State Of The Fest

Last night our fearless leader in Washington delivered his final State Of The Union address to a joint session of congress and a rapt nation. It seemed like a good idea to me for a president to give an annual summary of how things stand in his particular jurisdiction, you know, so we can applaud or impeach him or whatever. So I asked our own board president Ed Scanlon to give us his State Of The Fest address. Ed, like that other guy, is in his waning months as president so this will be his last such address. Also his first. Sorry. Should have thought about this earlier...maybe when I was president. Anyway, better late than never. Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the Kansas City Irish Fest. (cue applause sign)

As we begin 2008 festival season it is time to stop reflect and think of the future of The Kansas City Irish Festival. Please permit me to address a few areas.

The Economy: The economy of the festival is strong, however the very shaky ground of the national economy could very easily have a negative affect on our finances. In 2005 just a few days after Hurricane Katrina we opened the gates to our second festival. Gas prices were higher than we've ever seen and the general emotion of the nation was very glum. We saw smaller crowds and soft beer sales. How easy it is for an event hundreds of miles away could have an affect on of our Festival. We as the board of the festival are given the job of being good stewards of the community money to put on the best possible festival and not give away the farm in the process.

Entertainment: This is the area that is hand in hand with our economy. It is one of our largest expense items. You need to spend money to make money and Irish Fest is offering the best line up of performers our economy will allow. It is fine line we walk between what we would like to spend and what is fiscally possible. It goes without saying we have provided the best money can buy. We look to the future and anticipate who will be playing in 2012.

Growth for the Future: We cannot live in the past and rest on our successes. We must continue to build and improve. We do not want to be the biggest festival in the world, just the best. However, when we are the best, growth and expansion is a natural direction. The plans are in place to expand our grounds and add more elbow room. Speaking of elbows, we will be improving the service of the pubs so there will be more time to bend that elbow. Small steps, but very necessary.

Environment: We are all concerned about the the planet. Irish Fest in 2007 took a position and with the help of Natalie Smith who spearheaded our recycle committee we collected 1000 cubic feet of plastic bottles that would have added to the landfill. Now those bottles are on the way to become carpeting for your home.

Health Care: We at Irish Fest offer a very good health care plan. Lots of porta potties, porta potties on the Terrace Level. We are taking care of you. No up and down stairs looking for the jacks. No waiting emergency health care. Medics available to put a band aid on that kiddo's skinned knee. We are there for you.

Education: Our education program is fantastic. We will have no attendee left behind. The heritage area is planning an interactive display that will have everyone walking away saying "I did not know that. Thank you Irish Fest".

Foreign Policy: We are very pleased that we have had successful peace talks and have avoided any fear of going to war. However we stand ready and will turn McCarthy's dog loose if necessary.

Child Care: We at Irish fest have a plan to entertain your child, improve their awareness of the Irish Culture. There will be an expanded exercise program of inflatable jumping things. No we are not taking care of your child that is your job. We are offering everything you need as a parent to keep them happy at a reduced price. Don't even think of asking me to babysit your kiddos.

Tourism: KCIF filled 1753 hotel rooms during 2007 and was voted best festival in Kansas City by visitors to Kansas City. We sold advanced tickets to 28 states including Alaska.

Church and State: We provided Sunday morning mass that was attended by 2800 people at the service. And a large group of Fred Phelps people protesting something that I personally do not understand and never will.

Giving back to the community: The festival awarded grants totaling $25,000. These grants were for a very diverse range of requests that spanned a very broad cross cultural arena.

Volunteers: This is the army of the festival. The people who sacrifice so much to provide an outstanding festival. We all must stand and applaud them for their service to the festival.

This is my final state of the festival address as president. I feel very sad that in January 2009 I will be leaving office. I know that those that will follow will carry on the work of our Founders, Board of Directors and Committee. By no means should any one say "Mission Accomplished"... We have only begun. Thank you to everyone involved in the festival, you are providing to the midwest the best in Irish Culture, Music, Dance, Comedy, Drama, Heritage, Beverage and Energy.

God Bless You All!
-Ed Scanlon