PUBLIC MIND: BALLOON FEST MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO COMMUNITY HELP

To the Editor,

By all measurements, Balloon Fest '94 was an artistic success and a fine addition to the roster of annual events in Cape Girardeau.

As with all endeavors of this sort, it takes a lot of time and effort by a lot of people to make it work. I am personally thrilled and grateful to have been involved with a wonderful group of committee members whose unofficial, but often repeated motto was, "we can make this work". And they did!

I can only try to extend proper thanks to the many people who pitched in, beginning with Beverly Strohmeyer of the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts, who, when it looked like the project was bogging down, worked tirelessly, day and night, to keep it from sinking. Mary Miller, of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau, whose gentle nudgings and suggestions kept us properly focused, and whose staff and volunteers maintained such a cheerful attitude over three very hot and busy days. Pete Poe added Balloon Fest to his long list of commitments and simply went out and got the job done. Randy Holdman, who furnished the site, helped with promotion, arranged for a number of the displays and made sure everything ran smoothly for the event and the airport. Don Strohmeyer and Steve Wiedeman, in addition to other responsibilities, pitched in to help avoid what could have become a major traffic problem when the crowds entering the airport were even greater than we dared to hope for.

Steve Engles, Mike Ford, Jeannie Hinck, Linda Minner, Gene Riegle and David Ross were other committee members who went into overdrive to assure the success of Balloon Fest '94.

Nothing could have happened if it weren't for our major sponsors and supporters: The Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts, The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, St. Francis Medical Center, Fox 23 KBSI-TV, KZIM-AM/K103 FM and Schnucks. Also, the many others who gave their time, encouragement and financial assistance.

We appreciate the generous coverage by the Southeast Missourian and all the local media.

There is a cloud hovering, however. The committee fell approximately $4,000 short of being able to pay all the bills to local merchants and vendors. Before we can consider moving ahead with Balloon Fest '95, we must raise money to pay our debts. If the public cares to help, contributions may be sent to The Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts and specify for Balloon Fest '94. Any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated.

Again, thank you to all who put forth such a tremendous effort to make the Balloon Fest such a success. If we can clear this year's financial hurdles we'll be back for years to come.

Bob Steinberg

Balloon Fest '94