Mansfield, Missouri gets ready for company

Many of you received an email from Sheri Alsup regarding the planned Clean-Up Day on September 6 in preparation for Wilder Days and the arrival of judges from the Community Betterment judges.

Something Sheri has mentioned on follow-up is that the day is to be a clean-up in an effort to make things look nice for Wilder Days.  Dragging junk to the curb to be hauled off is not necessary and may be counter productive if someone doesn’t haul it away.

Another part of Sheri’s message regards the decorating of the square for Autumn and Wilder Days.  Historically, the Garden Club has gotten mums for the square, although, as I recall, there have been donations from individuals or groups who particularly wanted to make the Veterans monuments look special.  The Garden Club is without funds this year.  Sheri has said she will make sure the decorating gets done, but will be seeking funding. 

In the last email, I mentioned that someone could ’sponsor’ the quilt show.  It would seem that the decorations would be a worthwhile project or ‘event’ to sponsor for Wilder Days as well.  The Wilder Days Committee has a program that acknowledges sponsors.  You can see the various levels and rewards at http://www.wilderdays-mansfieldmo.info/sponsors.htm    Sheri Alsup is the contact person for the decorations.  Donna Climer is a contact person for the quilt show.  Either of them can also help you get connected with the finance committee to make sure you get proper acknowledgment and rewards for your sponsorships.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at wilderdaysmansfield@gmail.com

Kickin’ Up Grass 2008

Area radio media has teamed up with the major public entertainment project — Kickin’ Up Grass — a competition for Bluegrass and Old Time Mountain Music bands.  Big Country99 has agreed to join our Platinum Sponsors, to contribute addtional prizes in the form of a recording session for the winning song, and to be our LIVE mc/announcer for the competition. 
    Wilder Days Entertainment Committee member, Eric Dodson, has developed the contest format and entry forms.  The forms are posted on the website listed above.  I will be adding the contest rules and mission statement this week.

Flyers are are being designed for Kickin’ Up Grass which will include some reference to other events that will be occuring during the big weekend.

Wilder Days 2008 — Update

The plans are progressing for one of the Chamber’s greatest projects during the year…Wilder Days.  I am so glad to head promos for the Ozark Mountain Players’ presentations.  I was at Wildwood Antiques in Rogersville this morning, saw the flyers and visited with the lady there about the program.  She was quite excited about this program.

While I have not had a great deal of communication with those who were thinking about a quilt show, the last I heard, plans were moving forward.  This is a project that could use a mentor/sponsor.  It is not a fund raiser for the Chamber, but a side function.  If any funds were raised, it seems that some of those nice displays would be a good thing.  Quilters; as you progress with your plans; location, times, fund raising plans, flyers, etc. please let me know and I will get your information on the website listed above. An event such as a quitl show has the potential to become as stable and attracting for visitors as the costume contests, parade or live entertainment (OMP and Bluegrass Music).  Having the quilt show promoted with a special flyer, website or other exercise is reasonable and worthwhile.

We have been doing cash fund raising, but I don’t want to have anyone underestimate the value of physical presence and involvement by anyone who can.  If you can only put in an hour or two, let someone know which hour or two you can be around.  

Wilder Days is a gem so unique to Mansfield that we must exercise the opportunity to make it a shining example of hospitality and appeal to varing levels of visitors.  All visitors are hold value in the Wilder plan and we’re under an obligation to be friendly, courteous and welcoming.  This year, the Wilder Committee is working on acquiaring some permanent to semi-permanent “capital improvements” to make the day more pleasant for visitors and easier to accomplish for Mansfield, the hosts.

Today, I’m dodging the heat and dreading a dress-up day in the heat. But, on that weekend, I’m going to have to tuck an ice pack into the bustle and make friendly.   Join me and others on the weekend of September 12/13.

Mansfield, Missouri, Wilder Days Festival 2008 Introduces JACK!

Wilder Days 2008 in Mansfield, Missouri is being driven by a vital and vibrant committee.  Everyone shares a concept with the late George Carlin; not being willing to only “think outside the box”.  Each member has shown more drive to ‘think around the box’ – to look for back or side doors and for ways to unlock them; to look for cracks in the siding or open windows in the box, to look for ladders in the box which allow peeking over the top.

 

As a result of this thinking model, Wilder Days 2008 is bringing a vigorous program to the Ozarks.  A program which the current committee wants to see continued and improved.

 

Jack, the bulldog is a big part of the 2008 Wilder Days campaign.  Jack has historical validity because in the Little House books penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder, we find the family dog, Jack.  Laura often referred to Jack as an old bulldog.  During the era of Laura’s childhood, the American Bulldog or some relative of him was a commonly owned dog as a working/security/friend animal.  Jack traveled many miles with the Ingalls’ and showed admirable loyalty to the family.

