Friday, October 13, 2006

Sand Castle Days Misinformation

Just got off the phone with a nice lady who was having a very difficult time finding information on Sandcastle Days. She wondered in particular about the free lessons. She had called the Sheraton -- the front desk told her the lessons were scheduled for Oct. 16-23 "the day of contest judging." (All categories will in fact be judged on the 21st.) She called the Chamber of Commerce - which apparently had no info whatsoever. She called the Visitors Center - they gave her my phone number.

I had the city's press release which (presumably) gives the right dates, anyway. But nowhere in the PR or even on the event website can you find the hours when these lessons will be offered.

You can see a slideshow though! How very helpful!

Jeez.

6 Comments:

Blogger Sam said...

Now Sandy I want you to be on your best manners this year - think of this as a game and as a test for them.

Next year. I promise to get a bunch of us on the CBV events committee, starting with me, and try to work things out a little more smoothly.

I haven't even been down to the Sheraton lately. Isn't that where the Sapphire (a huge condo-hotel, 30 stories) is being constructed?

If that's where I think it is, about 100 over-flow parking slots will be lost, right? Maybe we'd be doing a public service by running down there ahead of time and checking it out for the peeps!

I mean, is there a shuttle bus to the event or something?

Sam

2:27 PM  
Blogger Lucinda said...

It's a board of directors running things these days, Sam and they have made it clear they don't want any help or advice from the SoBs. Of course, the rest of the world doesn't know that I have been kicked out of the organizational side of the event I helped create, so I guess that's why my phone number is still being given out by people who really ought to know better.

This lady was totally frustrated, and I find it almost beyond belief that the folks hosting this event don't even know the correct dates themselves. And what possible reason could they have for not posting the hours for their free lessons on the event website or in the official press release?

Anyway, parking is definitely limited at the Sheraton this year due to construction. I understand that spectators are being encouraged to park at Schlitterbahn where they can catch a shuttle to and from the event.

I truly am trying to keep a positive attitude about this event; I generally go out of my way to promote the contests in which I participate and I really am looking forward to attacking my sandpile next Thursday.

But it is very hard for me to think of this as just another contest -- I can't even pretend to not care about the mistakes I see the organizers making.

4:53 PM  
Blogger Sam said...

You have a right to feel down about it, Sandy Feets. I did not mean to sound pendantic or weird. But I've been told "document, document, document" and the facts will take care of the rest. You just gave us one.

Thanks!
Sam

7:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tom from DFW again -

I'd be upset too, Sandy. You work for years to perfect an event and aren't even asked to consult when it's snatched from under you.

I know it's frustrating to be asked questions about Sand Castle days, but maybe your past experience could shed some light on this:

The weather is kind of up in the air next weekend (sorry for the pun!), not to mention the Red Tide.

Should either be a cancellation factor, is there an alternate weekend for Sand Castle Days?

We have hotel reservations and must cancel by Tuesday or we'll have to pay one night's rate if we don't show.

Thanks and keep your head up!

5:08 PM  
Blogger Lucinda said...

Hi Tom - in the past few days I have not felt any redtide effects, so don't let that influence your decision. The weather is another story -- looks like a fairly good chance for rain -- but also a good chance for sun! There is not any alternative dates for this event -- too many folks have to fly in -- so we will build regardless of the weather conditions. Hope to see you here! -sf

10:36 AM  
Blogger Lucinda said...

The forecast is improving - the latest takes rain out of Fri. & Sat. and only scattered stuff on Thursday - that's good news!

8:33 AM  

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