Lucy Desi Days Arrive
By PATRICK L. FANELLI
|
5/25/2007 - There's a buzz in the air leading up to the Lucy-Desi Days, which draws hundreds from all across the country to celebrate Jamestown's favorite native daughter, says Patricia Brininger, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Canter associate director.
The festival kicks off today with events continuing throughout the weekend celebrating the life and legacy of television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
''It's exciting,'' Ms. Brininger said Thursday. ''You can already tell the day before the festival. You can feel it.''
She didn't have updated figures, but nearly two weeks ago, she and Ric Wyman, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Canter executive center, announced that tickets had already been purchased by fans from 25 states and three countries.
''Half the country is represented by fans at each festival,'' Wyman said.
Wyman and Ms. Brininger estimate that 95 percent of those who take part in the Lucy-Desi Days are from outside the area, which means most local residents do not participate in the city's Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz culture.
''People from all over the world go to Niagara Falls. But when you live there you never do,'' Wyman said. ''If you polled the Jamestown community, a good majority haven't visited (the Lucy-Desi Museum). ... It's not a bad thing — it's just reality.''
But the fact that an estimated 95 percent of festival goers come from out of the area means far more money pumped into the local economy.
Wyman believes the asset that is Jamestown's Lucy-Desi history can be an incredible engine for economic growth if it is properly tapped. He also believes the loyal fan base that descends upon the city every year to celebrate occasions like the Lucy-Desi Days isn't going anywhere.
''There's a misconception that 'I love Lucy' is for the baby boomers and beyond. That's a huge misconception,'' Wyman said, adding he knows many children who know the Vitameatavegamin speech better than some of the die-hard fans.
Numerous events will take place all weekend long, culminating in two separate appearances by Lucie Arnaz, daughter of the iconic television stars. At 8 p.m. Saturday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, Ms. Arnaz will moderate a discussion of the healing power of laughter — and at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, she will perform in concert to celebrate her father's legacy.
In addition to the events that will be taking place all weekend long, the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation will be adding to the festival atmosphere by hosting food and novelty vendors along Third Street between North Main and Spring.
''There will be something for everyone to enjoy this weekend,'' said Tiffani Reynolds, DJDC special projects manager.
Windstream's antique truck will also be on display with free giveaways and a football toss.
''Hopefully, it will bring more of a local draw to Lucy Fest,'' Ann Mason of Windstream said at a recent DJDC meeting.
Send comments to pfanelli@post-journal.com.
The festival kicks off today with events continuing throughout the weekend celebrating the life and legacy of television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
''It's exciting,'' Ms. Brininger said Thursday. ''You can already tell the day before the festival. You can feel it.''
She didn't have updated figures, but nearly two weeks ago, she and Ric Wyman, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Canter executive center, announced that tickets had already been purchased by fans from 25 states and three countries.
''Half the country is represented by fans at each festival,'' Wyman said.
Wyman and Ms. Brininger estimate that 95 percent of those who take part in the Lucy-Desi Days are from outside the area, which means most local residents do not participate in the city's Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz culture.
''People from all over the world go to Niagara Falls. But when you live there you never do,'' Wyman said. ''If you polled the Jamestown community, a good majority haven't visited (the Lucy-Desi Museum). ... It's not a bad thing — it's just reality.''
But the fact that an estimated 95 percent of festival goers come from out of the area means far more money pumped into the local economy.
Wyman believes the asset that is Jamestown's Lucy-Desi history can be an incredible engine for economic growth if it is properly tapped. He also believes the loyal fan base that descends upon the city every year to celebrate occasions like the Lucy-Desi Days isn't going anywhere.
''There's a misconception that 'I love Lucy' is for the baby boomers and beyond. That's a huge misconception,'' Wyman said, adding he knows many children who know the Vitameatavegamin speech better than some of the die-hard fans.
Numerous events will take place all weekend long, culminating in two separate appearances by Lucie Arnaz, daughter of the iconic television stars. At 8 p.m. Saturday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, Ms. Arnaz will moderate a discussion of the healing power of laughter — and at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, she will perform in concert to celebrate her father's legacy.
In addition to the events that will be taking place all weekend long, the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation will be adding to the festival atmosphere by hosting food and novelty vendors along Third Street between North Main and Spring.
''There will be something for everyone to enjoy this weekend,'' said Tiffani Reynolds, DJDC special projects manager.
Windstream's antique truck will also be on display with free giveaways and a football toss.
''Hopefully, it will bring more of a local draw to Lucy Fest,'' Ann Mason of Windstream said at a recent DJDC meeting.
Send comments to pfanelli@post-journal.com.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment