Washroom Facilities…

Why do washroom facilities for a lot of festivals and events seem to be an after thought? It is very disappointing to find poorly placed and badly maintained and equipped facilities! It is almost as though event organizers are embarrassed that they have to provide washroom facilities! They place them in out of the way locations, not taking into consideration those who need them the most. It’s like they don’t want the washroom facilities to interfere with the rest of the festival! I have been told that Disney Parks place a great deal of attention to their facilities. Only senior trained staff is allowed to maintain their facilities. They realize that clean washroom well stocked washroom facilities reflect their entire operation! So, if it such a high priority to Disney, why isn’t it important to most Ontario festival and event organizers? This is such an easy way to win the hearts and loyalty of the patrons! The following is a list of my top washroom facilities “pet peeves”:
1. Poorly located facilities, especially for visitors who need to use the facilities frequently
2. Too few washrooms for the size of the event
3. Lack of or no disabled facilities
4. Unclean and poorly maintained facilities
5. No wash-up stations
6. Poorly stocked facilities (toilet paper, water, towels, soap, etc.)
Organizers should make sure they inspect the washroom facilities that they are renting to ensure that they are good quality and reflect the quality of the event. They should also insist on frequent clean out, even if it costs a little more. Finally organizers should ask for references and check them out. Remember these washroom facilities are an intricate part of your festivals reputation.
Having well maintained, startegically placed washrooms high on your priority list will pay big dividends. If it works for Disney, it will work for you and, your visitors will appreciate your efforts!

They’re The Best!

Last week I was in Bracebridge to attend a friend’s 65th surprise birthday party. Judi and I decided to stay overnight the day before so that we would be on time for the cruise that was scheduled to start at 11:30 AM. That night I became very uncomfortable with a pain in my side. I toughed it out that night and well into the next morning. I wanted to be there for my friend’s surprise. About midway into the morning I couldn’t stand the pain anymore and drove myself, with Judi to the Bracebridge Hospital. There, they tested me and put me on intravenous. The hospital and their staff were terrific! Finally, after the pain subsided they sent me home (back to the hotel). They thought I had just passed a kidney stone. I was fine that afternoon and evening and enjoyed my friend’s reception and party. The next day I was still feeling okay, so we went ahead with our plans to visit the Dundas International Buskerfest. I felt fine the whole day, except that I was extremely hot. I put this down to the temperature outside. By the time we dove home I was still okay but feeling hot and tire. That night the pain same back, this time with a very high fever! Once again I toughed it out overnight, but in the morning I was in rough shape. Judi and I took a taxi to our local Northumberland Hills Hospital. Once again they tested me to try to determine what my problem was. After receiving the test results, the Emergency Room Doctor told me I had a kidney infection and that they were keeping me in the hospital for a few days to get my temperature and infection under control. Within 5 days I was feeling better and they discharged me. My reason for writing this blog is simple. I want people to know how wonderful our hospitals and their staff are. During my stay at the Northumberland Hill Hospital I could not have been treated better. The staff was very kind and attentive. It always upsets me when I hear on American television how bad our system is. Yes the system has its problems, but so does the American system. Nothing is ever perfect, but with the type of personnel we now have in our hospitals, the future is very bright. During my stay at our hospital there were a number of interns working with the hospital doctors. I just hope some of them stay in our community. My final reason for this blog is to encourage people who are not feeling well when they attending an out of town function to take advantage of the community’s local hospital. I am sure that you will appreciate the local hospital, its staff and volunteers as much as I did!

My Grandson…

A while ago I had the opportunity to speak with a gentleman about an antique boat cruise company he operated. The conversation turned from boats to events. He was telling me about a new classic boat and car show that taking place this August in Rosseau. He had read my article about the Antique and Classic Boat Show held in Gravenhurst and that I had attended it with my Grandson. He suggested that the new show would be great for my Grandson. This started me thinking about the “kid” friendly shows I had visited and that I would visit in the future. There is something wonderful about festivals and events that can cater to both adults and children alike and do it well. Obviously a lot has to do with age of the children (and, perhaps adults) but to be able to capture both takes a lot of thought and planning! Some attractions do it naturally, like the Toronto Zoo. Others have traditions where the two come together, such as the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, but the planned combination festivals are truly special! I think one of the best events that we have attended for this combination is the Mississauga Waterfront Festival (2007). Its activities offered a wide range for all visitors. For the children, the Kid’s Stage feature Barney and Friends plus a cast of other children entertainers. For adults, there was an Ojibway Storyteller, Native Dancers and Chinese Arts performers. Their greatest achievement, however, was in combining activities that appealed to both groups. these activities included the McCann Super Dogs, the West Coast Lumberjack Show, the Jet Ski Stunt Show and the Skyriders Trampoline Show. I believe that most festivals should be for the whole family to enjoy. Festivals that accomplish this well will win the festival visitor “sweepstakes!

Pack Your Own Lunch?

The more festivals and events that Judi and I attend the more we feel that the food offered is neither good value nor nutritional! It make you wonder if we should be packing our own lunch. I am not sure why so many festivals allow high priced, poor quality food to be offered at their events. Since food plays such a major roll in the festival experience, it would seem to me that smart festival organizers would start to reconsider the types of food offered and how and where it’s presented. This is especially true for larger events that allow food vendors set up shop and then charge ridiculously high prices. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I believe that festival visitors will become more and more discerning about the festivals and events they visit as gas and food prices increase. Although it’s difficult for festival organizers to dictate what food vendors can charge and what ingredients they use, they can be very selective on whom they choose as a vendor by asking hard questions and only contracting with the very best. Good value, healthy ingredients and a good selection of foods will win the hearts of their visitors. A further thought for festival organizers is that they should be offering food areas for their visitors. There is nothing worst then trying to juggle food, drinks and other packages while trying to eat food. Festival organizers should include in their planning a convenient food court with plenty of seating and lots of shade. I feel that festivals organizers who go that “extra mile” will be richly rewarded for their efforts!