Im never shocked anymore. But I would pull out what hair I have left sometimes. Since 1986, weve hosted the downtown Chili Championship (with the exception of a couple years hiatus). It takes a tremendous amount of planning, logistics, contracts, so its a work of passion that is something for the community to enjoy free of charge. But you know, we cant control the weather. Its raining all weekend. Lots of people have plans for events next weekend, and who knows - it might rain then, too. Moving it isnt an option. Its an outdoor festival, like Hungry Mother Festival (also this weekend), Virginia Tech football games, NASCAR races, big name concerts at the Appalachian Fair or wherever. And sometimes, everyone gets wet. Those that want to come, we welcome you. Those who are complaining because I cant shut off the sky faucet, turn up the heat to a comfortable temperature (but not hot enough to make you sweat), or anything else to make you comfortable, Im sorry. Life happens. Thats why we have umbrellas, rain coats, galoshes. Dress appropriately. Were doing our best. Yep, some things may not happen. Some people wont bring out their classic rides. I probably wouldnt either. The band cant set up and play in the rain - electricity and water doesnt mix. Bounce houses and corn hole tourneys cant go in the rain. But chili teams always come prepared, the Dip Dog challenge is on, and were doing everything we can to host as much as possible with the weather. We have an emergency plan in case we get a thunderstorm to keep people safe. But we cant stop the rain. And as it is right now, EVERYTHING IS A GO! Ive seen it pour rain all day, then blue skies just as the band hits the stage. Ive seen it cold as blue blazes, and had to change clothes twice to keep from getting hypothermia. Ive seen fire and Ive seen rain. Wait - that was James Taylor, not me. But you get the idea. Nothing will be cancelled, because there are just as many chili teams, vendors, etc that cant change their plans as there are those who might want a different date. It just works out that way. Tonight, the chili championship is on. Id love to see you come support the cooks and the event. But Im betting well all get wet and chilly while tasting the chili. Thats how it sometimes goes. And you can bet Ill be right here through it all. If Im good and soggy, Ill even give you a big hug if you ask :) Lets come together to uplift our community, the volunteers, the small businesses, the sponsors and the vendors, and show them what it really means to be #MarionProud. A little rain never hurt anybody.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:43:33 +0000
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