2012... WOW!!

It seems like only a few months ago that Judi and I were planning our 2011 itinerary and now it’s 2012. WOW!! As in past years, I would like to thank those who have believed in us and helped our journey to promote Ontario's great festivals and events... our Banner Advertisers, our Festival Nomad Correspondents, the interesting people Judi interviewed for her THE INSIDE SCOOP Blog and her War of 1812 Celebrations Blog, and all organizations, throughout Ontario that used our services. In previous years we displayed the ads of many of the Banner Advertisers who placed ads with us. This year is no exception. Each ad display has a link to the advertiser's website. Please check them out to learn more about these great organizations.

Here are some of the highlights for 2011:

• During the year we created a number of “Ontario Visited” websites. These included websites for Fairs, Communities, Heritage Properties and Attractions. All are doing well and attracting web visitors. We also created a “portal” website, Ontario Visited at www.ontariovisited.ca. This website allows visitors access to all our websites, blogs and newsletters with ease. In addition to the above websites, we have created two more, Ontario Event Calendar and Ontario Event Finder (search engine). Each of these websites has been designed to allow festival goers access to Ontario festival and event information. These websites contain information about hundreds of Ontario festivals and events. If you know of any that aren't included, please let us know.

(To Be Continued)

Interview With Mrs. S. Claus

Mr. & Mrs. S. Claus
North Pole
Event Experts

The following is a reprint of an article appearing in the Ontario Visited, 2011 Christmas Issue of The Insider newsletter Interview (Part Three) FN: What would be your most important “Tip”, to give to our readers who might be planning a large event themselves? MC: The best advice I can give is to have a “BACK-UP PLAN”! The best laid plans can go array. For example …one of the reindeer might catch a cold, our communications system might “crash”, my ovens could quit before the baking is done. That is why we take the time to have such a comprehensive “Master Plan” from the beginning. We are prepared for most unforeseen eventualities. We re-print the copies for Santa’s routes (and alternate routes), we bring extra batteries for our communications, we bring extra warm clothing (in case Santa gets dirty climbing down a chimney), and even some extra “munchies” for the reindeer (in case they get hungry while Santa is in eating cookies and warm milk). FN: I asked Santa this question last year, but I wanted to know from you … after the Big Event, what do you, Mr. Claus and the Elves do to “wrap-up” Christmas? MC: My first priority after the Big Event is to re-group with Mr. Claus and the Elves, to go over our "Master Plan". We like to see what went well, and perhaps what did not go well, take notes. These notes begin the process of creating next year's "Master Plan", hopefully new and improved! After all, we want folks to keep enjoying this Big Event. I would also like to say that I take great comfort in being “home”! Safe and sound with all the people I know and love. I wish you, Festival Nomad, and your family and all of your Festival and Event Friends, a safe, healthy and happy Holiday Season! (See You Next Year!)

Interview With Mrs. S. Claus

Mr. & Mrs. S. Claus
North Pole
Event Experts

The following is a reprint of an article appearing in the Ontario Visited, 2011 Christmas Issue of The Insider newsletter

Interview (Part Two)

FN: My next question for you is, what are the biggest challenges for both you and Santa when planning such a Big Event?

MC: My biggest challenge, when planning this Big Event, is COMMUNICATIONS. With the Elves in the workshop, Santa in the exercise room (trying to get in shape for his big journey) and me in the kitchen baking, we keep on top of our “Master Plan” by communicating with one another is a must! We constantly have to adapt our communications methods as technology changes over the years. Back in the day, we used tin cans strung together with string to yell through. Then there was the dial telephone, megaphone, party-lines, and more. Now there is on-line, instant communications. They have created a “Webcam” where we can see one another as we communicate. Texting is fun, although I love the voice activated method (my hands are usually sticky from baking).
As for Santa, his biggest, biggest challenge is DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE. Of course, Santa knows where all the good little girls and boys live, but with such a large population, many similar homes, similar street names … he does have a challenge finding way sometimes. Modern technology offers GPS, but with Santa’s large gloves on, it can be a distraction pressing the buttons. Santa tries hard to “Pre-Plan” his routes. He makes alternative route plans in case of too much snow on a roof top for the reindeer. I must say though, Santa finds all the Christmas lights and decorations helpful.

FN: I have noticed over the past few years that you are attending and participating in some Christmas Parades. Would you rather be riding in them or watching from the comfort of your cozy cabin? And, what is your favorite part of the parade?

MC: Well, I am pleased and proud to be riding in a few Christmas Parades. It gives me a chance to see first hand the excitement of all the children (young and old). With modern technology, I can leave my baking on automatic timing, so I can take the time to get out more. I stay warm and cozy in the parades by dressing in lots of layers, drink warm coco from a thermos and keep my feet dry. I love getting out and visiting our Communities. It helps keep me “in-touch” and well informed. I like to see our “New Canadians” and folks from many diverse backgrounds out taking part in this tradition. My favorite part of the parade most likely is the music! … from the marching bands and the beat of their drums to the children and choirs singing together.
(To Be Continued)

Interview With Mrs. S. Claus

Mr. & Mrs. S. Claus
North Pole
Event Experts

The following is a reprint of an article appearing in the Ontario Visited, 2011 Christmas Issue of The Insider newsletter

Interview (Part One)

Festival Nomad (FN): Well Mrs. Claus, you must be very excited at this time of the year. I’m sure that over the year you must help Mr. Claus with the planning for the Big Night! Can you tell me what the first things you and Mr. Claus do to prepare for the Big Event?

Mrs. Claus (MC): Well Festival Nomad, I am very good at coming up with ideas. Lots and lots of them! You know… little extra touches and surprises to make the Big Event fantastic! There is a lot of hustle and bustle as the event draws near. Mr. Claus and the Elves also have their own ideas, plans and duties. The Elves' tasks range from to the building of the toys and treasures to the wrapping of the presents, Santa’s tasks are to plan the distribution of the gifts, training and conditioning routines for himself and the Reindeer. Between all of us involved, it can become very confusing. So, I make a LIST. I call it Mrs. Claus’s Master Plan.

FN: Lately I’ve noticed that there seems to be a lot of advertizing, promoting Christmas. How much of this is initiated by you and Santa and how much of it is spontaneous?

MC: I’ve heard that there are “Secret Santa’s” out there. It is my understanding that these folks help make sure a special person gets a special gift. Santa, the Elves and I make no effort to disguise how magical Christmas can be. When I have been out shopping for my baking ingredients, I have overheard some folks being “grumpy” about all the Christmas decorations, and such, coming out so soon in the season. They say it’s too much “commercialism” these days. It is my sincere hope that these extra efforts will only increase the goodwill and kindness that usually is evoked in many folks. The longer communities can be aware to help others less fortunate and be kind to one another, the better for everyone! I’ve heard that some Festivals and Events, during the festival season, encourage folks to bring canned goods, non-perishable food, warm clothing, toys and such out to their events. An example is a communities “Lighting of the Tree Ceremonies”. I understand also that some companies match dollar for dollar if their employees donate to charity efforts for this special time of the year. So, Festival Nomad, I would like to think that advertising and promotion can be a blessing in disguise. People become aware sooner and seem to open their hearts and goodwill.
(To Be Continued)