,000 in funding) and the Walton Arts Center ($30,000 in funding) how disappointing they are to you). If you don’t think there are any good ideas out there, then by all means start a festival yourself and ask for our help–I bet we’ll even give you some free money.
Now, we already have people turn in RFPs. That’s what we spent the last two meetings reviewing, Matt, and it was all on TV. Individuals and groups bring their completed RFPs to us. It’s whatever they want to bring forth–we do not decide what events people want to put on in Fayetteville–and I personally think that if we did it would be a horrible disaster. Right now the public DOES decide what proposals are brought to the commission, and it’s as free and open as it could possible get–as few as one person can make a proposal and bring it to us. Chances are, if it advertises to bring in folks from out of town and promotes our city, we’ll fund it to some extent. Now, it doesn’t get any more democratic than that. We don’t need leadership by committee. Nailing down public opinion is not what this commission should be doing. We encourage individuals or anyone to bring forth their proposals (again, emphasis on ANYONE), and we want MORE OF IT (do you think all we care about is bike rallies?).
Now I see what you are saying, but I don’t think it’s a good idea, and here’s why: if nobody wants to produce whatever we decide on it in the first place, to who (or what) do you give the money? If somebody thinks something is a good idea, and they want to do it (bear in mind that if we fund something, there has to be a group of people willing to devote themselves to putting on said festival–money doesn’t just create events–especially since you probably won’t get paid anything, and they will have to devote a year of their life to putting it on and raising further funds from other outlets)–bring us your idea through our existing RFP process and WE WILL FUND YOU! I know I sound like a broker record here folks, but I don’t think people understand just how easy it is to get in on this process. We are not elitists. I am a man of action (if I may say so myself!), and I think that If ANYBODY is in favor or something, and they want to do it, by all means, DO IT!!! We will give you $$MONEY$$ if we have it to give!! But a commission or a group of people who show up at a meeting deciding something is a good idea does not mean that it would happen by any means without dedicated full-time people to actually produce it, and we don’t have the manpower.
As for the public input, I have encouraged members of the public to show up to our meetings any time somebody shows interest to me–NOBODY EVER COMES! PLEASE, SOMEBODY COME TO OUR MEETINGS!!! I would love to have the public there, and if someone wants to speak about something relevant, I’ll get them on the agenda–just email me ahead of time at tfreeman.khg@gmail.com and you’re on. 2nd Monday in the month–2PM at the Town Center.
Ronnie
November 18, 2009
A&P Commission: Mr. Burgerboy do you have any experience organizing an event such as the “Bury The Pole” fund raiser you have proposed and asked us seed money for?
Burgerboy: No, sir, I have no experience but I’m a big fan of money. I like it, I use it, I have a little. I keep it in a jar on top of my refrigerator. I’d like to put more in that jar. That’s where you come in.
Mike Clark
November 18, 2009
Mr. Freeman, thank you for illuminating us on the workings of the committee. I have a question, though. When deciding which events get funding, and how much they get, how much consideration is given to the image an event will project?
mpetty
November 18, 2009
@Tim – It may just be semantics, but an RFP is a request for proposals. You don’t review them, you make them.
And I’m totally with you when you say money alone won’t make an event happen, but we obviously disagree about the value of soliciting input from the public. It’s clear the A&P Commission as acted passively and, dare I say it, in a silo.
Finally, I never said every one of your funding decisions was poor. I’m a big supporter of Theatre Squared and the Walton Arts Center, and the leaders of those institutions know it because of the hours we’ve spent together working out ideas to support their organizations.
The bottom line is that the A&P Commission evaluates things based on only one criteria: will it bring us money from out of town? If the answer is yes, it gets funding regardless of its cultural implications. So the citizens of Fayetteville are stuck with the good decisions along with the piss poor ones.
Mayor Jordan took a leap of faith and held a public input symposium in the first quarter this year. By every account it has been successful, even if it hasn’t been a cure-all for the City’s ills. To say that the A&P Commission would be wrong to pursue a similar process is short-sighted and reactionary.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
Matthew,
We review submitted RFPs. That’s the way we talk in the hotel industry–they get reviewed after submission, in case you were confused.
When you decide something based on culture, that is a value judgement. We’re not in the business of making value judgements–we’re in the business of bringing people to Fayetteville (you are correct about that). We are tasked by the state with tourism promotion–it’s in the law. Besides, your idea of culture would be different from anyone else’s idea of culture, but that is beside the point in this case.
