TOWER
-- Isn't it curious that in New Orleans, Mardi Gras has no corporate
sponsors? There is not one corporate logo on any of the floats in
over 60 Mardi Gras parades.
Mardi Gras in the Tower should be faithful to the
original -- an event put on by the community for the community, not
a marketing committee profit center. Everywhere, except in Fresno's
Tower District, Mardi Gras is known as the world's largest free
street party.
The Fat Tuesday Celebration in Fresno's
historic Tower District has often been criticized for operating a
money making event at the expense of tradition. As a result, the TDMC
has indirectly disrupted normal neighborhood traffic and has been
known to block streets for hours.
There is routinely no parking on local streets
for miles in all directions. This year, the TDMC at least took pity
on local residents. Arm bands were issued by TDMC officials to some
residents so they could pass through checkpoints freely.
It seems there is too little atmosphere provided
these days and precious little to offer in the way of seating and
musical variety. Packed clubs and only three stages are available
for a gate of around 15,000 people (I know of more than one hole
in the fence). For a take of $75,000 it's a wonder why
TDMC can't find it in their hearts to provide the crowd with more
seating options. I have seen thousands sitting on curbs, bike stands
and fire hydrants. Ouch!
Lest we forget, the Tower District Preservation
Assoc. also had these difficulties in pulling off a smooth Arts
festival. After eight years of trying they quit cold. Why? Between
the Fresno PD demanding about $800 and the City of Fresno
requiring evidence of a $1 mil liability insurance policy, they were
so strapped for cash the Association was forced quit.
If that wasn't enough, all food vendors associated
with the TDPA event were required to be fully insured for liability.
When vendors found that out, most of them backed away from participating
in the festival.
In the case of Tower Fat Tuesday, its
just like the Fresno Fair, thousands of people milling about wondering
when the fun begins for their $5 bucks. Tower marketing provides merely
three performers to fill the three outdoor stages - Blues Street
Jazz Band, Glen Delpit, and Bad Boy Zydeco. These are
popular local bands, but let's face it, 
15,000
people want to hear a lot more music when they are stuck behind chain
link fences. Is this what TDMC means by a captive audience?
People who paid to get into this event should
expect a great selection of vendor booths. We found out, however,
there weren't very many of them. No wonder, how many beads do you
have to sell to cover the $500 TDMC booth charge? A bunch!
The people this reporter met up with didn't
seem to think that the Tower organization adds much value to the reputation
of the community through mismanaged and overcrowded events like this
one. But, we realize that some local merchants have profited from
increased sales during the events, like Starbucks. They need it, I
guess.
For the smart set who don't have time to play
the TDMC stand and wait game, there's always The Movies
in Van Ness Village. That's where you can get, jazz, blues, and
zydeco music videos all year round to celebrate Mardi Gras
in the safety and comfort of your living room. Invite some friends
and feel free to stop by --I have extra chairs.
[Editor's Note: For Mardi Gras traditions, see the related column,
Cajun Mardi Gras!]
Letter
to the Editor
©2001 Tower District News. All rights reserved.
