Someone just sent me the information about Mayor Ireton's New Years Eve event on the Plaza. A couple of things I found very interesting. First, isn't this exactly what I had proposed for weekends on the Downtown Plaza, (excluding children, of course).
I'm honored to see the Mayor using yet another one of my ideas but before I go any further, anyone who has ever participated in a "BAR CRAWL knows this is ALL about drinking and drinking very heavily at that. HOW could the Mayor tie the two events to the New Years Eve Family Friendly event and how could the Mayor allow drinking on the Plaza with children present?
Look, I'm all about adults going out and having a great time but once you throw children into the mix, game over.
We want to hear your thoughts on this event and please, done't come back here in comments and say it was the greatest event ever and so forth. I want to discuss combining drinking and children combined and a Mayor who promotes such a thing, including a Bar Crawl.
I was told a Salisbury Police Officer had to pepper spray someone at this event on the Plaza.
VIP BAR CRAWL INFO!
VIP Bar Crawl Tickets On Sale Now. Only 150 Available!
VIPs Receive:
Bar Crawl Punch Card, good for one featured Dobel Cocktail at each of the crawl locations;
Cellar Door, Market Street and Roadie Joe's.
Exclusive VIP Event T-shirt
Complimentaty Champagne Toast at Midnight!
Tickets on sale now at Main Roots Coffee. $20. Cash
Limited Number of tickets available, hurry before they are gone!
Children’s activities will be held in the Parker Place building
Once you leave the Plaza, you will only be able to enter through one of the designated entry points.
The only alcohol allowed on the Plaza is that which has been purchased on the Plaza.
No alcohol will be permitted outside of the designated Plaza area.
123 comments:
I think it is a great idea, but for adults only. That is why we did not attend, I just couldn't see how it could be family friendly. Which is also the reason I will not take my children to the downtown festival on Friday night. Saturday to ride the rides, but I feel alcohol and children don't mix.
what's next a Gay pride parade...JIM???
How do you think most of those children got here? Alcohol! THere are plenty of events in Salisbury where there is alcohol and children, boat docking contest comes to mind first. Want the children to be safe, ban smoking at these event as well. I didn't attend because I wouldn't take my family to downtown Salisbury for any reason other than the Emergency room.
From what I saw, everyone at the event was under control and there was a strong police/security presence. I understand the concerns but really it's no different from Pork In The Park or any other public event where alcohol is available.
What was the overtime cost to the tax payer for the mayors party
OK, let's get something clear here. I don't think when you go to events like Pork in the Park and so forth you expect DRUNKS. And don't even try to tell me no one got drunk Downtown because you'd be a liar.
This was an event surrounding MIDNIGHT. Any responsible parent would never entertain going to such an event and take such a risk with their children.
Yes, the Bar Crawl was a separate event, TIED to this event. My hat is tipped to Parker Place for at least trying to offer a sane/safe place for children to get together.
Sorry but Mayor Ireton has no children, has never had children and never raised children. He should have made this an adult only event.
But this is America and parents (responsible or not) have the right to take their children to this event, Walmart, McDonalds, etc. I have seen many children at stores that are open 24hrs. Not everyone lives by the same time schedule and it depends on the age.
Honestly, I do agree that it should have been "adults only". What boggles my mind is why it should have to be designated as such...why would any parent even consider bringing their child to an event that centers around midnight, especially knowing that NY Eve usually involves alcohol! I am dismayed that there were children there, and I believe the culpability truly belongs to the parents not the city.
anonymous 6:39, The City promoted the event as family friendly. While I agree with your comment I still feel the City/Mayor needs to take ownership of such a promotion/event.
It was a special occasion, so whats the big deal that they were up past midnight. Its a fun time for all.
Since it was advertised as a family friendly ball drop, how were they to know there was a bar crawl?
I only knew about the family festivities, not the bar scene.
In fact this is the first I have heard of the bar crawl.
And whether or not you expect a drunk at pork in the park or the wine festival, there will be some, simply move away, just like any other offensive person you would move away from.
You can't crucify parents for bringing children to an advertised family new years eve festival.
I saw nothing on advertised on the MSM about the bar crawl.
Many communities celebrate "first night out" events, which are also advertised as alcohol free.
Just because its a new years celebration doesn't mean its all about alcohol.
And those are also family events, kids up past midnight watching fire works.
Its not always about booze. Its what you make it about.
Lots of narrow minds here.
There is a huge difference between an event that serves alcohol and the promotion of a "bar crawl" when children are included. The very name suggests drunkenness to the point of crawling and is more akin to college students. Something more tasteful would have been a Wine Tasting or a Craft Brew tasting.
A "bar crawl" had no place at this event.
Very few we're drinking on the plaza. There were lots of families there and I did not see moms and dads drinking. So by your logic we should all avoid Springfest Summerfest etc. in OC. Hey let's ban Shorebirds games while we are at it.
As a parent, I would not have taken my children to this event especially since it was a New Years Eve celebration with open container alcohol on the plaza. You really can't compare this to the Salisbury Festival 539PM, as the alcohol is kept in one enclosed area and not walking around the entire festival with alcohol in hand! Also Pork in the Park is very low keyed compared to a New Years Eve Celebration so not fair to compare it to that either 615PM. My opinion - it had good intentions but more for adults than children. What ever happened to the event that used to be held at the Civic Center? That was great and well organized!
I took my kid to an NFL football game so call the cops cuz they sold beers there.
Some folks cannot control their behavior when they're drinking. Mojo's comes to mind.
Why do Yuppies think they have to bring their kids to adults events? Get a baby for crying out loud.
The "bar crawl" event was nothing more than a degenerate liberal 20/30 something low class Jimbo support groupy party. It was a gathering of Progressive fashonista's thinking it's cool to be immoral and sleazy socialists advancing the cause.
Bar crawl? Obviously it means get so drunk you have to crawl from bar to bar. Wow, hip, nouveau, gay, cool, etc... It's the new role model for their children.
That sure is progress.
Progress without dignity or self respect! LOL.
I don't think a bar crawl in the area of the Plaza was appropriate for New Years Eve. Have that another time. A better option for the area bars/restaurants to capitalize on the event, would have been a Progressive Dinner. For a set price, one establishment offers before dinner cocktail. Next establishment an appetizer, next one the entrée, and last one dessert.
7:48 raises a good point. Go to any professional sports venue. Plenty of drinking and plenty of kids. Also, the Bar Crawl included one drink from each of 3 bars. I'd hardly call that extreme. We had a great time at the ball drop and didn't see anything untoward happening. It was actually fantastic to see so many people downtown.
Annie 7:04, Call me an old man but when we were kids we'd go outside at Midnight and bash pan lids together and make some noise at 12:00. We stuck together as a Family and had a great time. Mom would serve us water in a wine glass and we felt like little adults.
Look what we're becoming today. Now it seems to be OK to take our kids out to a place serving alcohol all over the Plaza?
Do what you want as parents and forgive me if I'm starting to become and old fart.
I certainly don't mean to crucify ANY parent who attended this event and quite frankly I hope it went extremely well. I simply heard someone got pepper sprayed at some point and I hope you can see why I'm concerned.
As for the Bar Crawl, it absolutely happened and I'm sure for 99.9% of the people who participated had an absolute blast.
If the event was as successful as I had heard, (attendance wise) I'm glad to see a good idea was proven.
Now, get to work on making this an every weekend event and close that Plaza on Friday and Saturday nights and you'll watch investors lining up to purchase or rent space like there's no tomorrow.
Let me add to the most recent comments...
Look, don't you think as an adult the Mayor should step away from anything alcohol related and let the people from the 3rd Friday event and other groups promote it.
The City is creating these Websites promoting alcohol events and I just think it's inappropriate.. Between Jake Day and Jim Ireton, Salisbury is becoming a Frat Party Block. What's the difference between the Mayor of Toronto and Jim Ireton, alcohol and drugs.
Hey, maybe it's a sign of the times and I'm just getting old. You tell me...
What about Salisbury Festival. As I recall, you could always get a beer. Always been a city sponsored event.
The bar crawl was prominently displayed on the poster created for this event-
It said-FREE FOR ALL AGES
NEW YEARS EVE EVENT
A circle in the lower right hand corner advertised the "VIP Bar Crawl." I personally found this to be tacky and not exactly something appropriate for an event described as family friendly as bar crawl does have a drunk fest connotation. It's not really something any mayor should preside as host over (if in fact he did) as it's extremely juvenile.
anonymous 8:58, They don't serve alcohol well past midnight. I forget what time they cut things off but it doesn't go very late at all.
8:32 says-"Also, the Bar Crawl included one drink from each of 3 bars"
Dobel is tequila. The old saying goes-1 Tequila, 2 Tequilas, 3 Tequilas, FLOOR!
My friend had his kids there until 9. I noticed there were lots of families early then they left. Don't see anything wrong with that do you?
anonymous 9:10, now that's just a dumb question. So much so I'm having a hard time believing any of it.
Salisbury is becoming a frat party block--lol hardley. Downtown has not looked better in years.
When i was a kid (60's) we went to different friends of my parents or relatives. There was always drinking going on by the adults.
It was a big night for us to stay up late that's what I remember.
Joe I fully understand, and do not agree with the bar crawl. But then I never saw that aspect of it advertised.
The alcohol served didn't bother me, since we have been to festivals that have served and just avoided it and went to the family areas.
Your point of the mayor and the city promoting an alcohol sponsored event is very valid and one should ask, how much the liability insurance for such an event cost.
In outdoor events it is very easy for underagers to get a drink from a friend.
I am not clear if the city provided booze or if they simply allowed booze purchased from the bars to be consumed on the plaza.
8:31 had a great idea of a foodie crawl, which would have provided a classier atmosphere to the event.
And those that said the bar crawl never should have been in conjunction to the family event are absolutely correct.
The fact that they allowed booze at all should have been enough.
I think it's pretty amazing that parents bring their kids out to experience life at a fun and (somewhat) safe and wholesome festival.
anonymous 9:13, as it should. And just how many years has it been empty?
Cheap rent and in and out businesses that don't last long is not a success. Yes, it's nice to see light at the end of the tunnel but when you have $500.00 to $1,500.00 a month rent down there your NOT going to get serious business owners working full time to make damn sure they survive.
It's kind of like saying we can build our economy with 0% interest rates, how's it working for ya?
Look, I'm a serious investor down there too and I'd love nothing more than multiple offers on my property. That will only come and or happen when you have an anchor business there drawing people to the Plaza daily.
This quick fix with no master plan will absolutely fail. Let me give you an example. When I had my bar/restaurant in Crofton I had less square footage than I have on the main floor of my building. Get this. My rent was $7,000.00 a month. That was a hefty nut to crack every month but it was a decent location and we busted our rear ends every month to make damn sure it worked. We were never late on rent and we paid every bill on time or even in advance.
We made plenty of money, employed a lot of people and sold the business with a great profit.
You get someone to rent space for $500.00 to $1,500.00 a month, do you really think they're going to work their fingers to the bone to make things work. There has to be a challenge. How many businesses have been in the Deli over the past 5 years. To many you'll think what I am saying is nuts but to those business people out there who have built something from nothing know I'm exactly right.
If you are not challenged and it comes too easy, (rent) in time they will fail.
Salisbury is a diamond in the rough, no doubt about it. It's GREAT to see a Mayor and Council so willing to work with property owners and investors. However, you cannot put the cart before the horse. You build the Downtown up, your going to need PARKING. If you sell the parking lots off your shooting yourself in the foot, trust me on that.
The parking meters are a HUGE mistake, get rid of them! Get an anchor business on the Plaza and watch it take off like there's no tomorrow. However, you need a marketing person on board to SELL the concept or as I call it a Master Plan.
This is of course my opinion based on past experience. Many of you are coming on here making comments who have never invested into a business. While I'm sure many of you would love to, do you have $400,000.00+ to buy a building, come up with the money to build out the space, the equipment, hire employees and stock the business?
I've done this at least 7 times and believe me, back when I was doing it I was signing 5 year leases with personal guarantees, something also not seen often on the Shore. Talk about scary, risking your home and businesses to pay rent even if you failed. THAT'S what it takes to make something like Downtown work.
So here's the problem. There is no real Master Plan so investors from elsewhere who do have these kinds of funds and financial backing won't even entertain coming here. The property owners know this so they don't get personal guarantees and they'll take whatever rent they can get from people for the time frame they remain there.
Opening a business is not as simple as people think it is. Many retire and think they can go into the bar business and make a fortune. It just doesn't work like that and very few survive.
Downtown Salisbury needs to be well thought out is all I'm saying.
Three shots, champagne toast and a t-shirt is considered heavy drinking over four hours? The bar crawl was to get people into the different restaurant and bar areas and to see what downtown has.
You also run a "News"/"Blog" about Salisbury yet did not know about the event until someone told you about it after it happened? I know for a fact that's a lie.
Your negativity on anything downtown needs to go and I'm glad you are! The event was advertised as free for all ages and it was! You could drink or not drink, bring kids or not bring your kids. It was a safe environment and from the many posts online it was well represented and supported despite the negativity it faced on several news sites by those who despise Salisbury.
And I guess the City should ban drinking in peoples own homes and restaurants that have kids at the rate you're going? I thought you were a conservative and for less government control and for parents to make choices?
This event was great as businesses, citizens and government came together to make something happen that was well over due in Salisbury!
anonymous 9:58, quit trying to imply that a Bar Crawl falls short of a large group of people partying like there's no tomorrow, because it is. Now, is there anything wrong with that, no. However, I personally feel it shouldn't have been tied to this particular event with children present, that's all. Agree or disagree, that's how I feel.
As far as my not knowing about the event, I had NEVER been given any details about the event. Someone sent me a video promoting it and when I saw how stupid it was I stopped running it and gave up. It was very childish, (in my opinion)
Jim Ireton nor any of his people associated with the event sent us any formal information, as is the case with any of their press releases in the City. So I am not a liar.
Where the hell did you come up with the government stopping people from drinking in their own homes crap? I've never implied anything of the sort.
I do have a Blog and I have every right to ASK people if they thought the way it was handled was appropriate. Some agree, some disagree and that is the point here. Good healthy debate.
Record night for Cellar Door. Record night for MoJo's. Record night for Market Street. Record night for Main Roots. Record night for Roadie Joe's.
I'm just going to take this statement....
"As far as my not knowing about the event, I had NEVER been given any details about the event. Someone sent me a video promoting it and when I saw how stupid it was I stopped running it and gave up. It was very childish, (in my opinion)
Jim Ireton nor any of his people associated with the event sent us any formal information, as is the case with any of their press releases in the City. So I am not a liar."
and laugh at it along with your "press pass". So what was the video that was given to you? And also where's your sense of digging into the details? The event did have a press release from the city and those who put the vent on had a website, Facebook and several other blog postings promoting the event. They even had flyers all downtown and in store fronts.. Oh and it was on WMDT and your favorite WBOC for several days before.
anonymous 10:21, perhaps you didn't notice we didn't publish anything about the Christmas Tree lighting Downtown or some of the 3rd Friday events.
If we don't get the information we're NOT going to publish it.
It certainly would be advantageous for the Mayor to send us the information like he does to WBOC or WMDT but we really don't sweat it at all.
On New years Day we published the volume of traffic we receive and if the Mayor chooses not to take advantage of that, so be it.
As for the Press Pass, did that strike a nerve to you?
As far as Facebook goes, I may have been on my Facebook Page 5 times in the last two years. Unlike you, I'm way too busy and work far too hard every day to play on Facebook.
As for flyers Downtown, I haven't been there in months.
If you people want to enjoy more traffic at these events, tell the Mayor to put us on his list and we'll be more than happy to help in any way we can. The County send us information as do many civic organizations, fundraising events and even the Civic Center events.
You snooze, you lose.
9:58 "Government" should not have anything to do with it other than staying out of the way.
Unless of course your idea of Government is for it to be used as a social engineering tool to force the ruling party's agenda and lifestyle ideals on the constituents it serves...
Which is where you are in error.
How much did it cost the taxpayers for this event. Promotions, police, bar tabs.
Anonymous (2) 10:32PM I'm pretty sure private business is the answer for most of the first. Second question should be asked then for any event across the state that had any sort of police presence and the third I'm just not even going to respond to as it's pure stupidity.
Anonymous(1) 10:32 I think your statement also contradicts itself as the said party against something could also be pushing it's lifestyle and ideals on the constituents it servers by not allowing said events or free choice/trade?
Bar Crawl? The entire plaza was crawling with drunks bumping into everyone and spilling beer all over the place including on the kids.
Anonymous said...
What was the overtime cost to the tax payer for the mayors party
January 2, 2014 at 6:22 PM
That's a good question because there were police officers, firemen, EMS and public works employees there the entire evening. Not to mention how long they were there to set up for the event. Oh, they had to take down the event also.
Anonymous said...
But this is America and parents (responsible or not) have the right to take their children to this event, Walmart, McDonalds, etc. I have seen many children at stores that are open 24hrs. Not everyone lives by the same time schedule and it depends on the age.
January 2, 2014 at 6:34 PM
You just don't get it. You get my vote for Most Irresponsible Parent of the Year.
10:46. I don't think you were there.
Annie Nonymous said...
It was a special occasion, so whats the big deal that they were up past midnight. Its a fun time for all.
Since it was advertised as a family friendly ball drop, how were they to know there was a bar crawl?
I only knew about the family festivities, not the bar scene.
In fact this is the first I have heard of the bar crawl.
And whether or not you expect a drunk at pork in the park or the wine festival, there will be some, simply move away, just like any other offensive person you would move away from.
You can't crucify parents for bringing children to an advertised family new years eve festival.
I saw nothing on advertised on the MSM about the bar crawl.
January 2, 2014 at 7:04 PM
Annie Ignoramous you are about as ignorant as they come. It doesn't matter if you saw nothing on the MSM about the bar crawl. It was sent out to all the MSM and citizens via the Mayors office aka Jim Ireton. Sometimes you should just sit back and read instead of submitting stupid comments.
10:53 you just don't get it.
I never said we were there and we were not. Are you some kinda liberal that wants to make rules on where and when children are allowed to be in public places with their parents? The fact is that people have the right to take their children to public events at anytime of day or night. It might be a once a year special treat to stay up past midnight or it cloud be a way of life, but it is not your decision to make...it is that of the parent(s).
11:01 you ignoramus,
I guess I am in good company.
As a citizen, I received nothing, but then neither did Joe, as he has already stated.
Neither WBOC nor WMDT said anything about a drunken bar crawl. All that was advertised was the ball drop.
In fact I researched it and found over 8 articles by varying media, and not one of them mentioned the pub crawl.
But thank you for your hateful ignorant low brow comment. It was a rather nice conversation between citizens until you showed up. No one else has made or acted in such a hateful bullying manner.
Just goes to show us all what a POS you are. Take your hate elsewhere, everyone is quite tired of it.
annie, awesome response. Good for you and thanks for the debate on this issue.
I have rejected numerous personal attacks against me on this post and one thing I can assure you of, (as I've been doing this for many years) it's ONE person and not several.
I think the KEY here is that I asked to discuss the following, "I want to discuss combining drinking and children combined and a Mayor who promotes such a thing, including a Bar Crawl." Many have side tracked and that clearly shows how poor our educational system has failed them.
Liberals have a problem when they see something they disagree with. They have no idea how to agree to disagree and I've always said, they react more like you just killed their mother.
I truly fear for future generations.
Thanks Joe,
Just like a lot of others have commented, we are tired of these foul mouthed haters hijacking the thread.
Its like they never got out of highschool and simply keep on bullying.
They think that since they are anonymous they can say anything they want.
To spend your day being so vile, you have to be a pathetic shell of a human being.
BTW this was a good topic!
The ball drop was the main event and the bar crawl was a side event by the bars and restraunts. Maybe that's why? The bar crawl was done in doors.
Well I'm assuming that's how your children got here, but mine were born of love, not alcohol.
10:45 Read again and try to comprehend if your liberal public school education will allow it. There is no contradiction. I didn't suggest a political agency deny or approve any social function, and that's the whole point! You perceived that in your own mind.
Government shouldn't be party planners and social engineers. Period. Government should have nothing to do with it. They should stay the heck out of our lives and stop the attempts to impose any social agenda like SOCIALISTS do.
Especially when it involves advocating corrupt degenerate behavior like low life "Bar Crawls" by a deviantly perverted mayor with no integrity that surrounds himself with drunks, cokeheads and stoners that also promotes acceptance and or tolerance of said behavior in the classroom!
Do you understand that now?
That's the problem with the anything goes 20/30 something liberal crowd, they've been brainwashed by 60's hippie pinko commie teachers and professors and they don't even realize it or the damage they are doing to Constitutional America.
Ok..not familiar with the "bar crawl" thingy. I can tell you that I took my kids for a walk down the plaza at about 8 or so, knowing it would be short, and they could see the "ball", hear a band maybe. There were a few table set up here and there. One lady asked me if I wanted to my a ticket. I asked for what.. (mind you I had a 8 and 10 year old with me), and she said you buy the ticket and it is open bar. I said "thank you, but, ummm...I am here with my kiddos...as you can see," so then she offered beads, which neither of them wanted. My son was ok with the whole thing, my daughter was not impressed and doesn't understand the entire point of a party and hanging out. She will one day though. I didn't know about the parker place thingy. So, we were home before 9pm, in jammies, and playing the WII.!
Joe, I too saw where this event was advertised as "family friendly" and considered taking my kids, but having been to bars in downtown salisbury and seeing how quickly things can turn badly, I decided against it. We rang in the new year at home. Maybe next year if I get a sitter I'd definitely go. I'm glad it was well attended and hope it happens next year.
Anonymous said...
There is a huge difference between an event that serves alcohol and the promotion of a "bar crawl" when children are included. The very name suggests drunkenness to the point of crawling and is more akin to college students. Something more tasteful would have been a Wine Tasting or a Craft Brew tasting.
A "bar crawl" had no place at this event.
January 2, 2014 at 7:19 PM
Bingo! Excellent analogy.
Kids and alcohol don't mix. I saw many families there drinking and they were going to drive home after the event and after drinking. If they are to get into an accident and kill the children you can bet this would tarnish the city even worse.
A bar crawl also proves again that our mayor is a boy or boi and to immature to run our city.
Anonymous said...
The "bar crawl" event was nothing more than a degenerate liberal 20/30 something low class Jimbo support groupy party. It was a gathering of Progressive fashonista's thinking it's cool to be immoral and sleazy socialists advancing the cause.
Bar crawl? Obviously it means get so drunk you have to crawl from bar to bar. Wow, hip, nouveau, gay, cool, etc... It's the new role model for their children.
That sure is progress.
Progress without dignity or self respect! LOL.
January 2, 2014 at 8:27 PM
They were definitely some Fruit loops in the crowd that were obviously Jim Ireton supporters. One group kept heckling pretty girls who were dressed in short dresses showing off flesh. They were actually harassing them in their gay twangy voice. It was so annoying that finally we had to walk away.
Anonymous said...
Very few we're drinking on the plaza. There were lots of families there and I did not see moms and dads drinking. So by your logic we should all avoid Springfest Summerfest etc. in OC. Hey let's ban Shorebirds games while we are at it.
January 2, 2014 at 7:23 PM
You are a liar and the crowds were hanging out near the beer wagons so they wouldn't have to walk far. They were drunk and spilling alcohol all over the place. Especially on non drinking families.
Anonymous said...
7:48 raises a good point. Go to any professional sports venue. Plenty of drinking and plenty of kids. Also, the Bar Crawl included one drink from each of 3 bars. I'd hardly call that extreme. We had a great time at the ball drop and didn't see anything untoward happening. It was actually fantastic to see so many people downtown.
January 2, 2014 at 8:32 PM
Great point however most families don't go to sporting events to get drunk. It is not a 4 hour party like the VIP Bar Crawl was.
Anonymous said...
Very few we're drinking on the plaza. There were lots of families there and I did not see moms and dads drinking. So by your logic we should all avoid Springfest Summerfest etc. in OC. Hey let's ban Shorebirds games while we are at it.
January 2, 2014 at 7:23 PM
Another liar who is in damage control mode. I was there the entire night and had beer spilt on me. It was from one of these parents who couldn't hold their booze.
Anonymous said...
8:32 says-"Also, the Bar Crawl included one drink from each of 3 bars"
Dobel is tequila. The old saying goes-1 Tequila, 2 Tequilas, 3 Tequilas, FLOOR!
January 2, 2014 at 9:08 PM
And three specialty drinks from these places would definitely be intoxicating. Alcohol, kids and the city government don't mix. Bad choice.
Anonymous said...
Record night for Cellar Door. Record night for MoJo's. Record night for Market Street. Record night for Main Roots. Record night for Roadie Joe's.
January 2, 2014 at 10:09 PM
Good for them, but kind of sad. History proves businesses haven't been successful in these areas. One drunken night a year won't keep them in the red.
Anonymous said...
10:46. I don't think you were there.
January 2, 2014 at 10:57 PM
Wrong answer. I was there and the statements are factual. Quit playing damage control.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Well I'm assuming that's how your children got here, but mine were born of love, not alcohol.
January 2, 2014 at 11:57 PM
Mine as well and many hard years of trying.
The bottom line it was not family friendly. The DJ started playing hard dance music and a certain crowd kind of took over the dance area. It's like they came out of the wood work and they were rude. Just like the Salisbury Festival. When you play a certain kind of music it draws a certain crowd, especially since it's advertised as FREE.. Keep this up and you will not have good crowd attending just like the Salisbury Festival.
4:06 Good point, that no one else brought up. Atmosphere is everything and why do we need to cater to every crowd. Keep it neutral.
There is no gilding this lily. The city itself should in no way shape or form ever promote a "bar crawl" if they wish to be taken seriously. It's irresponsible, silly, not sensible nor reasonable. If the establishments themselves wanted to capitalize on the event with the bar crawl, they should have done any and all promotions themselves, though common sense would dictate having the bar crawl a different night and not one advertised for families/as family friendly.
Move this to the top and you will see over 100 comments.
Anonymous said...
The ball drop was the main event and the bar crawl was a side event by the bars and restraunts. Maybe that's why? The bar crawl was done in doors.
January 2, 2014 at 11:51 PM
No you have this all wrong. The Bar Crawl was a major part of this event and they were allowed to drink their drinks on the plaza.
Who was blonde haired guy with "FIRE MARSHAL" written on it. He also had a big CSI bad hanging from a chain on his neck. He wasn't from the state fire marshals office because those guys carry guns and they don't have rotten teeth like this guy. His fire marshal jacket looked homemade or like one of the Pakistanians made it in the mall. He kept try to break up the crowds. Telling everyone we couldn't stand there.
How much did that crane cost? They don't come cheap!
No I'm 100% sure I'm correct and your wrong. The bar crawl drinks were in the stores. They did have alcohol outside and was for sale but beer and wine only no hard liquore. So stop trying to spin the event.
Donated by a sponsor.
Did any actual crime happen at this event? So far all I've heard is Joe's second- or third-hand account that someone got pepper sprayed. I was there all evening and the crowd was fine. Some people who had one too many, yes, but nobody got violent or out of control.
My biggest concern was with the entire Salisbury police force being concentrated downtown, what if crimes were occurring elsewhere in the city? There'd have been hardly anyone left to respond.
My daughter was there and was quite disturbed that there were children present.
Don't take your kids to sporting events or concerts that sell alcohol, people drink heavily at those, too. I firmly believe that it's a parents discretion.
anonymous 9:28, at sporting events they cut people off well before the games are over because far too many people enter the event already wasted. I have been to many sporting events, including Shorebird games where people are absolutely trashed. I have seen many people escorted from sporting events and it really isn't a scene you want your kids to be exposed to.
That being said, come on, we all know what New Years Eve is about. It's a LATE NIGHT party and it's the party of the year. I honestly can't believe some of you are coming on here saying what your saying. It's a RISK I am NOT willing to take with a child.
You are missing the point 9:28.
The point is government should not ever promote the consumption of alcohol. SU spends a lot of time and money on promoting saying no to drinking and now Salisbury officials think it's a good idea to encourage drinking by prominently displaying the 'bar crawl' on posters printed up for the event? Something is wrong with whomever approved that tidbit and they need to grown up! They reek of irresponsibility-yes there is no guiding that lily.
Urban Dictionary
1. bar crawl
When individuals go from bar to bar in a small vicinity. Usually they drink so much at the first few bars that by the time they get to the last one they're crawling from drunkenness.
Man I would go to that bar crawl, but I really embarrassed myself last time.
Joe you should Put NYE VIP Bar Crawl as your sub heading to the link you added at the top so it can get the attention of new readers.
Anonymous said...
Who was blonde haired guy with "FIRE MARSHAL" written on it. He also had a big CSI bad hanging from a chain on his neck. He wasn't from the state fire marshals office because those guys carry guns and they don't have rotten teeth like this guy. His fire marshal jacket looked homemade or like one of the Pakistanians made it in the mall. He kept try to break up the crowds. Telling everyone we couldn't stand there.
January 3, 2014 at 8:08 AM
He works for the County and he is not a "real" fire marshal. He is only the county fire inspector who reads plan reviews for developers. Wicomico County needs to make him stop impersonating a law enforcement official. He has no arrest powers and no authority. If he tries to make you do something you should call the police. He has no right to harass citizens.
And we wonder why there is so much child abuse in this country.
Sorry, Joe, but I feel you're wrong on this one. The BIGGEST mistake of all was calling it a "Bar Crawl". The use of some other terminology would have made the side-event a little more PC.
Not being familiar with Salisbury's NYE event, I can only make a comparison to Berlin's event - which is quickly becoming a state-wide NYE destination - and also compare their Christmas parade. Alcohol on the streets in Berlin with absolutely 100% NO problems.
Salisbury is such a diamond-in-the-rough. It's just too bad the people that marketed the event decided on combining the term "Bar Crawl" with an advertised as a "Family Event". Bad call.
I might apply for a position as Promotion Czar for that town! It does have incredible possibilities. Needs leadership.
Joe nice to see you blogging today the snow must of freed you up some today.
I didn't have time to read all the comments so I just have a cpl points I want to make. The bar crawl in no way should have been linked to this event for one. That I agree with . I didn't attend the event but it looks as though it was some what of a success. Its nice seeing down town used for something. The idea of turning down town in to a party spot is not new imo. New to the area yes but being from Texas I've seen this done before and it worked extremely well. Case in point I'm not sure when it was done but one can look at fort worth Texas for a great example. Down town fort worth died years ago not sure when I'm in my forty's and it died before I can remember. At some point down town was changed into a party spot. Keeping the old buildings in tact and simply upgrading them to house bars and restaurants. and cooks horse slaughter house was turned into the largest bar in the world in the 70s hence billy bobs. Now that section of town is called fort worth stockyards here's a link just to show what fort worth did. http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Anyways I'm kinda going off track here I just thought people might like to see what can be done with down town . just an idea of what it might look like.
The bar craw was a side event between the bars. Hence why the city did not mention it. Promoters put a side advertisement for it as those bars participating also helped sponsor the main event "The NYE SBY Ball Drop"
anonymous 11:33, not true. Mayor Ireton and the City promoted BOTH events at the same time.
I'll add, do you actually believe that ALL of his friends on Facebook are actually his friends?
I'm confused so earlier there was the talk that this wasn't promoted by the city and no one could find anything about it but now it was promoted?
Saw our State's Attorney and City Council Prez working side by side all night in "staff" shirts. Did the SA's office support this?
Anonymous said...
The bottom line it was not family friendly. The DJ started playing hard dance music and a certain crowd kind of took over the dance area. It's like they came out of the wood work and they were rude. Just like the Salisbury Festival. When you play a certain kind of music it draws a certain crowd, especially since it's advertised as FREE.. Keep this up and you will not have good crowd attending just like the Salisbury Festival.
January 3, 2014 at 4:06 AM
I have to agree with this commenter. The DJ played heavy ghetto styled dance music and the crowd from West Main Street and Delaware Avenue took over and danced the entire time. Thank you Bone Daddies for dispersing that crowd with your better music.
Anonymous said...
Saw our State's Attorney and City Council Prez working side by side all night in "staff" shirts. Did the SA's office support this?
January 3, 2014 at 11:55 AM
Must have. Call a spade a spade!
Anonymous said...
I'm confused so earlier there was the talk that this wasn't promoted by the city and no one could find anything about it but now it was promoted?
January 3, 2014 at 11:45 AM
Quit defending the gay mayor. You know it was SPONSORED and PROMOTED by the City of Salisbury and Jim Ireton. The website was clearly linked to Jim Ireton's Press Release and it was there it was in black and white.
Anonymous said...
Saw our State's Attorney and City Council Prez working side by side all night in "staff" shirts. Did the SA's office support this?
January 3, 2014 at 11:55 AM
Yes he did indirectly. I am sure Matt did not think of the consequences when he signed up. I am sure he was only thinking about campaigning.
Personally, I'm glad the State's Attorney is involved with local events. Better him than our other yokel politicians.
anonymous 11:45, I never said the information "I" received was from before the event. Well, I did get the video before the event but not all the Facebook or press release stuff.
Why does Salisbury tax payers have to sponsor an event for people who don't live in the city? The majority of the crowd came from outside the city limits. What did they contribute? Do you think they will move to Salisbury now? NOPE. Salisbury is about 90% rentals and more popping up every day. Big apartments mean more renters.
Here is a question maybe someone could answer. If you have that amount of people in one place did they bring in extra trash cans and how about the portable bathrooms?
Was money spent on this or was it just left for the businesses that are downtown left to pay the water bill for an event the city put together?
Just out of curiosity - why would anyone send you information directly about this?
anonymous 12:17, you actually make a pretty good point. I'd argue that the motivation of having such an event would be to bring more people to Downtown Salisbury on a more regular basis but when you think about it, for what? Any other day you'd have to pay the parking meters and that drives 90% of the people away right out of the gate. Then you have to ask, if you came down there for a specific reason, what else is there to do that might keep you there and spend additional money?
It needs to be a destination location. You need that anchor business as I mentioned earlier. MALL's are successful because they know once you get there you'll be CURIOUS about what else is there.
I've made similar arguments to your about the Salisbury Zoo. WHY should city taxpayers foot the bill when the majority of people go there who live outside the city. Simply charge $1.00 per person to help cover some of the overhead. Not for city residents but for all others.
3:37 Great point however most families don't go to sporting events to get drunk. It is not a 4 hour party like the VIP Bar Crawl was.
I'm guessing here but you must have never been to a pro football game. The parties in the parking area go on all day long. With some people not even having tickets to see the game they simply come for the party.some fans of NASCAR start days in advance in their parking endeavors.
Let me make this clear I do agree most families don't go for the party but children of all ages are exposed to them.
Anonymous said...
Personally, I'm glad the State's Attorney is involved with local events. Better him than our other yokel politicians.
January 3, 2014 at 12:15 PM
Yeah I saw John Cannon show up politicking. I hear he is running for the County Council again. I guess he forgot about that butt whooping he got when he tried to run for the House of Delegates.
anonymous 12:24, tens of thousands of people come to Salisbury News each and EVERY day. Most of them do NOT support the Mayor. Look, I'll show all kinds of support towards Jim if I think he's doing a great job. I was talking to a friend the other day and they mentioned the event. I told them I hadn't received anything from the Mayors Office and they told me they had access to it. They forwarded it to me and that's how it all came together.
When I saw the Bar Crawl and Family Friendly together I had to agree with others, they didn't belong together.
As I've stated before, I'm glad the event was successful. I'm glad people had a great time. We need a LOT more of it in our lives. They say there's a time and a place for certain things and I just think including children to an adult event at 12:00 midnight is not the time and or place, period.
12:31 Joe, I can't argue that point.
Many trash cans were brought in and portapoties were donated. Tear down and build of stage and many props for the event was also done by volunteers.
anonymous 12:37, How can anyone trust what you are saying is true when you do so anonymously. It's easy to say those things and twist the minds of our viewers but I'll not believe it until you publish your name.
I should add, IF it is true, that's fantastic.
12:17. How exactly do you know that the majority of the crowd came from outside the city limits?
First of all, it wasn't the mayor's event. This event was put on by various business owners and citizens involved with events/happenings in Salisbury. An event of this size needs to have support from the local government, so that is where the mayor, city council, and chamber of commerce all came into play.
Secondly, putting something on your blog is not a proposal. If I put on my facebook page "I want to do an event for NYE on the downtown plaza", it isn't a proposal and no one is stealing the idea by actually doing it. A lot of planning, communication, and work went into the proposal and execution of the free NYE event and the bar crawl.
Thirdly, the bar crawl avoided areas where children would be. Next year there will be more for kids to do, but as for this year, alcohol was contained, and there was only one issue with the crowd - a small fight in the line to get into Roadie Joe's, which was handled quickly.
Also, the city did provide the blue trash cans and take care of that, but the stage and all other setup was done by volunteers. Check facebook, there's all kinds of pictures of it happening, and currently a time-lapse is being worked on that was captured by a Go-Pro Hero3 that was posted on the top of the bulletin board across from where the stage was set up. I know this, because I put it there, and helped set up the stage myself. It was a pain to push the pieces of it over to where it was set up and to actually set them up with the back drop of the stage.
I guess what I'm trying to say is;
shut the hell up with your negative comments and go do something with your life.
p.s. - I know you have to approve all comments, so I'm sure you'll wimp out and reject this one anyway just to save face.
2:55, I have read your comments which started me thinking - what posting(s) is more believable - ones who did not attend the event - ones who use the term "I heard" - one who attended the event - ones that attended and volunteered with the event
I have my thoughts, viewers what are yours?
Your just trying to find fault somewhere in what was a very successful night.
2:55 PM said...
Thirdly, the bar crawl avoided areas where children would be. Next year there will be more for kids to do, but as for this year, alcohol was contained, and there was only one issue with the crowd - a small fight in the line to get into Roadie Joe's, which was handled quickly.
---
No one said it was the mayor's event. It was said numerous times that it was sponsored and promoted by Jim Ireton and the City of Salisbury. City resources were used to set up for the event and to take down for the event. City resources were used at tax payers expense for police, fire, EMS and public works.
The Bar Crawl did not avoid areas where kids were involved. Roadie Joes is dead center in the middle of it and the drunks were coming and going through out the event where the children were. You even admitted there was a fight in line to get into Roadie Joes. That fight and that line to get into Roadie Joes was right on the Plaza where kids were. I saw the fight and I saw the kids.
To echo what you said. Shut the Hell Up!!
I don't think children had any place at the event, and it should not have been advertised as "family friendly". New Year's Eve is traditionally for adults and, like it or not, alcohol is usually involved. Regardless of whether or not the "bar crawl" was appropriate, the establishments on the plaza serve alcohol, so there was no difference with or without the bar crawl! The term "bar crawl" seems to be the "in" phrase lately, and does give a poor impression. With a different title, it would have been much better received, I think. Anywhere you go there can be a fight on any given day or night, and many are correct that drunks are found at sporting events and other "family friendly" events (Pork in the Park, etc.). It's sad that people get drunk and ruin a nice event for the folks around them, but there's really not much one can do other than not attend. Maybe next year the restaurants could offer a special family meal with noise makers or hats for the children from 6 to 9 pm and have some kid friendly entertainment on the plaza during the same time (maybe even drop the ball at 9 for families as a signal that it is now adult time?) then the event could be adults only from 9 to close. Just a suggestion!
I enjoyed the same family type New Years Eve celebration at home as a child. First i was thrilled to up @ midnight; & luved banging lids! Precious feeling memory.
It was one of the worst events I have ever attended. Anything by that 3rd Friday crowd and the Arts and Entertainment District is always an event not to attend. Oh well good try anyway.
This copied from the NEW YEARS EVE SBY Facebook page-
"A 3rd Friday Sister Event, 100% Volunteer Coordinated
In conjunction with The Salisbury Art & Entertainment District, The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and The City of Salisbury."
It was sponsored by the City of Salisbury so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Many of these concerns about costs to the tax payers are very valid.
Since more than 80 percent of Salisbury's voters voted against mayor Jimmy, can't he get removed some how
You are assuming businesses on the plaza will remain open. They have no business because they close when the courthouse closes. The only thing down there are bars that might be open. The business owners need to wake up and open their doors on a regular schedule. Some open at 9 others at 10:30 or not at all. The plaza is dead because the businesses are dead.
5:55- I've been around long enough to know that there are many truths to the "I heards." Very few crimes would be solved if investigators didn't take seriously and act upon the "I heards," which BTW most of the time are true. So in answer to your question, all accounts are believable. It's all about perception. To one person "dance music" comes across as garbage while to another it's not. Someone loud and boisterous is one person's life of the party to another just a drunk. While I understand what you hope to achieve by asking the question, the question itself isn't one that's logical to answer, when it's thought out to any degree.
2:55 says-
"Thirdly, the bar crawl avoided areas where children would be."
This is silly. So what did you do, corral all the bar crawl participants in an area and not let them out until they sobered up?
12:22 PM that was some silly explanation that Joey G. gave the publisher of this blog and he fell for it hook line and sinker and posted it as an incredible response. I almost threw up in my mouth when I read that goofy response.
A few years ago in Ocean City, they had a New Years Eve celebration at the Convention center. The main ballroom was for adults who were able to drink, and the other floors were for families with their own entertainments, a room for teenagers and their music. It was wonderful, until someone decided that the kids should be able to stay and sit with the adults in the ballroom, the later it got in the night the worse it got. Kids running underfoot, bumping into you etc. Ruined a perfectly great event. We quit going and now they don't have it anymore. I just believe that at certain events especially with drinking; that kids should be elsewhere.
Anonymous said...
A few years ago in Ocean City, they had a New Years Eve celebration at the Convention center. The main ballroom was for adults who were able to drink, and the other floors were for families with their own entertainments, a room for teenagers and their music. It was wonderful, until someone decided that the kids should be able to stay and sit with the adults in the ballroom, the later it got in the night the worse it got. Kids running underfoot, bumping into you etc. Ruined a perfectly great event. We quit going and now they don't have it anymore. I just believe that at certain events especially with drinking; that kids should be elsewhere.
January 5, 2014 at 6:18 PM
So kids ruined the party instead of the drunks? Um.. Ok.
Love that it was called "The VIP Bar Crawl."
Just such very important people who got the invitations. The Little Elite, so special, so cute, so important. Truly the story of Salisbury.
Anonymous said...
Love that it was called "The VIP Bar Crawl."
Just such very important people who got the invitations. The Little Elite, so special, so cute, so important. Truly the story of Salisbury.
January 5, 2014 at 7:12 PM
I didn't get an invitation so I guess I know where I stand?
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