Now, as far as piss poor decisions go, that is a judgement on your part–again. There were very valid reasons we gave funding to each of the events/groups who received it. And that’s why we have commissions, to make those tough decisions. A parallel example is the vote you made on the doggie day care last night at city council. If the vote would have gone your way, I would have probably considered it a “piss poor” decision due to the fact that it would probably run away a good number of my guests at the Hampton Inn. But I would have been stuck with it. And the lady who wanted to build it (thank the GODS she could not), would have been delighted. So in short, what you see depends on where you’re standing, doesn’t it?
And I’m not saying that it’s “wrong” to pick an event through a symposium. I am saying that it will not work. Because it won’t (see my previous post detailing why that is the case). That is not reactionary, it is realistic.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
Mike-
While we look at everything, the main determiner of where an event will get funded is whether we think they will use the money to bring people to town to experience Fayetteville. This is based on what they are requesting money for in the RFP. An example: we didn’t give nearly as much money to the 540 Film Festival back in October as I would have liked because they were going to spend money on housing people and travel instead of promoting the festival. I LOVED the image it presents of Fayetteville (and hope they come back next year with a better proposal), but what they were spending taxpayer money on we could not justify. Does that make sense? We base it on merit. We don’t discuss who it is bringing to town or its image so much.
Tim
mpetty
November 18, 2009
@Tim – Before I respond again, I want to emphasize that I’m thankful you’re here commenting.
The reason I want to emphasize that is because it is a level of engagement the A&P Commission has never risen to before now. You must realize that, and you must realize that the absence of this level of engagement does mean the Commission has been operating in a silo. Sure, your meetings are on the government channel, but that hardly counts as doing everything the Commission should to engage citizens.
The reason no one comes to your meetings is because they are barely advertised, and the purpose and value of attending is advertised even less. You’ve taken the first step in coming here and asking people to attend. Kudos to you, and I’m sure if you continue the trend you will see a different level of participation, on the part of the public, in 2010. Truthfully, this is something your Director should be doing. Where are the Facebook status updates? The newspapers ads? The letters to the editor soliciting proposals? The answer is: they don’t exist precisely because the Commission, at least until now, has considered them unnecessary.
Regarding values, it most definitely is your responsibility to make value judgements. To say otherwise would be to admit that the branding discussion you had earlier in the year was misplaced. It wasn’t. The whole reason we have a (diverse?) Commission is so that the value judgements you do make will reflect the values of the community as a whole. If it’s not your responsibility to make value judgements, then how will you decide among projects to fund when you are presented with an overwhelming number? Will that future decision-making process be based solely on predicted tourism?
If so, the Commission would be ignoring it’s first responsibility in it’s use of funds as laid out in Arkansas statute 26-75-606(a)(1)(A)(i), which says the Commission should spend funds on “advertising and promoting the city and its environs.” The decision to make predicted tourism dollars the primary consideration is one the Fayetteville A&P Commission made on its own; it seems largely a function of tradition; and judging by the reaction to the decision to fund two additional motorcycle rallies based on that criteria, is clearly a mistake.
If we accept that value judgements are both necessary and inevitable, let’s talk about it in the context of the doggie day care vote. The reason it failed last night is precisely because the Council represents the values of the community as a whole, not any one person. The doggie day care vote serves as an illustration of the main problem with the A&P Commission. While the Council represents the values of the community as a whole, the A&P Commission does not. Hence, the poopstorm you are witnessing regarding the Commission’s decision to fund not just one, but two more motorcycle rallies.
It was even worse before Pat Gazzola resigned, but it’s still not fixed. There’s still more work to do to align the Commission’s values with the community, and our values include more than vanilla tourism. As Chairman, making sure the Commission’s values align with the community’s values is your job, and you can start by directing your staff to engage the public in a more active manner from the beginning.
To say you’re already doing enough to engage the public is to ignore the reaction you are witnessing right now.
David Franks
November 18, 2009
“While we look at everything, the main determiner of where an event will get funded is whether we think they will use the money to bring people to town to experience Fayetteville.”
