Prairie Village News 7/30/19

Faron Wahl, Manager.

When you’ve planned and promoted something special for a long time, sometimes the anticipated peak moment of it all is even better than you imagined.

Throughout our 2019 season we’ve been talking about our Concert Series Prize Package Promotion. Simply purchasing qualifying tickets to our concert series enabled one’s entry, and lots of folks jumped on board as they considered the giant potential bonus on top of hearing some great entertainment this summer.

Even though only one winner could be drawn, the post-drawing mood remained festive. Every comment I took from our concert goers was positive, mostly delighted, regarding the artists we booked and the performances they brought to our stage. The prize package giveaway was simply – if you will – tasty gravy on potatoes that already taste great by themselves.

During intermission of our country concert July 20, artist Jason Brown drew one name from the box, and a winner was declared. While every entrant would have liked to win, it would be tough to be anything but elated for our winner, Debra Jones. She couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Debra’s mouth dropped open in disbelief, and then as reality soaked in and she nearly skipped forward to join us on stage, it only added to the fun to hear her excited utterances: “This is so exciting! I never win anything! I never win anything!”

After the event, I sat with Debra and explained each item in her winnings, such as how the generic vouchers in the prize box would now be re-made with her printed name and my signature. We visited about how to redeem items such as her six days of free camping, free 2020 concert tickets, Jamboree concessions, logo wear, and numerous other things. And then came the “Reserved Parking” sign.

Like several other entrants, Debra had well organized plans for her exclusive on-grounds parking space prize for our upcoming Jamboree. She had discussed in advance with family how they would play this coveted card if she were to win, and she already knew which vehicle would be used and who would get to ride to Jamboree in it. The applicable license plate number was provided to me before our concert hall had even emptied.

Will we do it all again another year? We certainly may. The focus will be on continuing to bring excellent entertainment to this classic Opera House at an affordable ticket price. But when you see Debra’s vehicle during Jamboree in a special space with a sign reserving it for her, be thinking about next year’s concert series. Get your tickets and you just might get your own spot sometime too.

And speaking of vehicles, if you’d like to spend a relaxing Sunday strolling around classic wheels to the over-arching sounds of 50’s music, come on out to our 26th annual car show this Sunday, August 4 from 11:00 – 4:00. You can register a vehicle for just $10.00 in advance or $15.00 the day of the event, and either option includes two free admission passes. There’ll also be train and carousel rides and food for purchase.

The event will easily take you back to simpler times, and you can enjoy it at your own pace. Please join us for a fun day!