After a few days of cleaning up and getting our celebration pieces back into storage, I’m reflecting on the success of First Night Talbot 2016. Thank you for the front page coverage in The Sunday Star, and the pictures and fine article about our event.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize some of the community partnerships which have made this annual event even possible! It takes Sponsors who provide the funding to pay for performers, venue rentals, music fees, insurance, publicity … the costs of such an event. That is NEVER covered by the sale of admission buttons! Generous Sponsors this year include: Town of Easton, Talbot County Arts Council, Carpe Diem Arts, St. John Foundation, Ceci & Rob Noble, Talbot County Office of Tourism, The Star Democrat, Easton Business Alliance, Easton Elks Lodge 1622, Easton Optimist Club, Hot Off the Coals, Talbot Partnership & Parent Coalition, Marie & Bill U’Ren, and special services (in lieu of funding) by Easton Utilities and Easton Police Dept.
Then, of course, there is the staging and presentation of the “Celebration of the Arts to Welcome the New Year.” Our performances were a combination of local groups and recognized regional artists, and all were paid – many at a greatly reduced rate because they appreciate the family-friendly character of this event. Others were local non-profit groups who’ve turned their checks back into their group or church … how’s that for building community?
Some Volunteers filled a couple of hours’ duty on NYE, while many others spent many hours or days in advance to make this happen. I cannot dare mention names, because I’d forget or offend someone! (You KNOW who you are!) Just take my word for it, this is an extremely work-intensive event at the end of an extremely busy season of Holidays for everyone, and we appreciate the extra commitment it takes from Volunteers at this time of year. Most Volunteers are returnees, some for many years … again, commitment to our community!
Some of the personal comments made to me that mean so much in judging the success of our event:
A visitor leaving the Avalon performance at 11:15pm or so: “We saw the 9 o’clock Crab Drop, so we’ll be going now … we’ve got a long drive home!” (that sounded farther than Tilghman to me …)
Lance Hood / Crab Drop: “I think these crowds for BOTH Drops were bigger than last year’s CNN …!”
EPD officers: “We’ve been patrolling around this downtown area all evening – no rowdy or troubling incidents at all this year! Great crowds, happy atmosphere!”
Add to that the folks in their OWN “sea creature hats” or party hats from other parties in town joining our First Night Talbot 2016 … I’d call it an awesome success! And a most Happy New Year to you all!
Carolyn Jaffe
Program Chair / First Night Talbot 2016
Richard Marks says
As always, First Night Talbot was a fine community event and, as Carolyn has noted, one that requires much volunteer work by many people and organizations. Kudos to all who were supportive and most of all to you, Carolyn, for your continued and tireless efforts to do the right things for Easton
as you have always done for more years than I can count. Oh, and thanks to Kate and Chris Levy and to Chuck Redd. Wonderful jazz at the Avalon!!!