How are the people who come to BB&BBQ or BB&B going to experience Fayetteville? Such events pretty effectively prevent any experience of the real Fayetteville. That’s like saying that the KUAF pledge drives give you the real experience of KUAF. Neither KUAF nor Fayetteville is really that grating or obnoxious.
Has BB&BBQ proven to bring repeat visitors during other times of the year, when they can really experience Fayetteville? What percentage of the total BB&BBQ visitors? If not, or if only a small percentage, then the A&P is wasting money, according to your main criterion. Better to invest money in a series of related events derived from the indigenous characteristics of the place, presented at a scale that is appropriate to the size of the place. This would set up a consistent milieu in which Fayetteville could really be experienced and reinforced in the minds of visitors.
There is a huge difference between experiencing a place and merely spending money there. If BB&BBQ were a real Fayetteville experience, I would most assuredly not be planning to move to Fayetteville.
On the other hand, my lovely wife and I miss the Fayetteville Arts Festival. We always enjoyed coming down for it.
Tim Freeman
November 18, 2009
Matthew,
I appreciate your input. Clearly we disagree.
My main purpose in posting here was to explain to people how we make our decisions, and some of the reasons why. I hope I have helped to accomplish that.
No two people will ever agree about exactly what should be funded (as evidenced by our lively on-air debates at A&P). However, I love to hear opinions expressed, and I encourage people to give them to myself and all of the A&P Commission members. Our contact information is available on the city website (accessfayetteville) as well as our website (experiencefayetteville.com). In addition, you Matthew, have your direct outlet though the city representation in your fellow alderman Robert Rhodes, as well as the mayor. I encourage you to pass along any input you have to them as well, as that is why we have city representation. I would also love to see you at one of our meetings.
Now I must take my Nyquil and go to sleep, but it’s been good chatting.
David–I miss the arts festival as well. We funded them every time they asked us to (and I believe something like $50,000 the first time). We even gave them emergency funding last year when they didn’t apply for funding because they “were too busy”. I wish somebody would re-start it. But that is just the perfect example of how difficult it is to run these festivals–my mother has helped organize numerous festivals (mainly in Eureka Springs) and it is backbreaking work with very little financial reward. I hope that some producers or organizers decide to give it another go.
Again, I don’t like bikes either–that’s why I leave town that weekend as well–but I know some people do, and we must respect them as well.
Good night to you too.
David Franks
November 18, 2009
Mr. Freeman–
Good night to yourself and all, but my mention of the Fayetteville Arts Festival was an aside, for contrast. You didn’t answer my questions or address the issues I raised. How well does BB&BBQ meet the main criterion for funding? This has nothing to do with the local popularity of the event.
And how well can BB&BBQ give a real impression of Fayetteville when– not just a number of townsfolk (who are, by definition, Fayetteville itself)– even the chairman of the A&P Commission leaves town while it is going on?
Thank you.
Mark_Landry
November 18, 2009
Okay, I think we’ve established that no one cares enough about A&P to go to meetings, but we sure as hell care when they fund ANOTHER motorcycle rally, or tell the WAC to move across the street from Catfish Hole, or some other outrage (yet to be seen).
What happened to the Dickson Street Music Festival last year? Georges teamed up with the city to put that on, from what I understand; was that A&P money? They kind of addressed Fayetteville’s redneck/progressive dichotomy by putting Charlie Daniels and Shooter Jennings on one night, and Sonic Youth and Michael Franti on another.
Maybe that is the approach, instead of BB&BBQ spinning off another event geared at people who should be involved in the primary event, maybe the folks who are on that board should try an event that doesn’t involve loud motors, bad music, and copious amounts of meat.
The problem is that those who are willing to spend 50k on a motorcycle are obviously the types who are willing to drop bills in local hotels and bars. Why not aim festivals at them? They’re fish in a barrel.
Making money for hospitality doesn’t really address many of Fayetteville resident’s concern about sustainability, which is a large part of the outrage for me. We have a successful festival (monetarily) celebrating a lifestyle based on a mode of personal transportation, but much of Fayetteville’s push lately has been toward pedestrian transportation.
We need a celebration of trails, not just motors; a celebration of music, not just blues, and a celebration of local food, not just meat. Those are the parts of Fayetteville that don’t bring 400,000 visitors. They bring 65,000 residents.
Tim Freeman
November 19, 2009
David–
We don’t fund Bikes, Blues, and BBQ. They are already successful enough without our help (that’s why we are all so ready to leave town that weekend!!). We helped them get started, but like with most things, we eventually cut them loose.
