City of Allegan September 2007 Arts & Entertainment Newsletter

September 2007

Back to the Future - Adopting a Can-Do Attitude

The third article in a series of feature articles

From "Boom TownUSA - 7½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns" by Jack Schultz

Article written and submitted by Vicki Knuckles, Downtown Coordinator, City of Allegan

"There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why. . .I dream of things that never were and ask why not?" Robert F. Kennedy

This nation was built on a can-do attitude. Without it independence would not have been achieved, slavery would not have ended, and a man would not have walked on the moon. Thanks to its positive attitude, this country has weathered the storms that came with the Great Depression and several world wars to become a world leader. It has witnessed people from all backgrounds pull together as one in times of crisis, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. That attitude emanates from a spirit that gets to the core of who Americans are and what they are about: opportunity and freedom.

It all begins with attitude. Although realistically not everyone has a can-do attitude, in terms of the health and progress of our community, it is imperative that key community members and leader all have a can-do attitude that permeates their discussions and goals. Successful towns don't let negative, short-sighted or fearful people stand in the way. A highly successful town does even more: it wins over the naysayers, at least to the extent that they can play a part in helping the town prosper and move forward.

Half full or half empty is the question. The thriving industries of the past have changed. It's not hard for people in any town to see a host of problems when the local economy takes a hit and businesses begin to close or leave. It would be easy to be preoccupied with the challenges until there is not time to grab onto a solution.

The solution is to evolve with the changes - face the obstacles, proactively. Reinvent the town and construct a "Plan B," whose outcome will exceed the original plan. In small towns, the people who are energized by challenges and thrive on problem solving can influence the whole community; they can pull others along with them. Merely being hopeful or positive isn't enough. This outlook must be combined with a visionary way of thinking and determination to carry out the new plan that evolves from that thinking.

Next Month: "If you dream it, you can do it"

Regent Marquee Homecoming

Restored Marquee Returns Thursday

The bright lights of The Regent will be lighting up Downtown Allegan very soon. The reconstruction and restoration project is complete on The Regent Theatre marquee.

After three months of anticipation, the marquee's homecoming is Thursday September 20 at which time the marquee will be reattached to the theatre. Most of the work will be completed on Thursday; however, contractors will return on Friday to perform the finishing touches to the marquee.

The project included complete reconstruction and restoration from the inside out of the marquee including repairing the structural framing system and roof, removing and repairing the marquee, enamel and neon lights, replacing electrical wiring, and reinstalling the marquee. The details of the marquee have been historically preserved.

A grant award from the State Historic Preservation Fund and a commitment from the City of Allegan's sinking fund will finance the project estimated at $80,000.

Over the years the marquee and its structural framing have deteriorated, causing concern that the marquee may have to be removed for the safety of those passing underneath. Because of this the marquee had to be reconstructed thus creating a safer environment for patrons at the theater.

The historic Regent Theatre opened in 1919 in what was formerly a late 19^th century livery. At that time, vaudeville acts along with movies were shown. In the 1930's the Regent received an Art Deco facelift, including a façade with red and green lights and a neon-lit marquee. Today under City of Allegan management, the Regent shows movies, holds special events and offers free matinees.

In 2006, the Regent had 33,484 patrons, an increase of over 4,000 from 2005 according to Vicki Knuckles, Arts and Entertainment Director for the City of Allegan. After struggling for the past decade, Knuckles attributes the Regent's success to the summer matinee program, focus on family friendly movies and working together with the Downtown and community.

"The Summer Matinee Series is sponsored by local businesses and attracts thousands of people who have never been to the theatre before," said Knuckles.

The restored marquee is another opportunity and building block for the theatre to continue to succeed. "The Regent theatre has a positive impact on the downtown, because people eat downtown and then see a show and it attracts new people to the area," said Knuckles.

The new marquee will bring more light to the historic facility while remaining a family-friendly entertainment venue for the community.

Vintage and Traditional with a Twist: Archer Hicks

Business Spotlight of the Month

The unique gifts and accessories for the home and table top offered at Archer Hicks has made the retail store the talk of the town. The best way to describe Archer Hicks is eclectic. "The store is vintage and traditional with a twist unique to Archer Hicks," said Korree Johnson, Archer Hicks co-owner.

Johnson along with his brother, Kortnee, are the minds behind the retail store and were born in raised in Allegan. "We wanted to provide residents and visitors to the downtown with a fun shop offering the not so typical products of other stores," replied Korree, "why travel outside of Downtown Allegan when looking for a unique gift or decoration for your home?"

Archer Hicks just received in all of its Halloween and autumn décor for the home. A new addition to the store for Halloween is Haunted Photos. Watch as the portrait transforms from good to haunted before your eyes. Or make your choice from tin lanterns in the shape of a monster, jack o' lantern, or black cat to help spook your home up this Halloween. Other fall themed items include candles, tabletop accessories, home décor and paper masks and hats for last minute Halloween costumes.

