FROM DREAMS TO REALITY
Visionaries create big events
Dream big, win big. That's the lesson to be
learned when looking at three of the largest events on tap this summer "”
June's Paddlefest, July's NASCAR Sprint Cup Quaker State 400 and
August's Western & Southern Open.
Each was spurred by the vision of a key person. Each
is bigger than ever this year, evolving into a regional, and in some
cases a national or international, draw. Each has significant economic
impact, increasingly measured by influx of non-Tristate dollars.
In its 10th year, Paddlefest has grown from a seed
of idea in founder Brewster Rhoads' head to the largest paddling event
in the nation, with more than 2,000 participants last year. Paddlefest
features a music and outdoor festival, an amateur race, a pro race and a
signature 8.2-mile leisurely trip from Coney Island to Yeatman's Cove,
where another festival awaits.
While no longer owner of Kentucky Speedway, there's
no doubt Jerry Carroll deserves the bulk of the credit for being the
catalyst that landed a NASCAR Sprint Cup race, taking a huge gamble when
he by built the track in 2000 with that expressed purpose. With more
than 100,000 fans expected at the inaugural race, the Kentucky-wide
economic impact is expected to be $150 million, according to Gov. Steve
Beshear.
Pro tournament tennis in Cincinnati has been around
for more than 100 years, but only after Paul Flory got involved in 1975
as then-Tournament Director did the W&S Open take off to become the
prestigious event it is today. Attendance last year was a record
235,000, and this year's event features men's and women's tournaments
held simultaneously, a rare honor. Phil Smith, president and CEO of the
Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says he's "comfortable"
estimating the economic impact to be "at least $50 million," with 25
percent of tickets sold out-of-state.
While literal bottom lines swell, the figurative bottom line is this: It's inspiring to see the result of visionary leadership.
Who's next?
CELEBRATING ARTS
It was almost a breathless observation: "What a
great time for the arts in Cincinnati!" Fresh from the world premiere of
"Infamous Love Songs" at the Aronoff, it was clear there is much to
celebrate. It includes but is not limited to a $300,000 grant to
Cincinnati Opera and the UC College-Conservatory of Music Opera Program
to develop new American operas, Yo-yo Ma on stage with Maestro Paavo
Järvi and the Symphony, the enduring impact of Louise Nippert's $85
million gift to the arts and thriving regional theater. DAAP students
making a fashion splash at the American Heart Association's "Go Red for
Women," and scores of intriguing student spring exhibits add depth to
the mix. So, when ballet dancers broke into dance at CVG last month to
the delight of passengers, it just said it all.
COMING UP
Paddlefest
June 23-25
Coney Island
(513) 588-6936
July 9
Kentucky Speedway
Sparta, Ky.
(859) 578-2300
Aug. 13-21
Lindner Family Tennis Center
Mason, Ohio
(513) 651-0303