CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

THE BARGE, THE REPAIRS, AND GOOD NEWS FOR CONCERT ON THE BARGE PATRONS - SORT OF AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO THE TOWN

Last summer I wrote oodles and oodles of copy on the problems facing Music on the Barge Manager Fred Schulz, facing some unfortunate news about the physical condition of the actual Barge platform, and what it will take to keep the summer concert series going. It was initially estimated that it could take about $130,000 to restore. There are a lot of rotten boards on the platform, but the real issue is with the iron support posts, which after a long, long life, have become disassociated, in places, with their appointed task……..of holding the whole works above water. We wouldn't want performers, or the winners of Communities in Bloom, to be catapulted into Gull Lake, if the rest of the supports followed the others, and simply let go of the woodwork.

After it was discovered that the ramp leading out to the Barge was also in peril, Fred spent an agonizing spring season, trying to figure out alternatives to bridging the gap of water. The first two concerts of the summer season had to be relocated to the Rotary Pavilion, which while a small space, handled the task; and as they say……the shows went on despite. The town rallied and the bridge over troubled water was re-secured to the bottom of Gull Lake, and the rest of the season went off pretty well…..except for the occasion of rain, which is always a problem for Fred and assistants. Rain outs had been held at the Opera House, while there was ongoing construction at the new recreation centre.

It looks like the work for this year, securing the platform supports, will be done in stages, to allow for the concert series of 2012 to climb back aboard. The commitment by the town to fix this entertainment venue is a huge endorsement of Mr. Schulz's contributions, over the decades, bringing thousands upon thousands of concert-goers to Gull Lake Park, many of them visitors from other regions of Muskoka, comprising permanent and seasonal residents. A lot of our neighbor communities would like to have an established, unique and storied venue like ours. So we're most certainly glad, that they are willing to drive to our town, for a nice Sunday evening in the park. Maybe a treat at the Gull Lake Snack Bar. An ice cream cone after the show. A few grocery items. Some gas while here. The spin-off is there……and if there is any one who doubts the numbers or the spin-off, they would be most welcome to come out and see how this alchemist of The Barge, gives our town a nice economic boost, without ever taking so much as a bow for his efforts. He loves The Barge. He adores his audience. And whatever we pay him, it's not enough. The price of goodwill? You tell me! Those happy concert-goers are talking about Gravenhurst…..and some of them are following blogs like mine, to find out if the 2012 season is a "go" or not. Some have worried the summer concerts will disappear, if the Barge has to be torn down. They're not really interested in a new-design for the Barge, or demanding an amphitheater be constructed along the shoreline……nice but certainly not a necessary expense, in my view. Put that money into The Barge upgrades. Add some more park benches. But what the heck, Barge loyalists are just tickled the town is going to keep this project on the front burner. We all know about budget restraints. Most of us know about the rigors of taxation. We've shrieked a little, when we've seen the newspaper headlines. So it is of some generosity, that the town has been willing to make the upgrades, in light of all the other stresses upon the municipal budget. We do appreciate the precarious balance. But The Barge is a marquis event for our town. It's a big advertising opportunity, most had never really thought about. It brings spending power to our town every Sunday afternoon and evening. It can impact the BIA zone as much as The Wharf, the South End business community, and the town generally. Fred, without knowing it, has become a semi economic development agent, for the town. I don't think he's had an extra lump in his pay packet for all his contributions……known and unknown benefits he has inadvertently brought to Gravenhurst. Replacing this guy would be a behemoth, expensive task. The town must not be cavalier about this point. The volunteer brigade, including the techies, (of which two carry the Currie name), are loyal to Fred, and are there out of friendship, and genuine interest in maintaining this entertainment venue long into their own futures……invested in this hometown.

