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"Keep Artsfest on Walnut Street."
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Over View, Editorial
Published May 25, 2006
Keep Artsfest on Walnut Street
There's no reason to move the celebration.
Artsfest started in a park. Some folks want it to return to its roots. We think that's a bad idea.
In the beginning, Artsfest was in Phelps Grove Park. That was a long time ago and the 26-year-old festival was much smaller then. In 1990, it moved to historic Walnut Street and has grown into a much-loved local tradition among grand Victorian homes. It's a wonderful street festival. It's good for the downtown area. No pressing need exists for moving it now.
The Springfield Regional Arts Council is contemplating taking it to Jordan Valley Park. The idea first arose after the park opened because it would be a great way to use the city's beautiful new park.
Jodie Adams, director of the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department and president of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, the group that puts on Artsfest, told the council members that if they don't decide to move to Jordan Valley Park soon, the decision would be made for them. The park would be completely booked up without room for Artsfest on the calendar.
If that's the case, then no change is really needed. Jordan Valley Park hosts SnowFest and concerts and many other events. It does not need Artsfest to draw visitors.
Artsfest is filled to a comfortable capacity. It could get bigger, but that might drive down the amount of profit that individual artists would earn from participating.
Last year's creation of ArtsFiesta! showed one way to attract new patrons. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's Evening at Artsfest this year was also a smart addition.
The arts council is still soliciting feedback on the proposed move. In addition to surveys, it plans to convene focus groups. Already several people have expressed a desire for keeping Artsfest on Walnut Street and starting a new festival in Jordan Valley Park, said Kay Logsdon, executive director of the arts council.
That's a win-win plan, particularly because revenue from festivals helps generate money to sustain the council.
Randy Russell, who oversaw Artsfest's move from Phelps Grove Park to Walnut Street, cautioned that starting a new festival would be difficult. A lot of volunteer hours would need to be spent in getting something new off the ground.
Still, just because something is hard is not a reason not to do it. That would make the accomplishment all the more special.
Keeping Artsfest where it is and starting something new is the best way forward.