There is nothing you can say in answer to a compliment. I have been complimented myself a great many times, and they always embarrass me - I always feel that they have not said enough.
I share Mr. Twain's remarks, except for the last sentence.
The accolades flaunting BHF were many - letters, phone calls, comments from guests and entertainers during the festival, and as they were saying their farewells - most came from HARP-L'ers, some open, some private.
Yes, BHF was my brainchild, I'll accept that - from the first one in 1977 held in a restaurant owned by the son of a club member. Just members then, for an afternoon - we provided our own entertainment. Subsequent festivals grew and we invited our harmonica friends from other clubs. I have been festival coordinator for most of those years with the exception of suffering "burn out" and backing off for a couple years.
In the early years we began accumulating money in our treasury (donations from doing an average 150 gigs a year) and we didn't know what to do with it - so, we had a party. Early festivals were free, pot luck food was served. One of the ways we fulfill our primary purpose, Advancing and Promoting The Harmonica, is to perform publicly as much as we can. Another is to provide professionals with a venue in Columbus and pay as well as we can. It is my belief that we should have at least one major harmonica event in Columbus each year - actually I would prefer three or four - one being BHF and the others being concerts by national/internationl acts.
As our treasury grew and our attendance was becoming somewhat predictable, we were able to bring in more talent from greater distances. Some years we paid well - some we squeaked by - with the unselfish aid of our professional friends. This year was a little skinny as far as individual pay checks went - due in part to a large number of entertainers and a lot of travel expenses (our 1996 expenses exceeded $10,000). There have been years when we started into our festival planning with $35 in our treasury - but we new "If we did it - they would come." One year I will never forget, a member who was fairly well off (and shall remain anonymous) actually signed a blank check and gave it to us in case we needed bailed out - "Just fill in the amount" he said (we didn't need it). That kind of confidence goes a long way.
The recent confidence and support of HARP-L has helped bring our attendance to new records (186 for the Thursday dinner). Meeting some very special HARP-Lers this year was a once in a lifetime high for me. I'm just now coming down enough to write about it - man, what a ride. I've been on a mental roller-coaster for two weeks now.
I'm quite pleased with this years BHF - it turned out well in spite of much adversity. And I guess what I'm trying to say here is, though I appreciate the plaudits, it doesn't happen without a lot of competent help. Some of you were there and hopefully can put a face with some of the worker's names. Co-chair, Connie Hassler; Banquet, Elvira Serra; Ticket sales, Katy Anderson; Door prizes/raffles/open mic, Bill Anderson; Facilities set-up, Stu Ensign and Jim Morley; Mr. Interlocutor, Marv Monroe; Sound, Doug Ely; and others I'm probably forgetting right now.
So, I will assume the position of messenger - say thank you HARP-L for your sentiments and deliver same to our next club meeting so all those deserving can share.