Korree and Kort invite you to Eat, Drink and Be Scary, an open house showcasing the Fall and Halloween items at Archer Hicks on September 20^th. In-store specials available to customers who wear a silly hat or mask and a gift with every purchase, don't miss this. Eat, Drink and Be Scary from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Archer Hicks carries home, holiday and gift items. A sampling of the brands offered is Seasons of Canon Falls, Bethany Lowe, and Department 56. Also featured are fine body products by Burt's Bee and Pre' de Provence. Check out the beautiful line of handmade jewelry in the store made by designer Koddee Taplin, the sister of Korree and Kort.

Known for their hospitality, friendliness and personal service, Archer Hicks is the perfect place to shop for your next gift or unique home accessory. Visit Korree and Kort Johnson today at Archer Hicks located at 404 Water Street in Downtown Allegan or call them at 269.673.5151.

Live on Stage: Uncommon Road

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with Uncommon Road Friday September 21^st at The Griswold. According to their myspace page, "Uncommon Road is a Christian Alternative Band throwing Hard Rocks with a sharp Metal edge at people." Likewise, Uncommon Road is influenced by Switchfoot, Decyfer Down and the band has been told they sound like Breaking Benjamin. The concert begins at 7:00 pm.

For the past several months, Uncommon Road has been in the studio recording new songs for their upcoming album. A new song was just released and will be featured at the concert. To hear the new song, visit www.myspace.com/uncommonroad.

The band began with three brothers, Todd Denham, Joel Denham and Shane Denham, and has since transformed into a more creative, complete sound comprised of Todd and Joel Denham, Steve Ferris and Nick Wayne. Uncommon Road is a reference to choosing the path of life that Christians walk rather than the way of the world. Over time the band has re-formed itself into a much harder music style, while still giving all their time and energy to the music and ministry that God has given them.

Christian Rock and Alternative music enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the event and youth groups may be eligible for a group discount. Don't miss this concert, 7:00 pm September 21^st. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Tickets are available in advance at The Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard Street. All seating is general admission and doors will open at 6:30. Tickets will be available at the door, if the show has not sold out.

For more event or ticket information, please contact The Griswold Auditorium at 269.673.3456 or griswoldauditorium@charter.net.

Download event flier here

For more information about the performers visit their websites.

www.myspace.com/uncommonroad

Gearing up for Ghoul Times

October 27th :: noon - 4:00 pm

It's that time of the year again, Fall. What better way to celebrate Fall and Halloween than with Ghoul Times @ the Gazebo in Downtown Allegan. Ghoul Times is October 27^th from noon - 4:00 pm. Ghoul Times promises to provide fun and entertainment for the entire family.

Ghoul Times @ the Gazebo will include a costume parade, trick or treating and other activities and games. The Regent Theatre will also show a haunted movie at 3:00 pm.

Several contests will also be held including a costume contest, decorated pumpkin contest, dessert contest and chili cook-off. The categories for the costume contest are newborn - 4 years old, 5 years to 8 years, 9 years to 12 years, adults/teens and best dressed or disguised pet. If you would like to participate in a contest, please register from 11:00am - noon at the Mahan Gazebo.

The costume parade will be open to all ages and will take place at 12:15 pm starting at the Mahan Gazebo on Brady Street.

Downtown merchants and businesses are asked to help spook up Downtown Allegan by dressing up their storefront or windows. The winning storefront or windows will receive free advertising in local media. For more information or to register, please contact Trisha at The Griswold, 269.673.3456.

For the entire month of October, the 3^rd Annual Scarecrow Challenge will take place. Visit Downtown Allegan and vote for your favorite scarecrow.

Please consider participating in the event. It's good for your business and your downtown! The planning committee and Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce hope you, your staff, family and friends will participate and join in the fun.

For more information regarding Ghoul Times, please contact 269.673.3456.

View the Ghoul Times Poster

Scarecrow Challenge

For the past two years, Allegan County based non-profit organizations and businesses have designed and decorated a scarecrow to be placed in the streets of Downtown Allegan to celebrate the Fall season. The Scarecrow Challenge is a fund raiser for the non-profit as the proceeds from the contest go to the winning scarecrow design. Likewise, the scarecrow is a great advertising and marketing tool for your organization as it is viewed by hundreds of people throughout the harvest season.

Non-profits may enter their organization into the contest by creating a scarecrow representing their organization and businesses may sponsor a scarecrow for a specific non-profit.

Scarecrows must be displayed in their assigned location by October 1^st and will be put on display for the entire month of October. Scarecrows must be removed by November 5, 2007. Each non-profit organization is responsible for putting up, maintaining and taking down the scarecrow.

Scarecrow design requirements:

· Limited by your imagination

· Creativity is key

· Recommend a "t" shape structure approximately 6" tall and 3" wide

· Scarecrow Committee has the authority to make changes to a scarecrow

if consisting of inappropriate elements or design

Non - profit contact person will be notified after September 21^st with location of

placement for their scarecrow. Each location will be marked with a number.

If you have additional questions regarding the location or requirements

please contact Linda, 269.673.7080.

$5.00 entry fee required for each scarecrow - Limited to one scarecrow per organization

Contact: Linda Clark at 269.673.7080 or Trisha Henderson at 269.673.3456.