There’s nothing like a good comeback. That second time around might be just what was needed to revive an event or start a new tradition. Well, the St. Joseph Park Board is in comeback mode and it should be commended for it.
While lack of funding of projects and not having enough volunteers are easy deterrents in moving projects forward, this city board is forging ahead with new ideas to bring people together. The most recent idea executed by the board was the introduction of Joetown Snowtown, a winter event that featured ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and chili tasting. The event was held in February. Despite low attendance, park board members plan to do it again next year and make it even better, officials said. They view it as a learning experience and not a total flop.
City traditions are what shape a place and its people. Whether old or new, they are worth the investment and the park board understands that. They should not stand alone in their efforts. As city officials work to collaborate to make St. Joseph a destination, more consideration should be given as to how to support the comeback of city traditions and how to contribute to the success of new ones.
Members of the park board are also working on bringing back a 5K event in St. Joseph. They hope to host the event during the weekend of the annual Millstream Arts Festival, typically the last Sunday in September.
It’s been about three or four years since the city has hosted the 5K event. Why not bring it back? There are so many events for which St. Joseph is known. Signature events include the Fourth of July Parish Festival and the Joetown Rocks concert, the annual Millstream Arts Festival and the holiday tree-lighting ceremony.
All of those events are popular with people far and wide but are associated with St. Joseph simply because they are held within its city limits. That’s fine, but there are few events that are solely sponsored by the city. Maintenance of events like Joetown Snowtown and the revival of the 5k event is one way to change that. These efforts deserve support.