The only Bike rallies we are giving any money to are first year events. We fund almost any new festival that we can that asks for money for promotion and advertising in markets outside of Fayetteville. That’s how Bikes, Babes, and Bling, and Bikes, Blues, and Hot Rods Too both got some funding, and how they met the criteria.
Okay, I’m really going to sleep now.
But first, Mark–Two quick points. You know the former chair resigned for his WAC comments–it wasn’t “they”, it was him. That’s unfair. Flat out. Anybody on the commission today had nothing to do with it–in fact we pretty much disagreed INSTANTLY at that meeting, if you don’t recall. But I continued to read your post anyway.
I couldn’t agree more with your festival idea. I think you should start one! I’m not kidding. Somebody had to have the idea for BBBQ.
David Franks
November 19, 2009
Ah. Thank you.
Stuart
November 19, 2009
I think if you can only fund what is brought to you, and all that is brought is horrible ideas, like a derivative event with a horrible name and logo that is essentially a flaming vagina, then why not not give away any money, and give all the tax payers a tax credit.
Matt (not Petty)
November 19, 2009
The main thing that I know about BBBBQ is that I worked for years in an office directly across the hall from them, and every year they spent about three months hiring the youngest, blondest and most attractive ‘secretaries’ they could possibly lay their hands on.
It felt like a backroom out of _Mad Men_ or something, every time I walked by.
yrfuneralmytrial
November 19, 2009
Hey, hot blondes have to pay the rent just like everyone else.
David Franks
November 19, 2009
yrfuneralmytrial–
I thought hot blondes had to pay the rent differently than everybody else, even though the obligation is the same.
Misty
November 19, 2009
Well isn’t this lovely? Pole burying and flaming vag comments mixed in with city policy debate… That’s what I love about the Flyer. I think Bikes Babes and Bling is a horrible idea, but I also think the uproar over it is much ado about nothing. It will probably fail miserably, and A&P won’t fund it next year. I agree with Tim that it’s not the A&P’s job to go out looking for people do put on festivals. It’s our duty as citizens to be proactive about making Fayetteville the city we want it to be. If you’re down with art festivals, then form a committee and start putting one together. What I find interesting is that I’m hearing all this commitment on here for the Fayetteville arts scene. But when I went to the 540 Film Festival this year, there were several screenings at which I was one of only 2 or 3 people in attendance. And there were lovely films, too. I was completely impressed with what the group put together, and I’m sure it will be even better next year. I guess what I’m saying is that, instead of complaining, we should start participating. Put together your own proposals. And even more importantly, attend and support the current local art scene.
Robbie Joens
November 21, 2009
Mr. Petty –
With all due respect, if an art’s festival is so important to you, then why don’t you organize an arts festival, submit a proposal, and then the have the A and P fund it?
Mr. Freeman has said time and time again that if there’s a proposal, he would love to fund it. If such an event is so important to you, which clearly it is by the time you’ve spent arguing with Tim about it, then why don’t you do the legwork that you’re demanding the A&P do?
mpetty
November 21, 2009
That’s a fair question, but you misunderstand what I’m asking the A&P Commission to do.
I’m not asking the A&P to organize an arts festival. I’m asking them to request specific proposals, which is different than asking them to organize an event. Foundations do this all the time: they say “We have goal X. We have Y amount of dollars for goal X. We will review any reasonable proposals for accomplishing goal X and if there is a proposal that we feel will be successful, we will give them Y dollars.”
It’s a more proactive way of accomplishing what the A&P is trying to do, and it would get better results.
I would do this at City Hall, but our budget is much tighter than the A&P’s because demands on our revenues are more diverse. The general consensus at City Hall is that this is the kind of thing A&P money should be used for, not general tax revenues.
Tim and I have agreed to disagree about the level of public input the A&P Commission should solicit, as well as the purpose of the A&P Commission. He says it’s to bring in tourist dollars, I say it’s to promote the City and its environs. Subtle differences make for vastly different results.
hoglvr
November 21, 2009
wow! 94 comments. Is that some kind of record?? Bravo FF for getting people talking.
