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Local
10-26-2006, 12:22
The Appalachian Trail Days committee would like ideas from White Blaze participants on a theme for Trail Days 2007. Please post any ideas you have on this forum. We have a meeting next Thursday, Nov. 2, and will consider several suggestions at that time.

Theme for 2006 was "On the road to Damascus." 2005 was themed "All trails lead to Damascus," which imho detracted from the main purpose of focusing on the Appalachian Trail. 2004 I think was celebrating trail maintainers.

When a theme is chosen we will have a contest which will be posted here, offering $200 for the best logo design, and $100 for the best website banner design.

www.traildays.info (http://www.traildays.info)

This is being sent from the Appalachian (ap a latch un) town of Damascus, Virginia.

Miss Janet
10-26-2006, 12:32
How's this...

"THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!"

This is a wonderful song by Tacoma Tedd with the lyrics celebrating all the kinds of people on the trail and those you meet as you travel the AT. It would make a good theme and he already has the Theme Song! You can hear the song on my website www.missjanetshouse.com

Thank You Tedd
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/somerset

MOWGLI
10-26-2006, 12:33
Considering the lengthy discussions lately about Trail Magic, and how it should be relegated to trail towns and other locales with hardened surfaces, let me offer the following theme;

Discover The Magic of the Appalachian Trail

You could have some magicians involved in Trail Days, and encourage magic acts in the talent show. You could go 100 different directions with this. I think it could be fun.

Thor
10-26-2006, 12:45
There was a theme to Trail Days!?:eek:

Ewker
10-26-2006, 12:46
everything minnesotasmith could be fun. An entire celbration dedicated to minnesotasmith!:sun



NOT!!!!!!!!

Local
10-26-2006, 14:27
There was a theme to Trail Days!?:eek:

Yeah, seems there is a theme each year, but obviously a bit vague and not emphasized. The group of volunteers doing Trail Days this year would like something with more focus, something like Miss Janet and Mowgli16 have suggested that could spin off into some hiker-related activities. Boston has an interesting idea but there are probably too many Smiths involved already, including myself.

bfitz
10-26-2006, 14:30
How's this...

"THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!"

This is a wonderful song by Tacoma Tedd with the lyrics celebrating all the kinds of people on the trail and those you meet as you travel the AT. It would make a good theme and he already has the Theme Song! You can hear the song on my website www.missjanetshouse.com

Thank You Tedd
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/somerset
That's a great idea! I'm visualizing the collage that use to be on the wall in your hallway.

Gray Blazer
10-26-2006, 14:33
Talk the talk-walk the trail.

Gray Blazer
10-26-2006, 14:41
Happy trails to you....
Trail Daze
Don't be a Lone Wolf-come to Damascus
I'd walk a mile to Damascus for a camel back
Damn, ask us about Damascus

Skyline
10-26-2006, 15:15
Celebrating Diversity on the AT...

It's one of the few places on Earth that just about everyone gets along regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, lifestyle, politics, etc.

That's AT the Trail, not AT the internet sites. :-)

Jack Tarlin
10-26-2006, 15:47
Geez, Skyline, the majority of hikers are young white middle and upper middle-class college-educated people from East Coast suburbs.

Some diversity!

Or is this what you want to celebrate? :-?

bfitz
10-26-2006, 15:50
There are different types of diversity, all in all the trail is fairly diverse. It goes with the concept that "The People Are The Trail".

Lone Wolf
10-26-2006, 15:53
Yes. Let's celebrate diversity.
www.thoseshirts.com/diversitybk.html

bfitz
10-26-2006, 15:57
See. Skyline, Jack and Lone Wolf. That's pretty f-ing diverse.

halftime
10-26-2006, 16:43
Considering the lengthy discussions lately about Trail Magic, and how it should be relegated to trail towns and other locales with hardened surfaces, let me offer the following theme;

Discover The Magic of the Appalachian Trail

You could have some magicians involved in Trail Days, and encourage magic acts in the talent show. You could go 100 different directions with this. I think it could be fun.


A theme song for this idea could be "Angels Among Us" By Alabama

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/alabama/angels+among+us_20005144.html

waterboy99
10-26-2006, 16:53
I thought at the last meeting at the town hall we all agreed on "Celebrating Trail Maintainers". Was that theme done away with ?. I thought the contest was to design a logo for the tee shirt that went with the theme of Celebrating Trail Maintainers. What happened ?.

