The traffic situation should be interesting this weekend.
There must not have been communication between the PrairieFest people and the KDOT, because both the bypass and Summit Street will be closed this weekend.
There will be a lot more traffic on a couple residential streets as a result.
It is a good opportunity for local merchants to reach out to people passing by, as well as to people coming for the arts festival.
I wonder what people are thinking about this.
Will you be going to the festival?
What do you think about them shutting down Summit Street for the festival?
Last year at Arkalalah, Police Chief Sean Wallace wanted to shut down Summit while the festivities were going on.
If it goes well this weekend, the idea might catch on next fall.
I don't see no reason not to give it a shot. Sometimes change is good.
ReplyDeleteUnless you are a merchant and need foot traffic to get to your business. You would be amazed at the people not wanting the streets to close since they would have to walk in to purchase prescriptions, etc. and have no interest in the art. No matter what, however, someone would want to complain. Since Summit is technically no longer a highway KDOT has nothing to do with the closing. Hope this is a great weekend for art, business and Ark City. Is the MAYB tournament here also??
ReplyDeleteFirst they shut down the highway to build a merry go round, and then shut down Summit, so either way someone is getting a detour.
ReplyDeleteBad timing.
No, I will not be going to the art festival. Yesterday I was driving down Summit next to a huge cattle truck jake braking every stop light. Not to mention he was smelling pretty. The round about supporters are getting everything they ask for with this one. I can't wait till the August heat, and with the cattle dung spills I see out on the high way regularly AND when the downtown patrons have to wear rubber boots to go to and from business's. It should get interesting. Will the city have to assign a dung patrol to wash down the streets? We shall see????? Mean while, be careful where you step. And wear your nose plugs. he he he Bad timing indeed!
ReplyDeleteI was almost run over at Kansas and Summit this morning by a cattle truck trying to negotiate the turn due to the detour of Summit.
ReplyDeleteWith the odd angle Summit is at that intersection it is difficult for them to turn there. Hopefully no one will get hurt before they open up Summit again.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be too hot to have it uptown on the pavement -- it's hot enough in the shade sometimes! Does anyone know what the vendors think? I think trying it with the other detour is bad timing also, traffic is getting bad.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the shade downtown? In the park there was the huge rotunda and lots of trees.
ReplyDeleteThat was my point that at the park in the shade it is hot enough sometimes, with no shade on the pavement -- I don't even want to go!
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if more people show up.
ReplyDeleteI thought there were not as many at PrairieFest last year, so we shall see.
I was just downtown. The traffic didn't look too bad to me.
I drive and walk often downtown, and the traffic has definitely been thicker and more hectic. Lots more vehicles and the truckers trying to figure out where to go. I was just thinking about the heat at the festival myself today--no shade for vendors, visitors and those poor entertainers.
ReplyDeleteThey need to start bring in some bigger name music acts like they were 10 years ago or so. The last 5 years have not been as good. That is not to take away from the excellent talent that is on display.
ReplyDeleteThe arts council used to actively pursue artists, not just local but nationwide. I think over the past few years they have passively waited for artists to contact the council. The council must be proactive and lose the 'We patronize the arts, therefore we are better than you' attitude. I saw much of the same stuff I have seen over the last 4 or 5 years. It seems the cutting edge, exciting artists come for one year and do not return. I realize this creates a dichotomy, but 40 various artists returning have a better variety of stuff than 15. There was a sculptor about 3 years ago who was amazing. There was also a Dali-esque painter 2 years ago who was incredible. Both were here one year and did not return. Instead of assuming those people had their own reasons for not returning, the council should look in the mirror to see how IT can improve life for the artists.
ReplyDeleteI noticed people looking at the artwork, but i didn't see anyone carrying a piece away with them. I wonder if people are buying.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that last year too.
james, do not stop covering stuff like this, or relay for life. it all needs our support and you are doing a great service by covering it. also art in park should be in wilson park. also agree about getting big names, but is cost to exibit getting to high? i don't know how much it is now but i heard it was keeping some people away.
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