Stimulating the economy in a new way

I have a number of thoughts this week, but I would like to lead off with a first for Van Wert.  As a matter of fact, I believe this is a first for the region. By now you have hopefully seen and/or heard about the Van Wert Independent Film Festival. Len Archibald, founder and creator of this project, has been working very hard, along with his creative team, to get the word out about this new concept to our area.  After months of planning, the event is finally here.  This Friday and Saturday at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the film festival will take place.  For a complete listing of films and how you can get tickets, log onto www.vwiff.org.  You can also buy tickets online: www.npacvw.org or at the NPAC box office in person and just prior to the shows.

Len Archibald is a native of Toronto, Canada, but now lives in Rockford and spends a great deal of his time in Van Wert as he prepares for this big weekend.  I know he has received movies of all kinds from all over the world.  Other than his love for movies, Len and his crew hope this is an event that will bring more people to Van Wert to help stimulate the local economy.

I think it looks like a very intriguing and entertaining weekend, filled with independent films and events in the comfort of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  I encourage you to check out some of the films and be a part of this first time experience.  If you don’t have a computer, you can come to the NPAC box office and get a postcard that lists all the films and admission prices on the back.  They are very affordable and you can even purchase all-day passes.

We don’t have a concert in the park this Friday night, so you can take in some movies if you like.  The following Friday, July 15, we return to Fountain Park with a concert many have asked for over the years.  We have invited the Fox Brothers all the way from Nashville to share some good ole’ Southern Country Gospel music and fun with you. Opening for them will be The Tacketts from Defiance.  The Tacketts also sing Southern Gospel music and feature Van Wert native and former Miss Ohio Sarah (Evans) Tackett.

We have certainly enjoyed the concerts in the park thus far and God has blessed us with mostly dry, beautiful weather.  I have to tell you that as much as you may have enjoyed the concerts, the performers are REALLY impressed with you! You may have seen the nice letter from the Simon & Garfunkel singers.  They really enjoyed the crowd, the setting and our city. Maestro Brian Eads, who led the Lima Pops Orchestra, also commented on what a nice atmosphere we had and that the people were so appreciative. You all make me very proud when I hear these comments!  Good concerts take good performers … and good audiences.

Single tickets are now available for the big 9/11 Tribute Concert at the NPAC with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.  For as little as $15 you can experience a memory you will never forget.  Also currently on sale are single tickets for Michael Hingson on September 13.

We at the NPAC promise to do our part to never forget those who perished on 9/11.

With these two events, you will never forget too.  It is a sad remembrance, but we celebrate the heroic memories of those who gave so much.  Don’t miss these two events.  You can get tickets now at the box office or online at www.npacvw.org.

FINÉ.