Montrose - Daily Press

I went to the ping-pong prize drop today. What a horrible experience it was! I was expecting a crowd (who doesn't like getting prizes?) but it was way more crowded than I had thought it would be - do to the size of the area. There were so many people crammed into a small area. It was nothing but pandimonium. When the balls were dropped, people went crazy, showing their true selves as they trampled anyone who stood in their way. I could have gotten more balls if I wanted to be ruthless and leave my toddler alone. It was supposed to be something fun, and turned into something I wish my son would not have witnessed.

I think the worst part of the prize drop was that the organizers thought that a few people in a small tent would be able to serve over 5000 people in a timly manner in trading out the balls for certificates. The temperature was hot and I saw many tempers rising. I had assumed that the largest tent was going to be the trade in tent - and others around me had the same assumption. When we realized that it was the smallest tent we were amazed at the lack of planning and thought that was put into this. Yes, I know hindsight is 20/20 especially coming from an outsider, but it was pretty obvious that the organizers hadn't thought too much about crowd control. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke were very real dangers that hopefully didn't happen.

Better organization would have gone a long way to having a smoother experience for all involved. I know I am not the only one who was dissatisfied with how things went. A larger area for the crowd would have been nice, as well as more people to help trade in the prizes. Maybe somewhere the winners could go the day after to ease up on the crowd. Those who organize events for Montrose need to think about things like this. Having planned many big events, I know that organization is key to keeping attendees happy. I hope that if they decide to do this next year, they will take some of the mistakes made this year and learn from them. This was the first year to do this and much was learned.

Advertisement

Comments

disappointed wrote on Jul 18, 2009 2:42 PM:

" I went to this fiasco. We heard there was music so maybe we could sit on the grass and spend the day letting the kids run around and enjoy ourselves. It was in the dirt/weeds. We were walking in one area and were yelled at by others to move there was racing going on there. No signs or anything, we werent the only ones walking there. We were there 15 minutes. You had to pay or donate for everything, that is not free. I am not sure who is at fault but it was not worth the woopla. "




Report Abuse

Darnellenore wrote on Jul 17, 2009 3:40 PM:

" Don't blame GASS because the people can't control themselves.It is the fault of the people who have terrible behavior. It was a free event,of course there's going to be alot of people there!Next time stay away from places with large crowds like I do. "




Report Abuse

Polly wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:27 PM:

" It is time that I speak for our selfless group of organizers. We have taken all suggestions and concerns seriously.
We appreciate all the feed back.
Our goal was to rally our community to create an event worthy of July 4th. (keep in mind Summerfest was cancelled due to budget cuts)
Montrose should stand tall with pride to know the local merchants North ,South East and West worked together as one to make it possible. You were showered with gifts from people that care. Thank you for being there.
We have a plan for next year. "




Report Abuse

JGT wrote on Jul 17, 2009 12:39 PM:

" Actually, if I were the event organizers I would take all the complaints to heart too. Then I would cancel the event and not waste my time, energy, or money, putting on an event for spoiled, entitled people. Then each and every one of them could find their own thing to do on July 4... oh, and pay for it themselves!

See, problem solved. Well, until next year when the complainers are demanding to know why nobody is sponsoring a free event for them to attend with their family (while others work to make them happy). "




Report Abuse

cita12 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:01 PM:

" i would think that the organizers of such an event for this size of town would really take the issues that were raised to be very real concerns, without everybody getting feelings hurt. i personally have never understood why anyone would want to go to any event on the hottest day of the summer in a blazing hot parking lot for any reason.... "




Report Abuse

WOW wrote on Jul 16, 2009 1:42 AM:

" "Cry Babies" I can't stress how much I agree with you. No matter the amount of organization it is all about the attitude of the people involved. To me most of the people at the ball drop were greedy. it was about having fun etc. But when people children and adults alike were stealing, and hittin or whatever it took to get a ball it totally took all the fun out of it. "




Report Abuse

Work Together wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:38 AM:

" The event was sponsored by 240 merchants from Montrose. Main street merchants were approached by the event group to participate. If you chose not to be part of the answer then you are the problem. Main street cannot and will not host Summerfest. The venue south of town was a free space. Of course there was a "merchant" angle to the event. What is wrong with creating a little traffic into your establihment by giving Joe Schmoe a frebee. Many of your neighbors are reaping the benefit. Again, maybe you could become part of the answer... "




Report Abuse

Easy E. wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:44 AM:

" whatever,

I re-read the post and I still cannot see the "insult" that you see. Insulting would be "The planners were idiots and couldn't organize their own kid's birthday party." Stop being so sensitive and see what they're suggesting: bigger area, more prize claims booths, & extended prize claims period. Lessons learned. "