It's one of those traditions I've been writing about, and one that has spanned out, over the decades, to have a fan-base that is broader than ever. It's not just about the performers. Heck no. It's about the social / cultural side of it…….the clear evidence that the old town is still kicking, and Muskoka summertimes are special…..and affordable. I've never known Fred Schulz to ever ask a single person to leave the park, because they didn't or couldn't contribute a few coins to the nightly collection. He wants people out to enjoy the summer nights, to celebrate a tradition started so many years ago, and to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors. Ask Fred why he can't walk through the park before show time. Well, it's because, if he did, he'd never make it back in time to announce the evening's performers. He gets mobbed by friends. By people who have been coming for years and years…..young adults who came to the park as kids with their parents and grandparents, and want to let Fred know how important this "tradition" is, here in South Muskoka.

Last summer, when I wrote a series of about 6 blogs (you can read them by going back a tad), in support of Fred, who was admittedly having some logistical problems with the town, and pondering if there was any point continuing his managerial tenure, some councillors were taken aback. They weren't aware of all the nuances of The Barge, the concert series, the numbers who attend weekly events, and whether or not the whole thing was worth the money required for upgrades. I wondered if those who had these questions, or showed indifference, had spent time at Gull Lake, to witness for themselves, just what was going on down there on these wild Sunday nights. For those who didn't know what was going on, and didn't exactly jump on the bandwagon, and come to the very next concert, I don't have much patience in this regard. Especially if the matter came to a vote, and I discovered councillors with this lethargy representing our interests and our town assets. That would be unacceptable. Right? Regardless if you think it's a lot of extra work, every council member should know what is going on in their bailiwick, despite what department, or beneath what manager, especially something as huge as Music on the Barge. I understand some viewpoints have changed, and there seems to be a great appreciation now, of just what it all entails.

I offer sincere thanks, in advance of Barge repairs, to those councillors who have familiarized themselves with the precarious situation facing the Barge Manager……and the future of the Concert Series tradition that seemed uncertain back in July. There was one very unfortunate, high profile resignation I couldn't reverse, (still have hope it can be salvaged) and there were more coming if things hadn't changed quickly. I particularly appreciated the kindness of Councillor Heidi Lorenz who took the time to listen to our woes, and chat with Fred about physical upgrades needed. She created a new conduit for discussion, and did not dismiss the concerns as insignificant. And while I can't say now, that other councillors didn't help take weekly collections, we know Heidi was there on two occasions when volunteers were badly needed, and it was a nice gesture to Fred……to offer a handshake of support for a somewhat under-appreciated venue. This is not to suggest Councillor Lorenz was the only town politician to offer support for the project, because we know there were several others who stepped up to assist. But just when it was looking pretty bleak, well, Heidi helped broker a temporary resolution, and a general peace for the rest of the season, assuring Fred and volunteers that repairs would get a fair representation at the council table in the pre-budget deliberations. Her personal, and timely visitation with Fred, certainly helped with morale, and facilitated an improvement in relations with the parks and recreation department…..that had been a hinderance more than a help to the manager.

This is one of the most successful, well known outdoor venues in Canada. And it should be known, that performers like the Good Brothers, carry this provenance with them, throughout North America and Europe, while on tour……letting spectators there, know about this great lakeside Barge, situated on a sparkling little lake, in the beautiful Canadian Town of Gravenhurst, Ontario. No kidding. They've told the Gull Lake audience this several times recently. This legendary Canadian band, tells folks in countries like Germany, that one of their favorite places to play……is Gull Lake Park. And their friend, Fred Schulz, keeps bringing them back, year after year. And we're good with that! By the numbers on, in and around that natural amphitheater, overlooking The Barge, we concur with the Good Brothers. And the best part….it's ours.

I want to respectfully thank Councillor Lorenz for defusing an unfortunate situation this past summer, and to all the councillors since, who have shown their willingness to learn more about the concert series, and demonstrate some flexibility and resourcefulness, to make the improvements necessary, to keep the Barge afloat.

As for who the folks would like to see continue as manager of The Barge? That would be the pillar above the water. Mr. Schulz.

At a time when we feel a tad downtrodden here, about the main street economy, and the recession blues generally, there is an important resource that has been under-appreciated for years, and a manager, who has weathered many recessions in the past, to carry on as the flag bearer for this town. Not once has that flag touched the ground. So please, offer Fred your support and co-operation for the coming season.