OutOfAR
November 22, 2009
If this thing happens and they stick with that piss-poor innuendo of a logo up there, I’d like to suggest a few name changes:
Girls, Growlers, & Gashes
Matrons, Motorcycles, & Muffs
Women, Wagons, & Wizard Sleeves
Squaws, Scooters, & Snatches
Ladies, Leather, & Love Tunnels
Hausfraus, Hogs, & Hoo-Has
Dames, Dirt Bikes, & Dew Flaps
Hank
November 22, 2009
@Axle – Eureka Springs at least did have a bicycle festival every year. The last time I heard about it they were screening Pee Wee’s Big Adventure outdoors at Basin Park. With all the new trails in Fayettville you’d think they could put together something pretty sweet. I really don’t see how motorcyle rally and helping women go together to the tune of $20,000. A bicycle rally would promote health and fitness, but that don’t usually sell the beer, if you catch my drift$$$$$$.(Poor grammar intended)
Hank
November 22, 2009
And the name; Bikes, Babes and ?Bling? What is this 1998? Are all the biker chicks going to ride into town just “flossin’” in their gold chains with the dollar sign medallions. Is there a special performance by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince? This sounds like an idea by Old Man Underwood. He couldn’t ever get those crazy biker kids off his lawn. Now there will be a special event where they all come to town to buy his jewelry. Mr. Burns declares this to “excellent….”.
David Franks
November 22, 2009
If you have to import an activity and its participants, it isn’t a local experience. Hope grows watermelons; Gilroy grows garlic. Their respective festivals are appropriate and worthwhile. A biker convocation in Fayetteville is a complete fabrication.
I still wonder if BB&BBQ has created tourism by inducing people to come back to Fayetteville to actually experience the city, since they can’t do so during BB&BBQ. (This has nothing to do with whether the A&P Commission still funds BB&BBQ; my previous questions were not clear.) If so, tell us. If not, then why fund another event that will most likely fail as well to meet that primary criterion?
Or is the intention to make motorcycle rallies so constant that they become, in fact, the true Fayetteville experience?
yrfuneralmytrial
November 22, 2009
Money, money, money. Start there and most, if not all, debate is rendered moot. This applies to this discussion, the lack of a healthy local music scene etc… If there’s no support ($$$) for our high-falutin’ ideas then it’s a walk down “lowest common denominator” avenue. See you at the two-wheeled she-ape festival.
Urk
November 22, 2009
@Matt
i might be missing something, but I don’t think that the people handing out money for advertising and promotion need to be the ones pre-selecting the kinds of proposals they are looking to fund. I could see maybe some more stringent guidelines about what kinds of events get money. tim says they fund almost all first time festivals, but maybe if festivals too closely resembling ones already ahppening or festivals too unrelated to the town? osmething…
mpetty
November 23, 2009
@Urk – It’s a mistake to think that public input on the front end would not be part of the process to generate appropriate RFP’s. I laid out this scenario earlier:
1st quarter: a public input process to generate “leads”, the most supported leads are turned into RFP’s in order to find the best proposals
2nd quarter: proposals are put together by the community in response to the RFP’s
3rd quarter: the proposals are reviewed by the A&P Commission and the Commission works closely with submitters to improve the proposals
4th quarter: funding decisions are made
This is not dissimilar from how a foundation works, and at no point in time does the A&P Commission become the “sole deciders” (as Tim put it) of projects that get money. If anything, they are sole deciders now, and my suggestion would open up the process.
I-want-a-liveable-town
November 23, 2009
The main issue for deciding which events to promote and fund should NOT be charity donations but to how the events affect the town-ALL of the residents-not just a segment of the business owner class. All it takes to make this BikerBabes festival a yearly event is for it to happen once. Then it can’t be stopped.
And what is this nonsense about not being able to regulate events? That’s a total legal cop out and whatever city attorney told you that should be fired.
I-want-a-liveable-town
November 23, 2009
Also any money such as $20K used to promote an event needs to be deducted from the balance sheet when reporting “profits”.
Please someone research the sales tax figures for the businesses owned by members of the A&P, ChamberofCommerce, BBBBQ Board of Directors, newspapers, etc. and let’s see how much THEY profit from Biker events, how much THEY contribute to the cost of the festivals and how much THEY donate back to the community.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF THESE EVENTS TO THE TAXPAYERS?