Report Abuse

MainMan wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:09 PM:

" They couldn't care less if Main gets paved or your kid falls in the river trying to get a pinpong ball as long ya stop at coldstone on the way home. "




Report Abuse

MainMan wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:54 PM:

" Wake up people! I really hope at least some of you realize the whole point of this event was for big business to make money. Why do you think they held it down by target and all the other new chain stores? Money! What ever happened to good old Main Street fun on the 4th? Oh yea and patriotism instead of greed. This is part of the problem with business on Main. Because the developers of oxbow and rivers edge like matt miles are doing everything they can to get your business. "




Report Abuse

Cry Babies wrote on Jul 13, 2009 5:02 PM:

" I went to the drop, but I don't agree with the people complaining here. No amount of organization teaches people (or their kids) to behave. And that is what most of the people on here are complaining about. What you saw was REALITY. To then turn around and blame the people who put on the event for this proves what entitled attitude you have... and it was probably your kids causing the trouble. "




Report Abuse

Jim wrote on Jul 13, 2009 3:31 PM:

" I completely agree with the pandamonium
My wife got elbowed in her nose, one of my sons was knocked down and trampled and my other son had a very unscrupulous grown man try to take a ball right out of his hand. Good thing he held his ground against this bully. The whole thing was mahem and people should be ashamed of themselves. "




Report Abuse

Chelsea wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:42 AM:

" I think that organization was a huge part of it. Not only was the helicopter flying too close to the crowd, extremely dangerous. The games didn't go smoothly, ALL VENDORS except for food charged a lot of $$$..$2 water... It was so much better at Baldridge on grass, not pavement. Way too cramped in such a little space, it would really help to be more spread out. Live and learn!!! "




Report Abuse

WOW wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:22 AM:

" My husband and I went to the drop. We were to the side of the huge gathering, some came our way. A person unknown gender or age hit him in the crotch so hard he had to go to the hospital. They did not bother to say sorry. They just wanted that dang ball. No respect for others. Also some very rude comments were made about the free stuff etc. The writer of this never stated anything about prices. They said the orginization could have been better.
Please be respectfull of others and learn some of etiquitte. "




Report Abuse

yes free wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:57 PM:

" 90% of the gass was FREE, contests were FREE, prizes were FREE, balloons were FREE, music was FREE, face painting was FREE and the volunteers were FREE ( in the past the city has spent your tax money to pay each vendor to be there). the food stands - i am pretty sure that those ppl were not there to make a profit all proceeds went to charities - and their time was FREE!!! "




Report Abuse

ERW wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:01 AM:

" To scarred for life. I am pumped that you brought up the jello jump!!! must be a native. I had forgotten all about it. Its friiiidaayyy "




Report Abuse

Free. huh wrote on Jul 9, 2009 6:51 PM:

" I also attended this event, and am surprised at the emphesis on "free" throughout these posts. I didnt ever expect nor did I receive anything for free. In fact, had I seen a bucket, I would have probably left a donation. That being said, I didnt see much free there. Granted they didnt charge for admission, but there were charges for most things. Even the water to the roasting people in line. (yes, they brought it around...for $2.00 a bottle) Not everyone who went or who has constructive advice was just out for a freebe!! This event was dangerous! "




Report Abuse

Lack of common sense wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:12 PM:

" FYI- I didn't wait in line for 4 hours. I heard from other people. I did, however, witness the ping pong ball drop and I am surprised that nobody was injured or killed. The entire event was NOT well thought out. Just because it was free doesn't mean that common sense rules shouldn't apply. "




Report Abuse

Your Choice wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:44 PM:

" Lack of Common Sense: The lack of common sense comes from you waiting in line for 4+ hours. That was YOUR choice. Nobody forced you; you could have left at any time (or not shown up at all). Let's face it, you wanted free stuff. Well, free stuff comes with a price (and that usually includes crowds). You made your choice, so don't cry about it now. "




Report Abuse

Whatever wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:08 AM:

" Easy E,

Re-read the original post. It’s more insulting than constructive. What you seem to forget is this was a FREE event. FREE! Meaning YOU paid NOTHING to attend, nor did you have to attend. And then this person turns around and “constructively” insults, going as far as accusing the organizers of endangering the public. Next year, you constructive criticism people stay home… although then we will probably have to hear about there not being any FREE event for you to attend with your family (while other people work to make you happy). "




Report Abuse

Scarred for Life wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:06 AM:

" If you think this event was tramatic you should have seen the KUBC Jello Jump at the 1979 Montrose County Fair. I still have nightmares; I've never looked at a hottub full of Jello the same again! Oh the shame of these commercial exploitations! (And they didn't even have a chopper overhead.) "




Report Abuse

Easy E wrote on Jul 8, 2009 12:07 PM:

" I just want to add that I appreciate those that organized and volunteered for the day. It really is a selfless service and it should be commended as well. Let's learn and grow together and don't be so quick to judge and condemn those that see faults and simply recommend changes. "




Report Abuse

Easy E wrote on Jul 8, 2009 12:04 PM:

" Easy everybody. The OP was simply expressing that the experience for THEM was not so good. They were offering contructive criticism and offered hope for a better event next year based on what was learned this year. There's nothing wrong with this. I've heard the same complaints. It amazes me that some people can't see the value in CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. "




Report Abuse

Lack of common sense wrote on Jul 8, 2009 11:42 AM:

" It is usually lack of common sense that causes injury or death. The ping pong ball drop was that kind of event and for the prize redemption to take 4+ hours was ridiculous. I don't recall the event organizers asking for volunteers or opinions. "




Report Abuse

Earl wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:11 AM:

" What did you expect when it was free.I have lived in Montrose all my life seen lots off changes (some for the better,most for the worse) People are getting more & more selfish its all about "ME"Seems to be the attitude here,so you got to wonder if getting a key chain is worth risking your life at such event.Not me,Just be thankful no one was hurt. Thanks&God Bless. "




Report Abuse

There for fun. . wrote on Jul 7, 2009 9:46 PM:

" I agree do not blame the organizers blame the inconsiderate and sorry excuse for parents people that attend the event. Now do not get me wrong not everyone there was inconsiderate or a bad parent but there were plenty. "




Report Abuse

GrewupinMontrose wrote on Jul 7, 2009 9:32 PM:

" Amazed and others...

Why do supposedly educated people resort to name and label calling such as calling people "bleeding heart liberals"..Is this a Rush Limbaugh, political event?..sounds like you are jumping in here just to advance an agenda that doesn't have anything to do with a ping pong drop. How about some thoughtful, interactive dialogue instead of calling people you don't know names? Start working for what is right instead of creating fights about what is wrong.... "




Report Abuse

magnanimous wrote on Jul 7, 2009 3:49 PM:

" I would just like to thank Polly for putting her heart and soul into this event. She obviously put in months of preparation to organize a free event (Gift certificates, booths, food, tents, tables, chairs and a lot of $$$) for all of us to enjoy a free event. Sure the organization of the prize redemption could have gone more smoothly, but the individuals greed to crowd the booth so that they could get theirs played an important factor too. Thanks again Polly for everything. You serve your community well and it was a pleasure to attend the event. "




Report Abuse

Amazed wrote on Jul 7, 2009 2:17 PM:

" Lets Lynch the organizers of the event! Im sure its their fault some moron of a parent is dragging their kids into the drop area too. Sounds way to much like a parenting issue to me. Thank god for the bleeding heart liberals voicing their complaints. Anyone else want to cry that a Totally free event thats run for the first time unsupported by MAMA wasnt totally prepared for every thing that came up? "




Report Abuse

MP wrote on Jul 7, 2009 10:44 AM:

" I think that overall the day was great! We participated in the ball drop but having my kids with me, we stayed in the back so they didnt get trampled. I think that the people that organized it did a great job! I was disappointed more in the people of Montrose than anything. I saw many lost children in the aftermath of the ball drop. How can you risk losing your child for a prize? Then all of the people pushing and cutting in line. If anyone made the event un-perfect, it was the ungrateful rude people that attended "




Report Abuse

Sour People wrote on Jul 7, 2009 9:55 AM:

" I find it funny that people are complaining about a free event they did NOT have to attend. They attended because they wanted free things to do and prizes. And then they turn around and complain.

Well next year, take your zero dollars and spend it somewhere else. Trust me, the zero dollars you spent to attend the free event will not be missed! Nor will your sour attitude! "




Report Abuse

My oh My wrote on Jul 7, 2009 9:48 AM:

" How about next year all you complainers PAY FOR EVERYTHING! If you want more tents, YOU PAY! You want more people to work, then YOU VOLUNTEER or YOU PAY PEOPLE!

HA is right. The entitled attitude you people have at a FREE event is astounding!

