Having been a strong influence with the 1985 inception of the Monroe Balloon Rally, and again when we put Monroe on the world's map in 1998 by making our Balloon Rally part of a "World Competition," I feel compelled to speak out to the people of Monroe, the City of Monroe and the current and past organizers of the Monroe Balloon Rally.
I believe Monroe has been recognized by our neighbors, friends, relatives, visitors and the competitors, all who have come repeatedly for over 20 years, as a unique place and event that makes our community stand out. In attending ballooning events around this country and around the world, I have been recognized as someone from Monroe, Wis., where all the ballooning community has shared their experiences and memories as one of the most beautiful and delightful places to fly their balloons. They don't hesitate to mention how wonderful the people are who live there, either.
I know that these times are difficult financially for virtually everyone, but I want those who give consideration to the business decision to continue or discontinue the Monroe Balloon Rally to give careful consideration to just how many people from this community have worked hard and contributed huge amounts of time and money to make Monroe known as one of the greatest Balloon Rallies and international competitions in the world. Maybe recent events didn't have the weather's cooperation, and some of the past leadership has gone away, but if our community comes together with some new ideas to make it as profitable as it once was - and I know we can do just that - then we can keep our place in history.
Please remember how difficult it is to become unique to the world around you. We already have done that, so please put the effort into keeping it that way. Trust in your volunteers to help you and ask that this effort be made.
I believe Monroe has been recognized by our neighbors, friends, relatives, visitors and the competitors, all who have come repeatedly for over 20 years, as a unique place and event that makes our community stand out. In attending ballooning events around this country and around the world, I have been recognized as someone from Monroe, Wis., where all the ballooning community has shared their experiences and memories as one of the most beautiful and delightful places to fly their balloons. They don't hesitate to mention how wonderful the people are who live there, either.
I know that these times are difficult financially for virtually everyone, but I want those who give consideration to the business decision to continue or discontinue the Monroe Balloon Rally to give careful consideration to just how many people from this community have worked hard and contributed huge amounts of time and money to make Monroe known as one of the greatest Balloon Rallies and international competitions in the world. Maybe recent events didn't have the weather's cooperation, and some of the past leadership has gone away, but if our community comes together with some new ideas to make it as profitable as it once was - and I know we can do just that - then we can keep our place in history.
Please remember how difficult it is to become unique to the world around you. We already have done that, so please put the effort into keeping it that way. Trust in your volunteers to help you and ask that this effort be made.