Al
November 23, 2009
I really wish that the A&P and the BB&Q Board would have at least put some feelers out to people before announcing out of the blue that we will be having another NOISY AND OVER-CROWDED festival. Don’t these people care what they ram down the throats of their neighbors? Is money the only thing people care about anymore? What about respecting the feelings of your neighbors?
Once a year is enough! If they want to have a Bikes Blues and Bling festival, let them hold it in Springdale, Rogers or Bentonville.
B-Fair
November 23, 2009
I would support this 3rd festival IF AND ONLY IF the A&P Commission, Chamber of Commerce etal., officially invite the nationally recognized womens biker group “Dykes On Bikes” and declared this event “Gay Friendly, Gay Positive”.
Let’s take a cue from that little kid in West Fork and show the rest of Arkansas what it means to be cosmopolitan and enlightened. There are DOB chapters in Atlanta, Denver, Detroit- do a search and see for yourself. I’ve seen these gals leading off big parades in major cities and they are great. This suggestion is sincere, by the way.
glenlivet
November 23, 2009
The A&P Commission is out-of-line with promotion of new festivals. The State guidelines are to promote the year-round qualities to promote tourism, not create festivals, or change the characteristics of the City. The City Council needs to regain control of this “rogue” entity. The residents of the City are completely on the sidelines, what we have is appointed group designed to generating more A&P funds, via increasing restaurant and hotel revenues. If the A&P could collect a tax on musicians, or other artists, they would do more to increase revenues collected through musicians and gallaries. It is as simple as that.
Mullva
November 24, 2009
@ Innarested – I’m so pissed I cant’ even post!
@OutofAr – FUNNY!
Just what we need……..Fat Chicks in assless chaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One more event to drive local folks out of our houses and to the lake house for the weekend!!
When are we going to quit catering to events that are completly against the 2025 goals stated by the city?
Thousands of motorcycles with no mufflers is worse that 750,000 at an event?
WhatLakehouse?
November 24, 2009
Lakehouse-What’s that?
Most of us working people can’t just “leave town” as so often recommended by members of the business owner class who obviously have plenty of surplus cash, vacation homes and the freedom apparently to leave whenever they want. Oh yes, and they don’t live in areas affected by the NOISE.
George
November 24, 2009
My social idealism clouds my judgement. Wouldn’t it be nice if a festival could just have a content theme and not have to explicity state that it’s “women” or “gay” or whatever friendly? Shouldn’t any group/races/etc feel welcome already? Maybe I give Fayetteville (and humanity in general) too much credit. Maybe I just don’t see it b/c I don’t give a rat’s tiny a-hole about such things.
I agree w/ Mullva…our officials should keep the 2025 goals in mind. Otherwise, what was the point?
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I am the walrus?
Al
November 26, 2009
Perhaps folks who are against this can have the event placed on the City Council agenda. If we don’t want this new rally, now is the time to start opposing it. Don’t wait until June.
LJ
December 2, 2009
1999 called and wants the word “bling” back. I guess it’s too late for a do-over on the name of this forthcoming event. Too bad.
Laurie
December 2, 2009
I’m pretty sure the logo is supposed to look like a butterfly, but I still like the suggestion from OutOfAR of “Ladies, Leather, & Love Tunnels”. Can they get Spinal Tap to perform?? Their song “Sex Farm” would kill.
duh
December 9, 2009
I want my tax money back.
And no more 12 year old boys on the A&P commission.
FayetteVillain
January 9, 2010
Make no mistake, I don’t care for bike festivals. I don’t go to BBB, and will not be around for this second bike rally. But the heat A and P is getting is odd to me. Organizations from the city have to come to them with proposals. AnP has no control over the groups that apply for funding; so their decisions are limited to groups that actually apply for funding. What better proposals were turned down in favor of the biker rally? I’ve yet to hear of any from Mr. Perry and company. If only he and his cohorts would spend more time organizing groups in the community to promote events and apply for AnP money then biker rallies wouldn’t be getting this funding.
Then again, I suspect Mr. Petty’s opposition to biker rallies is personal. With all of those motorcycles parked around town, it will be hard for Matt to suppress his criminal urge. Now that’s he gotten away with stealing a bicycle, I suspect he is having trouble quenching the desire to steal bigger, faster, motorized bikes.
Heather Kendrick-Gerlaugh
January 11, 2010
Thank you FayetteVillain, that’s really the issue, isn’t it?