And let's be clear here... nobody forced you to attend or stay at the event! "




Report Abuse

In the crowd wrote on Jul 7, 2009 8:35 AM:

" I guess I offered feedback, because I figured the planners of this event would appreciate the feedback from other perspectives, but definately never to be critical! My bad!! If some of you aren't careful with your reactions, it may appear that no feedback is wanted, and the planning committee is unwilliing to listen. What kind of community is that?? "




Report Abuse

In the crowd wrote on Jul 7, 2009 8:30 AM:

" To say this event was "terrible" or "badly organized" is just wrong. But it was not all of the peaches and cream some seem to believe it was. It was a great effort and great beginning! Let's just work from here, and make it better next time! Thanks Polly! "




Report Abuse

In the crowd wrote on Jul 7, 2009 8:28 AM:

" Easy Everybody! As far as I can tell these complaints are not directed at Poly, but more the behavior of some of the greedy people who were there. I for one really appeciate all of her hard work, and also WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP, as that seems to be some of your complaints. I just feel like the safety of the "mob" should be all of our concern, and I'm sure it is Polly's as well. We need to be honest about some changes that need to be made, and that is not "feeling entitled" or "ungrateful"! "




Report Abuse

funfor all wrote on Jul 6, 2009 4:59 PM:

" BAD ORGANIZATION?!? 95% would say the whole event went very well. free fun for all of montrose and surrounding communities. Without polly, eli and the donation of land to use there would not have been a summerfest (free for the public) its best to say thanks where needed. And in this case it was the community that stepped up and NOT the city-cause it wasnt in their budget. before you start to criticize, look at the facts - croud control was asked of the montrose police but they were to busy patroling the christian rock festival in olathe. GO POLLY!!! "




Report Abuse

Pampered Montrose wrote on Jul 6, 2009 3:18 PM:

" If they needed more people to help trade in for prizes, why did YOU not jump up and volunteer to help!? My guess is it’s because it’s much easier to sit back and complain and have it be someone else’s problem then to step up and work! And if you did step up and work, how would you feel when the other complainers, enjoying the free event with their family and friends (while you worked), complained about you!? "




Report Abuse

Josh wrote on Jul 6, 2009 3:08 PM:

" I agree with HA!

Maybe all the people complaining should demand a refund! I know when I attend a community event that I did not pay a single cent to attend and I don't like it, I always demand a full refund! "




Report Abuse

Me wrote on Jul 6, 2009 3:06 PM:

" After seeing all the work that Polly put into this event FOR the town of Montrose. I cannot beleive the criticism I am reading here! I noticed you said you got a few ping pongballs,If it was so bad you should have backed out! Water was offered all day and I saw Polly sitting on a fire hose so that anyone could get wet.I want to thank the town and I feel we did a great job comeing together.Thank you Polly and Leader Ship circle for allowing us a place to celebrate Independence Day!!!! "




Report Abuse

Trisha wrote on Jul 6, 2009 3:02 PM:

" HA: I could not have said it better myself! People around here have nothing better to do with their time than complain. Funny that these people complaining did not volunteer their time to work the event (for free), seeing how they know everything! No, instead they attend it, for free, and then just complain!

This post just proves that we truly have turned into a spoiled, it's all about me, entitled little city! "




Report Abuse

HA wrote on Jul 6, 2009 1:16 PM:

" Ummmm... well maybe next year YOU pay for everything and YOU volunteer YOUR time to host and run the event (for no pay) on July 4th. Then YOU can have it anyway YOU want!

I’m sure all the volunteers who WORKED on July 4th (with no pay) to provide you with an event to attend with your family(FOR FREE) really appreciate your complaints.

I swear I always find it shocking the ENTITLED attitude so many people in this town have! "




Report Abuse

terrible wrote on Jul 6, 2009 11:52 AM:

" When they did the bed race the lady was getting mad because people kept crossing over. The organizers could have taped the area off, so that people would know not to cross. The ping ball drop needs some improvement. I saw a grown man push an approximately five year old kid down, so he could get the ball. Next year try having maybe five tents for the prizes, such as one tent for 0-1000 and so on. Also maybe roping off the area into lines so that people can't cut in line. "




Report Abuse

In the crowd wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:27 AM:

" I agree with you!. I saw one two year old boy crying as his mother drug him through the mob by his little arm getting kicked and trampled. Unfortunately human nature comes out in situations like this. I just hate to see someone get hurt. Unless some guidelines can be put in place, its just not worth it. Have the same great summerfest without it! "




Report Abuse

daveft wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:21 AM:

" I for one, was one of the people looking forward to the ping pong drop, but after seeing all the rude kids (and parents) that couldn't take their rightful place in line in almost every booth or feature offered that day elected not to participate as I could clearly see what was to come. I saw kids literally sneaking up behind adults and snatching ping pongs out of their hands, people pushing and fighting eachother. The event looked like a UN Aid drop in a 3rd world country! "




Report Abuse