Comments on: Columbia Heights Day–Dull Times

By: al gonzales

al gonzales — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:49:14 +0000

Columbia Heights Day was a total failure, mismanaged & misconceived. Boring is too mild a word - it was soporific. In the end, it was just another waste of money, typical for DC.

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:48:30 +0000

While my overprotective volunteer staff may not have appreciated the criticism. I appreciate your feedback and we will be making every effort to expand the programming, scope and amenities year over year. That being said, in year one we pulled off the festival in 4 months with 5 volunteers. This year we had twelve volunteers and twelve months and I think even being able to have food, a petting zoo, free children's games, a cupcake eating contest and a complete second stage was still quite a feat. I'm very impressed by my dedicated and unpaid colleagues.

Additionally, our four largest donors included two national businesses, one local business and a resident of Columbia Heights. If we can double our staff and funding again for year three, I'm sure we'll be able to make it even better. (Ahem...if anyone wants to donate their time and money please email columbiaheightsday@gmail.com.)

However, we never intend to be like Adam's Morgan Day or La Fiesta. We're quite happy with the folksy community atmosphere of the day and most of the parents in the neighborhood are thrilled to have a safe and virtually free event to take their children to. So in response to the comment about rides...you might expect to find them next year, especially if we find ourselves being able to fill up Kenyon St.with vendors and food, which we have blocked off each year.

By: IMGoph

IMGoph — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:21:18 +0000

no doubt—more than one person has said that CHD was less than exciting, and the defenders come out like sharks.

By: CHD

CHD — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:22:02 +0000

Do not criticize Columbia Heights Day or else Columbia Heights Day will come after you.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:54:42 +0000

@Amanda... ouch!!

By: Amanda Hess

Amanda Hess — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:44:40 +0000

Hey, Cherkis isn't even that young anymore!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:40:47 +0000

@urbanpioneer

yes. Young Urban Professional - I'm pretty sure that fits the bill of just about every city paper reader under the age of 30

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:10:14 +0000

Well, in order to be a hipster, he would have to work in the food-service industry or be unemployed. Given the recent bankruptcy filing, I expect that might be the case soon, but in the meantime yuppie (=young urban professional) seems accurate enough for a journalist working for an urban rag...

By: urbanpioneer

urbanpioneer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:33:21 +0000

@Jeff - are you seriously calling a City Paper reporter a yuppie???

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:37:57 +0000

Urban Pioneer, the festival officially began at 10:00 AM ended at 5:45. You might try stopping by the event before last call next time.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:34:10 +0000

Sorry Jason - the point of the festival was NOT to cater to vegan yuppies but members of our local community. This is why we gave away free (non vegan) food and this is why we had a family zone with games for children and a petting zoo. I talked to at least three children who had never seen a camel before and one who had never even seen a bunny rabbit.

And are you seriously complaining about the fact that the soccer field doesn't have full grass coverage?

By: urbanpioneer

urbanpioneer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:33:50 +0000

i was there in the late afternoon, between 4:30-5:30, and i have to say that i agree with the post. there were almost no people there. the only tables set up were for politicians, the DC fire department, a condo building, and some pottery. there were 2 snoball makers, the petting zoo, and some free chips. the main stage was empty, and there was a dude playing guitar on the blacktop by the school.

after hitting Fiesta DC last weekend in Mt. P, i have to say that this was pretty pathetic, even if it was just a "lull" in activity.

By: Flippy

Flippy — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:24:26 +0000

The City Hater hates again.

I'm guessing Jason does not live in or near CH, since his first associations are Target, Five Guys, and two other businesses within spitting distance of the metro stop.

CH Day #2 was a great time-- I enjoyed reconnecting with neighbors and friends. I have lived in DC for 6 years, and I have only recently felt part of a real community-- shortly after I moved to Columbia Heights.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:02:38 +0000

Oh - and the bands -- not worth mentioning? Did you expect Dave Matthews? I heard most of the music and I only remember one performer who was even remotely "noodling." There was a reggae band, hip-hop, funk, even a tap dancer. And I guess it's not surprising that even Wapo Express has heard of Flex Matthews and City Paper hasn't, though. I thought the music was great. And best of all, all the entertainers were local. That was the point.

By: Ernest

Ernest — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:01:27 +0000

Ay, Ay. The pictures of the festivities are rather jolly. I thought the yoga exibition particularly pleasing. Interesting post, altogether.