“Organizations from the city have to come to them with proposals. A&P has no control over the groups that apply for funding; so their decisions are limited to groups that actually apply for funding.”
Its been said over and over again in the comments, especially by Tim Freeman (thank you Tim, your response is appreciated) and yet there’s still so much focus on “yet another bike rally” and denying permits.
I weighed in months ago saying that our one arts festival type event in Fayetteville is not funded by the A&P, but no one applied. The funding issue falls on the organization (or lack thereof) not on the A&P. We certainly can’t expect the A&P Commission to go handing out funds to anyone who might look like they need them.
What we lack is the drive and determination as citizens to put in the hard work and long hours make an event happen, in the 2 months that this post has been up has anyone come forward to say “we’re working on that arts festival!” ? Not to my knowledge. We’ve got First Thursday, and there are organizations within the city looking at 2010 as an opportunity to bring new art-centered events into our town, but 2 months is plenty of time to get pissed off and organized and put together a festival that truly makes an impact, brings locals out on the streets, gets them involved and spending money in our local businesses…
We planned Take Your Kids to Dickson in a month. We worked hard and we made it happen because there was a clear need for it: http://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2009/06/12/take-your-kids-to-dickson
In the process, we relied on Alderman Petty to assist us when we ran into roadblocks with city regulations and issues we as first-time event planners had no idea how to deal with. He made waves and helped us tremendously. The system worked for us.
This time, everyone is simply too busy throwing a fit to DO something… and maybe that’s because we’re not really that pissed off that ANOTHER bike festival is coming to town, but because no one asked us first, dammit. Many locals have limited interest in this event, the BBBQ people know that, and yet they plan another event!?!
The “Shouldn’t they just be glad we don’t throw too big a fit during the main festival!? We’re not going to stand for this!” attitude isn’t getting us anywhere. It does absolutely no good to complain and not DO.
Planning an event in Fayetteville is hard work, I know from experience. I’ve also found that no matter how many apologies and thank you’s or suck-up cupcakes you bake (nothing wrong with being shameless) there are always going to be roadblocks. In my opinion, our focus really should never be denying permits for any new festivals, but encouraging citizens to join together and make the change ourselves that we want to see in our city. An issue that desperately needs attention is simplifying the process of attaining event permits in the first place, so that Fayetteville citizens can organize and say “we’re going to do something, and its going to be awesome” and actually do it. Its hard enough to accomplish everything on a city level without any additional restrictions.
I’m anxious to see how this whole Bikes Babes & Bling debate goes. I will definitely be at the council meeting.
Now about that Arts Festival… who’s with me?
heather.gerlaugh@gmail.com
Leslie Engles
January 11, 2010
I have to agree that Bikes, Blues and Bling is kind of redundant and ridiculous when you think about how BBB is and how it destroys the city and inconveniences all of the people that live in NWA because they take over everything and leave their mark behind. I love that MPetty was talking about members being on the BBB board and the City Council and that it is a conflict of interest. Let’s also discuss how the CVB does nothing for Fayetteville. Our tax dollars paying their salaries is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of. No one can figure out exactly what it is that “they” do all day every day. I’d sure like to know!
buzz
January 13, 2010
Lord, you poor whiney people. Have you checked with the local business people about your objection of bringing in lots of out of town people to spend money in your town, not to mention a good chunk of NW Arkansas? Must be nice to live in a rich state, where the small business people have more business and money than they can handle.
Jack
January 16, 2010
Ok folks. You know why Fayetteville is going to have a second biker rally? Because someone wanted it bad enough to do the work to make it happen. You want an arts festival? Fine…get off your lazy backside and go make it happen instead of hiding behind your computer griping about someone else doing what they wanted to do. You want a gay/lesbian parade? Go organize it. Same for chili cookoffs, nudist rally, swinger convention…if you want it, go do the work and shut up about someone else’s ideas!
Tim Freeman
January 19, 2010
Leslie-
You are more than welcome to attend one of our A&P Commission meetings so that you can find out all the wonderful things that the CVB staff is working on for the city and the taxpayers. It would take forever to list them all.
Tim Freeman
Another local resident
January 19, 2010
You better attend them all, because Tim refuses to publish agendas in advance.
Out of Towner
June 1, 2010
Wow, I got a phone call today from a fellow motorcycle enthusiast telling of this new event. He thought that I, a lady motorcycle rider, might be interested in such an event. I look up the name and this thread is what I come across. Wow, again.
First, we attended BBBBQ last year, it was a wonderful event. We met amazing people from Fayetteville and surrounding areas and truly felt like your town was a “biker-friendly” community. Since the event, we have returned twice to experience Fayetteville during non-festival times. So don’t think that people just come for the events, that may be the initial draw, but it is the friendly people, great food and warm atmosphere that will bring them back. And, I do not know what the revenue from the event was, but from researching other similar events, the average biker spends approximately $300-$400 per day! It seems to me, that “we” are bringing a lot of money to your community, that is being taxed, part of which is the money used to fund other events.
If you are unhappy about the fact that there are not enough Art festivals or Bicycle events, go to the meetings, fill out the proper paperwork and stop sitting back complaining about something YOU can change. I find it refreshing that Tim Freeman of your A&P Commission will get on a public forum to defend, explain and interact.
Now, in regards to the new ladies bike rally. If you have ever been to a rally, you would know that most are geared towards men and are progressively integrating the female riders. Even Harley Davidson declared May as Women Riders Month.
What’s in a name? Everyone will always have an opinion about the name of an event. For example, The Testicle Festival…not my cup of tea but you can figure out from the name what it’s about.Let me say that when I heard the name,Bikes, Babes & Bling, I knew it was a female event (I’m sure that’s what they were hoping for, as well as sticking with the BBB theme of the already successful BBBQ) I did not think, however, this was a lesbian event and take offense to anyone so close-minded to think that all female riders are gay. Ridiculous!! How about you educate yourselves to the fact that the motorcycle industry has seen growth by leaps and bounds in the female rider category. As a matter of fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that 12% of all motorcyclists are women!
And if you are going to stereo-type ALL female riders as lesbians or “Fat chicks in assless chaps” then perhaps we should believe the stereo type that everyone from Arkansas is a toothless inbreeder!! Open your minds and close your mouths!
Out of Towner
June 1, 2010
I wanted to add more after my last post.
I Googled A&P Commission of Fayetteville and on the website I was able to locate information very easily. It states very clearly that anyone requesting money over $2,000 need to have their applications in By April 1st and October 1st. for review. It also states what the money from the fund can/cannot be used for.
In addition, the meetings are said to be held on the second Monday of each month at 2p.m. at the Fayetteville Town Center.
AND, if you are just certain that they are conspiring against you, you know planning secret meetings in addition to the already scheduled ones…why not contact Marilyn Heifner, you know, the Executive Director, at (479)587-9944 and ASK!! You have time to post here, over and over and over again, pick up a phone and educate yourself!!
JabberJaw
June 9, 2010
I think it’s great that we are getting another BBB event, maybe some of you are too concerned with equal rights, charity, etc. I’m all for them but in case some of you haven’t noticed “business owners” in NWA have taken some big hits over the last few years of this bad economy. Many of us employ many of you and we have been struggling! As a self employed business owner I for one am glad to see all the BBB events as I’m sure restaurants, hotels, bars, gas stations, clothing stores, etc. etc. owners are too!! We need all the new business we can get during these still slow times. For every one Bike or Hot Rod event we have here there are dozens of Art festivals, craft fairs, farmers markets, musicals and plays coming to this town. No shortage of culture if you want it.
Gregg R. Thomas
June 16, 2010
Out of Towner “And if you are going to stereo-type ALL female riders as lesbians or “Fat chicks in assless chaps” then perhaps we should believe the stereo type that everyone from Arkansas is a toothless inbreeder!! Open your minds and close your mouths!”
Well said Lady Rider…Rubber Side Down. :)
DPow294
June 27, 2010
After reading the comments posted, I have mixed thoughts. I do not live in Fayetteville but have several family members that call Fayetteville home and have made frequent visits. Tourism is important but can be frustrating. I am a woman and ride my own motorcycle, however I generally avoid rallies as much as paying extra taxes. I really dislike the name; bikes, babes and bling. My husband, son and I were planning to ride to Fayetteville for the 4th, but in light of this big rally…maybe not. I regularly participate in good causes, but is this really one? It is not that I picture myself superior to others, I think it is just the whole shallow feel of it that will probably make us seriously consider others options for the 4th.
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