 

In 2008, Jack has gained a sense of humor and an appreciation for Bluegrass and Old Time music.  He has ‘agreed’ to be mascot for Kickin’ Up Grass – the showdown of bands which play Bluegrass/OldTime/Country music which will be held during the Wilder Days Festival, September 13.

 

Jack, as seen in mascot form, was commissioned by the Wilder Days Committee and the Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce and drawn by Sherry Vanderstine, graphic artist with Intelligent Design at 229 S. Jefferson St., in Ava, Missouri (ps: her phone is 417-683-0222 if you need some good graphics work!).  

 

Watch and listen for Jack on WilderDays-MansfieldMo.info, in print, on TV and on Big Country 99 radio.

 

Jack kicks off Kickin' Up Grass

Mansfield, Missouri is a ‘Happenin’ Place’

Sure, mostly the content on this blog is about Wilder Days Festival.  But Mansfield doesn’t go dormant during the times between Festivals.  There is a lot going on that offers community and neighborhood culture and good times.

This weekend, July 19, for example, there are two events.  One is a fundraiser for a good cause and one is just a good time for all.

First, the Mansfield School Athletic Booster Club will be hosting a Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at the Lions’ Club building, starting at 6 pm.  The Booster Club is dedicated to working for all of the Mansfield kids.  Early Buy-in Reservations are available until July 17 for $30.00.  Tickets at the door will be $35.00.

For those hungry players, there will be A Meal Deal for $5.00 — Pulled Pork Sandwich with beans, chips and a drink.   Learn more at Mansfield Schools Athletic Booster Club.   There is air conditioning at the Lions Club facility.

Fresh air opportunities for the evening will be at the Mansfield City Park.  The Mansfield Community Betterment will host Music in the Park beginning at 7:00 pm and continuing until 9:00 pm.  “Pennyless”, a rock band from Mountain Grove, MO, will be performing Saturday evening at the Pavilion/Amphitheater in the Mansfield City Park.  Concessions will be available for those who want to snack and sip during the performance. Contact the Mansfield Community Center for more information.  417-924-7070.

So, YES, we are all about Wilder Days, but we are ‘all-er’ about Mansfield and community and neighborhood.

Wilder Days Promotions are a Win-Win in Mansfield, Missouri

The Wilder Days Committee has announced an assertive sponsorship program for the 2008 Festival.  Businesses wishing to promote themselves and get on the Wilder Days Bandwagon can find a sponsorhip niche that fits their needs.   The Wilder Days website is one place where all sponsors will recieve a logo placement, plus a website link.  Addtionally, there is an opportunity to be featured on Hwy 60 signage, Event banners (and specifically sponsor events), or be named on the sponsorship ads for Big Country 99 Radio, free booth space and more.

There are Platinum Sponsors ($1,000) – Gold Sponsors ($500) – Silver Sponsors (250) – Bronze Sponsors $50).  The perks of sponsorship are greater for the Platinum Sponsors, but there are perks for every sponsor because every one who can participate is valued highly by the committee planning Wilder Days Events.

Platinum Sponsors – $1000

1. Sponsors Logo Featured on the Highway 60 Promotional Signage
2. Dominant Logo Recognitions on Square Event Banner
3. Named Sponsor for a Festival Event with Radio & Print Program Recognition
4. Sponsor Logo/Link on Event Website
5. Public Address System Recognition 5 Time During Event
6. Free Booth Space

Gold Sponsor – $500

1. Dominant Logo Recognition on Square Event Banner
2. Sponsor Logo/Link on Event Web Site
3. Public Addres System Recognition 3 Times During Event
4. Free Booth Space

Silver Sponsor – $250

1. Listing on Square Event Banner
2. Public Address System Recognition 2 Times During Event
3. Free Booth Space

Bronze Sponsor – $50

1. Listing on Square Event Banner

2. Free Booth Space

With the Kickin’UpGrass competition for Bluegrass bands and Old Time Country Music, plus the events that feature children such as the Little Laura costume competition or the Farmer Boy costume competition AND 19th Century children’s games with prizes, Wilder Days is offering something for the entire family.  PLUS offering promotional happiness for the sponsors’ businesses.

Platinum Sponsors — Welcome Aboard

Businesses and individuals are getting their marketing efforts together to become part of the foundation of a strong celebration for Wilder Days, 2008.   Sponsors who choose to donate $1,000 are named Platinum Sponsors and will receive marketing recognition for their businesses through the promotional material produced for the celebration of Wilder Days, 2008 on September 12 and 13.    Their logos and links will be displayed on the Wilder Days website, plus signage and printed material AND acknowledgment on broadcast media.