Skyline
10-26-2006, 17:34
Yes. Let's celebrate diversity.
www.thoseshirts.com/diversitybk.html

LOL The only thang missing in that ad is Ann Coulter.

Skyline
10-26-2006, 17:43
Geez, Skyline, the majority of hikers are young white middle and upper middle-class college-educated people from East Coast suburbs.

Some diversity!

Or is this what you want to celebrate? :-?

OK, y'all who are "young white middle and upper middle-class college-educated people from East Coast suburbs" raise their hands. Yeah, thought so.

Maybe you hang out with too many young, white upper middle class college kids at Dartmouth.

My admittedly fewer AT miles have shown me that young, middle-aged, and senior hikers from a wide economic spectrum get along on the Trail when they probably would not most other places. Conservative militarists share the same struggles on the AT as do pot-smoking peaceniks, and for the most part actually help each other. Though rare in numbers, "out" gay hikers, blacks, hispanics, asians, foreigners on visas, "Yankees" and "Southerners," and many other ethnicities and subcultures find acceptance among (many) long distance hikers in ways they may not be accustomed to in the "real world." Women most certainly are treated as true equals by most.

To me, this diversity is something worth celebrating. Sorry your mind is closed.

Skyline
10-26-2006, 17:51
See. Skyline, Jack and Lone Wolf. That's pretty f-ing diverse.

Scary, ain't it. But out on the Trail I bet we could and probably would get along fine. My point exactly.

Local
10-26-2006, 17:55
I thought at the last meeting at the town hall we all agreed on "Celebrating Trail Maintainers". Was that theme done away with ?. I thought the contest was to design a logo for the tee shirt that went with the theme of Celebrating Trail Maintainers. What happened ?.


Several committee people met with the Backpacker folks to talk about Trail Days 2007, and the word was that trail maintainers were recognized three years ago, and another theme would be more appropriate. Apologies for not getting by to discuss this with you. I wasn't at the meeting (was in Amish country) but was told to explore other ideas.

Jack Tarlin
10-26-2006, 18:08
The Trail was completed in 1937; this means that this year is special, it's the Trail's 70th anniversary.

If the Maintainers were honored just a few years ago (tho I personally think one can't honor them often enough), perhaps this year we can salute all of the Volunteers that built or have helped out on the Trail; after all, the Trail was built mainly by Volunteers.

One possibility for a "theme" would be to honor the Local Trail Clubs---all of them---for without them, and without the Volunteers who comprise those clubs, the Trail would disappear.

* * *

And as far as an idea for Parade Grand Marshall, I'd like to nominate Laurie Potteiger of the ATC. For many, many years, she's manned the Information desk at the ATC office in Harpers Ferry; has helped hundreds and hundreds of people plan their hikes; has fielded questions and information requests on the Trail from around the world, and has personally greeted hundeds of thru-hikers at the Trail's unofficial half-way mark. There are very few people who have done more for the Trail in recent years than Laurie. Best of all, next year marks the 20th anniversary of her thru-hike!

Skyline
10-26-2006, 18:20
The Trail was completed in 1937; this means that this year is special, it's the Trail's 70th anniversary.

If the Maintainers were honored just a few years ago (tho I personally think one can't honor them often enough), perhaps this year we can salute all of the Volunteers that built or have helped out on the Trail; after all, the Trail was built mainly by Volunteers.

One possibility for a "theme" would be to honor the Local Trail Clubs---all of them---for without them, and without the Volunteers who comprise those clubs, the Trail would disappear.

* * *

And as far as an idea for Parade Grand Marshall, I'd like to nominate Laurie Potteiger of the ATC. For many, many years, she's manned the Information desk at the ATC office in Harpers Ferry; has helped hundreds and hundreds of people plan their hikes; has fielded questions and information requests on the Trail from around the world, and has personally greeted hundeds of thru-hikers at the Trail's unofficial half-way mark. There are very few people who have done more for the Trail in recent years than Laurie. Best of all, next year marks the 20th anniversary of her thru-hike!

Definitely! Laurie had some mighty big boots to fill when Jean Cashin retired (BTW loved to see her again in Weathercarrot's 25th Gathering DVD). Laurie has filled those boots admirably, and put her own mark on the position of Information Specialist. She has a way of making every hiker, every volunteer feel like they are valuable assets to the AT, and has gone well out of her way to assist thousands with logistical and practical data mixed with some time-tested wisdom.

Lugnut
10-26-2006, 23:56
Sorry your mind is closed.

