Kudos to parking lot volunteers: “I wanted to congratulate you on the story on the Garlic Festival. It’s a good reason why local papers should stay in existence. On your heroes though, I think you left someone out that is a super volunteer that you might want to go back and consider. It’s the lady, I believe her name is Suki, who runs with 350 volunteers in the parking lot. Those kids work in the dust and it’s a remarkable feat that they can even live through that. I’m telling you this in spite of the fact that is cost me $120 to park there because I blew a tire on a rock. But I’d like to see those people given credit along with the fire throwers and so forth in Gourmet Alley. Thank you.”
Sure thing, caller. Actually, if you take a look at Tuesday’s edition, page A10 was dedicated to profiling some volunteers at the Garlic Festival. Although Suki wasn’t mentioned, the Dispatch did acknowledge the youngsters who brave the heat and help out with parking – the Red Phone tips its hat to them.
Loved the Fest: “I wanted to say thanks for such great coverage on the Garlic Festival. And thanks to all the people who went out in the sunshine to volunteer at the event. It was so much fun, as always. But so hot! And I’m so grateful so many people donate their time to go out in the heat and work. The Garlic Festival is a wonderful event that brings a lot of people to our great city and has really put us on the map. It’s for a great cause and I agree with the caller before (on Aug. 3) who said that some people should consider what it’s all for and quit complaining about the parking and the traffic. Good job to the Dispatch and to the Garlic Festival.”
The Red Phone’s with you on that one. Thanks for the call and your comments.
Stale garlic?: “I’m calling about the Garlic Festival. I’m just wondering if it’s getting a little stale. I want to say that don’t forget, without the customers, you wouldn’t need the volunteers. Don’t get me wrong, the Festival does a great job, but there’s always room for improvement.
Next year, the Festival might want to consider putting some of their profit into renting a large tent where 100 tables could be set up so that customers could sit down and enjoy the meal with a beverage of their choice rather than standing and eating in the hot sun. It could be placed in front of Gourmet Alley, sort of like a food court. You could even tie in some of the entertainment from the small stage by the hospitality section. The hospitality section is enjoyed by the volunteers, it definitely gives them a place to relax. But now consider doing something for the customers. Don’t forget, the customer is always right.”
Hmm … a shade tent isn’t a bad idea. But caller, the Red Phone guesses it’s going to get a few calls about your stale comment and your – jab? – at Garlic Fest volunteers. Thanks in advance for possibly bringing in lots of Red Phone calls.
Profit point: “Hey Red Phone. Just a point of clarification. I can understand the confusion … the Dispatch on Tuesday said the Garlic Festival made $1.65 million net profit, but just so you know there’s a difference between net profit and gross revenue. Profits will be determined after the expenses are in and will be nothing like that number. It’s important because the volunteers will be looking at that number for their share. So you may want to look into that economic disconnect and perhaps run a correction and let people know that the net profit will probably be known later. Thanks.”
Thanks for the call. The Dispatch ran a clarification on Wednesday, letting readers know that profit will be known at a later date and that the $1.65 million was actually total revenue.
Have your say: Ideas being batted around regarding the Festival are paid VIP parking and now the caller suggested a large shade tent near Gourmet Alley. What do you think? Call in and let the Red Phone know. But remember to leave a name and number. Call 842-9070 or e-mail re******@************ch.com.
