The Whistle Stop: Planning 2012 activities

Submitted by
Joanne Kellner

Members and guests of the Depot Preservation Alliance held a “Go-Red Fun February Feast” on February 7th. With “red” as the theme, foods covered the gamut from salsa to cherries. Following the feast, guests were invited to brainstorm on possible activities at the Depot for 2012. Many suggestions reinforced the results of the survey conducted in the fall of 2010 and summarized in a preliminary plan in January, 2011. Several new ideas were suggested as well. Listed below is a summary of the ideas presented. Work is also underway to develop an internship position at the Depot for this summer through the UM-Crookston Center for Rural and Entrepreneurial Studies program.
Planning had already started for a First Friday Art Walk at the Depot running from May through October. Lake of the Woods Art Guild members have been invited to participate. The First Friday Art Walk is also open to other area artists who may wish to exhibit. Artists are invited to submit a proposal with descriptions and photos of their art to the DPA; P.O. Box 1238; Baudette, MN 56623.
Another project for which preliminary planning had already begun was to develop a series of activity days for kids at the Depot this summer. The preliminary plan is to hold a once a week, all day event, with a featured theme – for ten weeks during the summer. At present, we are looking at Wednesdays. Lots of details remain to be developed, but if you are interested in being a presenter, either singly or as a team, you are invited to send in your proposal. We are especially interested in arts related projects, but would also like to see science and nature topics.
A Farmers’ Market, complemented by nutrition services was suggested. It was later learned that the Fair Board plans to start up the Farmers’ Market at the Fairgrounds again this summer and that it will also feature a flea market. The Cupcake Bakeoff will once again be part of the LOW Fair in August.
From Farmers’ Market, the ideas branched out to include Gourmet Foods/Groups, Wine Education, Healthy Eating, and Cooking Classes. And thinking again of food, a suggestion was made for a lecture series – history or other topics - perhaps a brown bag lunch with a speaker series or an evening series.
Hands-on activities suggested included photography, music, rosemaling, pottery, glassworks (fusing), fiber arts, and/or wood carving/shows. Yoga, book reading/signing for both adults and children, and even a prom dress exchange were suggested.
Sheets were posted inviting audience members to sign up for various tasks to help make some of this happen – greeter/guide, kids’ activities, office, grounds maintenance, depot special events/sales. Guests and members were invited to complete a “volunteer application” form so that a data base can be developed as to the talents and preferences of our members. The volunteer application form will be available on the Depot web site: HYPERLINK “http://www.baudettedepot.org” www.baudettedepot.org and can be mailed to the DPA at the address above. If you aren’t a member yet, check out the website to get updates on activities. If you are interested in presenting for any of the above topics, have other ideas, or want to participate in any of these activities, just let us know. Monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at the Depot and are open to the public – come join us.