That's Jack! I've noticed the same comradere among hikers of wildly divergent backgrounds. I find that to be one of the things I most appreciate about hiking and especially the AT. Bet his response to you begins with 'Geez". :rolleyes:

Jack Tarlin
10-27-2006, 00:03
Hey Lug and Skyline:

Read my very brief comment above, OK? Nowhere, and I mean nowhere, did I say that I thought lack of diversity was a good thing.

I was merely commenting that I thought it was amusing for Sky to be celebrating diversity on a Trail that's 99% white, and where so many people come from the exact same sort of background.

I wasn't speaking AGAINST diversity, guys. I was instead, pointing out the LACK of it on the A.T.

But if you guys are so obsessed with liberal political correctness that you either can't read, have no sense of humor whatsoever, or both, well that's your problem.

And Lugnut, check out your past posts sometime and see how many of them do NOTHING, absolutley nothing, but slam me personally. It's a ridiculously high ammount.

You really need to find another hobby.

Lugnut
10-27-2006, 00:28
You sure are up late. I maintain that a group can be all of one race yet be extremely diverse, Skyline put it well with his examples. Diversity doesn't have to be only race. Diversity includes those from different socio-economic backgrounds, age, gender, affluence, political persuasion, etc. I have seen all that. Lack of diversity wasn't even the subject so you can't be accused of speaking out against it. Also, if you go back and look at my posts (sounds like a waste of time, but maybe you did) you will notice that almost all include some sort of smiley face/ banana, etc. It's all fun; don't take it so serious! :eek: By the way. I am far from a liberal and you forgot 'geez'! :D

Skyline
10-27-2006, 00:38
Hey Lug and Skyline:

Read my very brief comment above, OK? Nowhere, and I mean nowhere, did I say that I thought lack of diversity was a good thing.

I was merely commenting that I thought it was amusing for Sky to be celebrating diversity on a Trail that's 99% white, and where so many people come from the exact same sort of background.

I wasn't speaking AGAINST diversity, guys. I was instead, pointing out the LACK of it on the A.T.

But if you guys are so obsessed with liberal political correctness that you either can't read, have no sense of humor whatsoever, or both, well that's your problem.

And Lugnut, check out your past posts sometime and see how many of them do NOTHING, absolutley nothing, but slam me personally. It's a ridiculously high ammount.

You really need to find another hobby.

Guess it depends on how you define diversity then. In my mind the long distance hikers on the AT are a diverse bunch despite a large number of them (maybe not a majority but close) seeming to have similar demographics. Perhaps it's the live-and-let-live attitude on the Trail I find so refreshing, whether the demographics suit your definition of diverse or not.

And I think that attitude is worth noting and celebrating. If the organizers of Trail Days need a theme for '07 they could do worse.

Skyline
10-27-2006, 00:39
That's Jack! I've noticed the same comradere among hikers of wildly divergent backgrounds. I find that to be one of the things I most appreciate about hiking and especially the AT. Bet his response to you begins with 'Geez". :rolleyes:

Yep.

And I love the smell of Esbit in the morning too.

RAT
10-27-2006, 00:44
"Celebrating Trail Maintainers".

Been done already altho an excellent idea. It would be nice to have it celebrate ALL the maintaining clubs and even nicer if some sort of representation from each club could be there, but that aint gonna happen, just like diversity on the trail, aint happenin` no time soon ;) I will have to give this theme idea some more thought,, hmmmm perhaps "HikerTrash Rules" !! ???? HAIRNT !

RAT

Pokey2006
10-27-2006, 01:16
But I like Jack's idea of honoring the volunteers who first built the trail. It is an important anniversary, as he noted. Some brainstorming along these lines, perhaps? I'm sure there's a way to flesh that out...the first, the 70-year-olds??? Hey, what about honoring hikers in their 70s? There's a few out there, and that's something commendable, for sure.

Krewzer
10-27-2006, 09:14
I thought at the last meeting at the town hall we all agreed on "Celebrating Trail Maintainers". Was that theme done away with ?. I thought the contest was to design a logo for the tee shirt that went with the theme of Celebrating Trail Maintainers. What happened ?.


I didn't know about this, but I think it's a great theme. With all the discussion on "Trail Magic" going on right now, I think it would be a good time to take the focus off the "Hiker" and concentrate on the peope doing the work, the local Trail Clubs and Maintainers.

I don't think everyone knows the details of trail clubs. It would a great opportunity to showcase them.

Here's what the ATC's website says:
"Trail Clubs
Thirty clubs call different parts of the A.T. their own. Year in and year out, they do the essential work that keeps the Trail open and in good repair. Clearing brush, constructing shelters and bridges, monitoring rare and endangered species—those and a host of other activities preserve the integrity of the footpath and the surrounding lands."

The thing that makes a really good magic show is the prepartation. These are the people feeding and cleaning up after that blasted rabbit, so he can be pulled from the hat.

There's not much magic in moving rocks, logs and dirt. That happens later.

Turbo Joe
10-27-2006, 09:25
i would have to say i like miss janets idea of people are the trail. however i think diversity is a good idea as well and not trying to stir up anything but from what i noticed on the trail is that there is a whole lot of diversity amongst the people though not in the "traditional" political sense most people have set in their minds. from hiking i now have friends all around the world from down my block to tokyo. and heres one more theme just to bounce around with. what about back to basics? see you in damascus

StarLyte
10-27-2006, 09:49
That's a great idea! I'm visualizing the collage that use to be on the wall in your hallway.

That collage is still there. I was admiring it when I spent a week at Janet's in July.

StarLyte
10-27-2006, 09:51
WHO SAID DIVERSE?

Diverse: differing from one another : UNLIKE <people with diverse interests>
2 : composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities <a diverse population>

......yep that's us.

longshank
10-27-2006, 10:10
How about "Pimp's UP, HO's down"?

Lone Wolf
10-27-2006, 11:16
Several committee people met with the Backpacker folks to talk about Trail Days 2007, and the word was that trail maintainers were recognized three years ago, and another theme would be more appropriate. Apologies for not getting by to discuss this with you. I wasn't at the meeting (was in Amish country) but was told to explore other ideas.

Why does Backpacker have to be involved? Why do they need to be a sponsor. Trail Days was fine for 18 or so years. Why their sponsorship the past few years? Trail Days isn't about the hiker anymore. It's about gear reps and corporations.

Theme: Back to Earth. 70 Years of Maintainers, Hikers and Service Providers.

attroll
10-27-2006, 12:06
Why does Backpacker have to be involved? Why do they need to be a sponsor. Trail Days was fine for 18 or so years. Why their sponsorship the past few years? Trail Days isn't about the hiker anymore. It's about gear reps and corporations.

Theme: Back to Earth. 70 Years of Maintainers, Hikers and Service Providers.
I am with L. Wolf. Why does backpacker have to get involved with this anyways and why do you have to do everything that they tell you too? Is it because they are fronting money?

Jacks idea of honoring the people who built the trail a good idea but most of those people are dead if not all of them. That would put 99% of the people who originally built the trail in their mid 90's or older.

How about honoring the trail maintaining clubs in stead of the maintainers.

Local
10-27-2006, 12:54
I am with L. Wolf. Why does backpacker have to get involved with this anyways and why do you have to do everything that they tell you too? Is it because they are fronting money?

OK, guys, I'm just the messenger here, but my understanding is that Backpacker pays for the t-shirts, and therefore has some sayso about what goes on the shirts. I think that's the limit of their involvement.

The brochure is paid for entirely by advertisements, so they're not involved in that other than as an advertiser. I don't know any other areas of involvement for Backpacker.

There are no paid staff members for Trail Days. Tonya, the town clerk, helps out on her own time. We are a volunteer group appointed by the town through the Parks and Recreation Dept. We have personally invited most of the local through-hikers to attend, and many of them have. Some have chosen not to, for different reasons such as schedules, kids at home, or other. We expect more involvement as the event gets closer.

The issue of "gear reps and corporations" is discussed at these volunteer meetings, but we need more advice on how to handle this. The next meeting is this coming Thursay, Nov. 2, 7, either at Town Hall or Sicily's. If there are constructive suggestions on how to handle the "gear reps and corporations" please post them here, although this isn't the right thread for that. Or attend the meeting if you happen to live nearby. Membership is open to anyone who walks through the door.

I posted this on White Blaze instead of the other forums because in my experience more valuable information comes from this group than any other. We local folk obviously don't have all the answers. Again, we are volunteers doing this. Ain't none of us paid.

Wolf, would you add "volunteers" to your suggested theme or would that be redundant? btw, you missed karaoke at Dot's last night. It had to be heard to be believed.

Newb
10-27-2006, 16:07
I have a theme idea, but it might lead to some risquee costumes. How about "Back to Nature".

Local
10-27-2006, 16:27
Why does Backpacker have to be involved? Why do they need to be a sponsor. (snips)

More on Backpacker involvement: what they do is pay for the t-shirts and the banner that is strung over Laurel Avenue (main street here). Nothing else. The town would welcome another large sponsor to help with the musical groups, for example, or paying for the porta-potties. Get your logo on a crapper!

In a related matter I will try to get a detailed Trail Days budget to post here. I know the total amount allocated by the town is $20,000 (that's $22 per citizen, more or less). The music budget is only $6,000 out of this total, and that restricts us severely in bands we would like to invite. Sometimes there are suggestions about charging for camping, but most of us are vigorously opposed to this, and will continue to fight this.

That's why we need more volunteers.

Paul Bunyan
10-27-2006, 16:50
Personally, i think the idea of the 70'th aniversay is a pretty big deal. I would play that up as much as you can.

As for music, what about local school bands? I bet they would love to perform for hikers. Then you wouldn't have to wory about paying them. Just an idea.:rolleyes:

mweinstone
10-27-2006, 18:32
"appalachian trail gormet" a trail days focused on the eating and cooking habits of hikers. cookoffs,cookbook for charity can be put together on spot at a copy machine.eating contests,weird utencil art,etc . tourests will come for the food, hikers will cook the food. a world record amount of macs and cheese or ramen could be attempted with guinness world book of records invited.food packing and hauling contests.giant clam bake story telling dinner by the bridge.solicite all camping food manufacturers to come give freebees.weird glop smelling contest blindfolded to guess whats in the glop.gorp throwing! glop disposal class.and finnaly,......lone wolf giving a lecture on the ills of drinking and drinking.

RAT
10-27-2006, 19:01
Quote:
Originally Posted by L. Wolf http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=261919#post261919)
Why does Backpacker have to be involved? Why do they need to be a sponsor. Trail Days was fine for 18 or so years. Why their sponsorship the past few years? Trail Days isn't about the hiker anymore. It's about gear reps and corporations.

Theme: Back to Earth. 70 Years of Maintainers, Hikers and Service Providers.

I am with L. Wolf. Why does backpacker have to get involved with this anyways and why do you have to do everything that they tell you too? Is it because they are fronting money?

Jacks idea of honoring the people who built the trail a good idea but most of those people are dead if not all of them. That would put 99% of the people who originally built the trail in their mid 90's or older.

How about honoring the trail maintaining clubs in stead of the maintainers.
__________________
AT Troll


Having worked alongside of many, many of the old geezers such as Sam Waddle who pioneered the trail and its volunteer building and maintenance, I agree with the above.

RAT

Lone Wolf
10-27-2006, 21:53
Long live Sam. Met him many times doing his thing. Maintaining. Along with RAT. Sam always left cokes at Jerry's Cabin. 13 years ago a few of us left that shelter and headed north. After 2 miles we ran into Sam and RAT. They had a sackfull of burgers and stuff for us hiker trash. Magic of old. Thanks boys.

Mountain Man
10-27-2006, 23:37
I like Jack and Lone Wolfs suggestions. And the theme: Back To Earth from Lone Wolf. One of things that blew me away about this past Trail Days was the Hard Core work trip on Sunday. I've been involved in trail Maintainence for a good many years and have seen as high as 60 people come out to work on the trail at one time. But at the Hard Core there had to be at least 150 people there. It was unbelieveable. It would be great to get all the Maintaining clubs involved. The outfitters and Hostel owners along the trail and other service providers along the trail.

mweinstone
10-28-2006, 00:23
can we have the theme be " appalachian trail of tears"? and focus on the enviromentle issues that threaten the trail?

or appalachian trail of fears and focus on my bad spelling.

RAT
10-28-2006, 00:28
Long live Sam. Met him many times doing his thing. Maintaining. Along with RAT. Sam always left cokes at Jerry's Cabin. 13 years ago a few of us left that shelter and headed north. After 2 miles we ran into Sam and RAT. They had a sackfull of burgers and stuff for us hiker trash. Magic of old. Thanks boys.

Those were the days weren't they my friend ! Twas a sad day when he retired and even sadder when he left this world, but his legacy will live on forever as we hike upon his section he called "hallowed ground". I do miss him and those "Magic of old" days alot.

Trail of Tears ? Nah, I dont like it. Sorry.

RAT

Red Hat
10-28-2006, 18:42
I like Miss Janet's idea: The People are the Trail... but we could add something about 70 years of Trail People from Benton McCae and the CCC to Earl Schaeffer and Ed Garvey to Baltimore Jack and Warren Doyle to Rhymin Worm and Squeaky, etc. Wow, then there's Miss Janet and Bob Peables and lots of others. Sure takes a lot of people to make the AT!

Jester2000
10-29-2006, 21:02
How much would it cost to sponsor a crapper? Would I get to name it?

Local
10-29-2006, 21:16
Jester, I'll get a per-unit cost tomorrow. I assume you can name your own sponsored crapper if it's not done with anything permanent like an engraving or something.

Why did the word "appropriate" come to mind when I read your question? :)

Newb
10-29-2006, 22:04
Definitely need to have the poop closets serviced during the Event this year. Last year they were coned by Saturday .

fishinfred
10-29-2006, 22:48
I've met Judges,Swat Team Commanders,Teachers,the Rich,the Poor,the Happy, the Miserable,the Nice,the not so Nice etc.....from all parts of this country and other places like Australia,Korea,Britian,Scotland,Canada .........
I'm with Miss Janet !!!!!!!!!!!!
The People ARE the Trail!:sun
2nd choice would be ALL the Volunteers,Maintainers and Clubs .....but those are people too! Shoot celebrate em ALL together !
:D
PEACE
FF

Local
10-30-2006, 21:49
How much would it cost to sponsor a crapper? Would I get to name it?

$65 for rental and $10 for them to dump it one time. You can hang your picture on it if you wish. Or maybe a sign with a name for your sponsored facility.

Miss Janet
10-30-2006, 22:10
I am officially suggesting the theme of "Circq De AT" for the Officialy Unofficial Trail Days Theme for the parade and campground shenanigans.

Just think about the freak show and the crazy acts this could generate... Jester in a Top Hat and Tails, Baltimore Jack in sweet little dress as the Bearded Lady, Bag of Trix as a lion tamer... I want to be the Gypsy Fortune Teller!

Local, this silliness is not intended to interfere with the OFFICIAL Trail Days theme in any way! It is just to give all the "kids" something to do out in the campground.

skeeterfeeder
11-01-2006, 04:03
"appalachian trail gormet" a trail days focused on the eating and cooking habits of hikers. cookoffs,cookbook for charity can be put together on spot at a copy machine.eating contests,weird utencil art,etc . tourests will come for the food, hikers will cook the food. a world record amount of macs and cheese or ramen could be attempted with guinness world book of records invited.food packing and hauling contests.giant clam bake story telling dinner by the bridge.solicite all camping food manufacturers to come give freebees.weird glop smelling contest blindfolded to guess whats in the glop.gorp throwing! glop disposal class.and finnaly,......lone wolf giving a lecture on the ills of drinking and drinking.

I think you might be onto something. They could have a Ramen cookoff.
And the theme could be "All trails lead to food", or "A taste of Damascus".
:D
Seriously, Ms Janet's idea has my vote.

attroll
11-01-2006, 14:59
$65 for rental and $10 for them to dump it one time. You can hang your picture on it if you wish. Or maybe a sign with a name for your sponsored facility.




Do we pay in advance?
You said $10 for them to dump them one time. Does that mean they will only dump them one time?

Michele
11-01-2006, 16:36
"Celebrating The Appalachian Trail: 70 Years of Working and Walking"

Alligator
11-01-2006, 16:57
You should have a crapper design contest. You know how some towns/cities use a bear or some other figure and then let the local artists interpret? If you get the dimensions, sponsors could make panels to put on the outside of the portajohns.

Local
11-01-2006, 18:48
Do we pay in advance?
You said $10 for them to dump them one time. Does that mean they will only dump them one time?

Nah, we're going to try to arrange multiple dumps this year, plus put some padding on those *&#@ doors so they won't bang so much. The $10 was just to give an idea of the overall costs. If someone wanted to just pay for the crapper... excuse me, Porta John, then the cost would be $65. No need to pay in advance. You can make up your mind on-site.

Local
11-01-2006, 18:50
Local, this silliness is not intended to interfere with the OFFICIAL Trail Days theme in any way!

Silliness? There's silliness at Trail Days? I thought Jester always wore that Brady Bunch box.

Lauriep
11-01-2006, 19:05
Some folks at ATC suggested "Giving Back to the Trail."

Of course, this could encompass a lot of things beyond trail maintenance: volunteering for a trail crew; learning, practicing, and teaching Leave No Trace; monitoring rare, threatened and endangered species; doing corridor monitoring; introducing a friend to the A.T.; leading hikes and workshops; doing LNT-friendly trail magic, etc.

What do folks think about this?

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

Jack Tarlin
11-01-2006, 19:17
All good ideas!!

mweinstone
11-01-2006, 19:20
how bout,.........thruhiking the appalachian trail. thruhikers are the whole show. a complete spectical of weird thruhikers and their storys. a celebration of them. nothing else. nothing charitable, tasteful, smart, delishious or real,......just freaks on display. ya gotta give em what they want. freaks and norms together thruhiking could be the theme

Jester2000
11-01-2006, 23:25
Jester, I'll get a per-unit cost tomorrow. I assume you can name your own sponsored crapper if it's not done with anything permanent like an engraving or something.

Why did the word "appropriate" come to mind when I read your question? :)

It's 'cause I'm the ****.

Jan LiteShoe
11-01-2006, 23:36
Silliness? There's silliness at Trail Days? I thought Jester always wore that Brady Bunch box.

Spam hat got my vote.
Such dignity.

RAT
11-01-2006, 23:40
I think the Van Gogh outfit took the most artistic talent.

RAT

Jester2000
11-01-2006, 23:41
Yeah, seriously, though (as if that were possible), Billville's in for two poopers. We'll probably provide privy attendants with moist towels and an assortment of colognes, perfumes, mints and other sundries.

I like the circus idea for the unofficial theme. We were thinking Roman. But most of us have already seen me walking around in nothing but a sheet.

I like the idea of "Giving Back to the Trail," 'tho I'd like more emphasis on the anniversary, 'cause, as you all know, I'm a sentimental guy. The "People Are the Trail" thing has merit too, I think, because it actually involves the people in the town (some of my best experiences have been with locals). (And not even in, you know, that way.)

I can get behind most of the suggestions on this thread, but just in case we can't reach a consensus, here are some surefire winners:

"We're all from Billville; some people just haven't realized it yet."
"Laurie Potteiger: Hottest ATC Employee!"
"Damascus Nopantscus!"

Local
11-02-2006, 12:59
I can get behind most of the suggestions on this thread, but just in case we can't reach a consensus, here are some surefire winners:

"We're all from Billville; some people just haven't realized it yet."
"Laurie Potteiger: Hottest ATC Employee!"
"Damascus Nopantscus!"


Excellent summation, Jester. I'll present your "Damascus Nopantscus!" idea to to the town council. They will no doubt want to include that on the town seal. :)

I am copying most of the conversations above, along with an outline of the theme ideas presented, for the meeting tonight, Thursday Nov. 2. If anyone is in town or nearby come by town hall at 7. Membership is open, you just have to show up.

attroll
11-02-2006, 15:07
How about the theme. The Appalachian trail and American heritage.

Local
11-03-2006, 08:44
The theme for Appalachian Trail Days 2007 is "People are the Trail."

"The" was dropped from the original suggestion made by Miss Janet. I'm not sure why but it was a committee decision.

The second most-supported theme was Grey Blazer's "Damn, ask us about Damascus," and this may eventually find its way to a t-shirt.

There was strong support for specifically recognizing the work of the 30-some Trail Clubs which help maintain the trail. This will no doubt be a future theme.

It was felt that "Three-quarters of a Century of the AT" would be a good theme in 2112, rather than 70 years in 2007.

In a future thread on White Blaze and other hiking forums we will post a notice of a contest for the best logo for Trail Days 2007. "People are the Trail" lends itself to some interesting graphic possibilities.

Thanks to everyone who provided ideas and participated in the discussion. We hope to incorporate many of the ideas into the program.

Gray Blazer
11-03-2006, 09:25
Yeah, seriously, though (as if that were possible),

I like the circus idea for the unofficial theme. We were thinking Roman. But most of us have already seen me walking around in nothing but a sheet.

I
Instead of a Roman Greco circus, how 'bout Ramen Gecko Circus?

Miss Janet
11-06-2006, 12:15
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!!!

I think it will be a great theme with a lot of ways to celebrate the people that make up this wonderful community.

I hope you will consider getting Takoma Tedd involved and give his song consideration as the official theme song.

fishinfred
11-06-2006, 13:02
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!!!

I think it will be a great theme with a lot of ways to celebrate the people that make up this wonderful community.

I hope you will consider getting Takoma Tedd involved and give his song consideration as the official theme song.


YES! I SECOND THAT ! TEDS MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT THE TRAIL AND THE PEOPLE!
He should be considered (HIGHLY) for the concerts at the GAZEBO.

Thanks LOCAL for keeping us posted on this !
See ya in the spring!
:sun
FF

Chris_Asheville
11-06-2006, 17:22
"A World Coming Together."

How about that? Patent pending...LOL

JayP
11-08-2006, 09:12
With a $6,000 music budget, that should allow some pretty decent music. Bands in this region aren't a lot of money and I know several that would play at trail days for a little of nothing just to be here.

Local
11-08-2006, 10:39
With a $6,000 music budget, that should allow some pretty decent music. Bands in this region aren't a lot of money and I know several that would play at trail days for a little of nothing just to be here.


JayP, you got any fresh coffee? I'll come by this a.m. and let's talk. Old Crow Medicine Show wanted $25,000. Goose Creek Symphony is high dollar, depending on how many band members they bring.

Miss Janet, do you have direct contact information for Takoma Tedd?

fishinfred, the rapids and pools behind my house have a lot of trout... I'll save a place on the bank for you. The creek is running high now and there are leaves in the water which confuses the fish, so you may want to wait a few days. :)

Local
11-08-2006, 10:54
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!!!

I think it will be a great theme with a lot of ways to celebrate the people that make up this wonderful community.

I hope you will consider getting Takoma Tedd involved and give his song consideration as the official theme song.


I just sent Takoma Tedd a note from the e-mail address on his website. Hopefully I will hear from him soon. Please keep in mind that decisons are made by committee, which is good but also can lead to being sidetracked.

Chris_Asheville
11-08-2006, 14:22
How about Yonder Mountain String Band or 56 Hope Road? Both are awesome and propbably not too expensive..

Lugnut
11-08-2006, 15:45
There is a great bluegrass band named appropriately enough 'Appalachian Trail'. They were the entertainment at the biennual ATC meeting in 2005 held in Johnson City. They are also from Virginia so there wouldn't be a lot of travel involved for them and they may be playing somewhere nearby so you could check them out. I have contact info on their CD cover if you want it.

Local
11-10-2006, 12:37
Chris_Asheville and Lugnut, thanks for the suggestions. I'll take these names to the Trail Days committee which meets next week.

I haven't heard from Takoma Tedd and if anyone knows how to contact him please let me know.

I think the only band booked so far is Possum Jenkins (http://www.possumjenkinsband.com/) but there is contact with several others.

Tha Wookie
11-10-2006, 13:00
Chris_Asheville and Lugnut, thanks for the suggestions. I'll take these names to the Trail Days committee which meets next week.

I haven't heard from Takoma Tedd and if anyone knows how to contact him please let me know.

I think the only band booked so far is Possum Jenkins (http://www.possumjenkinsband.com/) but there is contact with several others.

There is great band from Bryson City who plays a real "upbeat" bluegrass. They are called Common Folk.... really good!

The lead guy and I won 2nd at the trail days talent show in 2002. His name is "Six-String on the trail. He met his wife on the AT. They met at Fontana and got married by the Grayson Highlands, in '97. Listen to the song "Luna", on their new album. It's about meeting her on the trail.

Find them on-line at http://commonfolkmusic.net/

I'd be happy to help coordinate the booking.

Lugnut
11-10-2006, 20:36
Appalachian Trail band can be found at: http://www.mbus.com/bands/genadm/Appalachian.Trail.htm
I was wrong about them being from Virginia, it's Bristol, Tn, but that's really just accross the street. :D

Big Guy
11-10-2006, 20:40
Consider contacting the East Tennessee State University music department and their blue grass band. Very talented. Don't know if there is any cost.

Local
11-10-2006, 23:50
Big Guy, they've been contacted and we're working on the schedule. School's out during that time but one member of the group has a smaller band that we're trying to book. Saw them at the Carter Fold last year.... great group.

Jester2000
11-11-2006, 22:05
We hope to incorporate many of the ideas into the program.

Including, one would hope, "Damascus Nopantscus."

Nightwalker
11-13-2006, 07:17
Yes. Let's celebrate diversity.
www.thoseshirts.com/diversitybk.html

http://www.thoseshirts.com/atf.html with WhineStein modeling. Pretty cool.