Many call them crazy, insane, bizarre and even senseless. However, the people involved with the Polar Bear Plunge should be referred to as caring, compassionate, and kind hearted. These supporters risk hypothermia to raise cash for over 20,000 Special Olympic Athletes across the state. Many of us don’t want to imagine what freezing water feels like, but the volunteers involved with the Special Olympics look forward to jumping in the Susquehanna River every winter for a good cause. I understand it is nearly impossible to describe how cold that water feels this time of the year, but to put it in perspective, large ice chunks have to be dug out by construction equipment in order for the frigid water to be exposed for the event.  

We have been involved with this event for the past 4 years and each year we have seen the turnout grow immensely. We have also noticed that year after year, more characters show up to take the plunge. As you can see from the photos, Batman and Robin, Superman, and Mickey Mouse were all in attendance. Last year included custom ice sculptures made during the event and an inflatable obstacle course for all participants and onlookers. This year they plan to have a Tug-a-War event for all teams participating.  

This is the largest year-round organization devoted to sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By being a part of the Plunge experience, you are allowing thousands upon thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience a brighter tomorrow. If you’re bold enough to take the plunge, visit www.sopam.org to register online. The event will be held on February 6, 2010 at City Island. Even if you are not risking hypothermia by jumping in the water, it is just as entertaining to watch a few hundred people splash around in freezing temperatures. Another great place to find them is their facebook site that features a large amount of photos taken by all the volunteers involved. We look forward to seeing a record breaking turnout this year.

About a year ago I had heard of this restaurant, but never got a chance to try it.  Finally last spring, I was looking for something different, and remembered hearing several years ago of an inner city York  ”Hole in the Wall” restaurant which was supposed to be renowned for their food, and located near one of the Farmer’s Market.

Google ”Restaurant York  PA”
The search triggered a few more synapses to fire and eventually placed me on their phone number. It ended up to be Blue Moon Restaurant. We called to be sure they would be open late, and headed out at 8:30.  York’s center city one-way streets always trick me, and after a few extra turns, we passed the place without having realized it.

What a Neat Place
You enter up a few steps into a narrow room that housed the restaurant, bar, and kitchen. From the outside, you can also enter an Outdoor cafe, which was being used by a private party.  The interior was as warm as any fine restaurant we could have picked.  One problem. . . dressed in my Denim Shirt from a past factory tour of Losberger Tent in Heidelberg, Germany, and Jill in her Saw Whet Owl Research Fleece, we were clearly under-dressed, as we looked around at the seated guests.  Not to worry, the owner Janine greeted us as we were, and sat us next to the fireplace.

Food Critic
It would be silly for me to try to editorialize food.  But I will tell you we came away very impressed with what was clearly scratch food, delivered with a very seasoned staff of professionals like you might expect at a NYC restaurant.    Since I first wrote this post in March of 09, we have been back about 5 times,  passing dozens of other places each time on each drive from  New Cumberland .

Look inside:

Blue Moon Dining Room

Blue Moon Outdoor Cafe

March ‘09 “Do you do Catering?” I ask
After I paid, I talked with the owner, in the interest of introducing Event Central and its services.  I learned Janine and Darrell Tobin had purchased and remodeled the restaurant about 2 years ago.  Darrell is a past chef of the Country Club of York, who went into business of his own.   Blue Moon is now doing  Off Premise Catering to expand the services beyond the restaurants capacity.  Janine indicated their catering menu’s are all created from scratch after consultation with the customer.  Based on my impression of the food, and the way the staff handled the service,  I am certain they could provide a very high-quality product.  However,  I would always expect a reputable Event Service Provider to provide the names of people who have purchased services similar to what you are considering.

In asking about their rentals,  I learned they often work with a good friend of mine, Jay of namesake Harvey’s Rent-all.  Jay is a second generation equipment and party rental store who has served the South Central PA market.  Since his niche is the small to medium events, while ours is with larger high-end events requiring specialized tenting, we don’t often compete for the same  jobs.

In writing this article, I found a lot of “Press” on Blue Moon.  The Central Penn Business Journal wrote during renovation.  There is also a News video  of an interview with the owner  in March  by WHTM TV on a promotion they are doing on the Internet site Restaurant.com .  Note 1/15/10 coupon was still available.SW

I can’t say enough about how much we enjoy this establishment.
Blue Moon
361 W. Market St.
York, PA, 17401
(717) 854-6664

Photo courtesy of Patriot News

We are extremely grateful to keep servicing the same customers and venues year after year. With the turn of a new year, we aim to keep the same customers and their annual events. In a business like ours, working side by side with other companies who serve the event business is an everyday occurrence. Many of our new customers don’t realize that we work closely with a number of wedding/corporate venues in the area on a daily basis during the busy summer seasons. I consider all the companies and venues we work with part of our team, and that we all have the same goal in mind, making the event the best it can be for our customer. 

Photo courtesy of Patriot News

Harrisburg’s Center City New Year’s Eve Celebration is one such repeat Event and Venue. For over 5 years, we have helped put together the holiday celebration in downtown Harrisburg under the giant strawberry at the Hilton. Due to the location, we have to be in and out as quickly as possible in order for traffic to move smoothly. This requires a 2:00 am tear down of all equipment in below freezing temperatures. Substituting the traditional celebration for a night at work in these conditions is just another day for our crew, who cannot be thanked enough. However, each year we are called back for an event like this, we are stronger because we understand the site and details of the event more than the last.

The equipment used at the New Year Eve party include a high stage, stage cover, and anchoring without damaging the municipal street surface.  The top picture shows is actually the Lighting Companies projection on the Stage Cover that was used like a Screen.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a beehive of activity as the facility staff and specialty vendors are busy getting ready for Monday’s Inaugural event.  In an event of this magnitude, Event Central coordinates with the facility management and specialty vendors to make the installation and take down seamless for all involved.  Our work was preceeded by Rileighs Convention Service who installed a wooden stage with custom carpet.  When we were finished, our work was followed by My Wife’s Sound who installed the lighting and sound for the event. 

One of Event Central’s rentals for this event is the installation of a 28′ x 27′ dance floor for use by all attending guests and over 5 local bands. The Inaugural Event will be held at the PA Farm Show Complex  and will be packed full of entertainment, great food and an extraordinary crowd.

Take down for the event is scheduled for 11:00 pm on Monday night, to enable the Farm Show to reclaim the space in order to complete their setup for the annual Farm Show.

For a complete list of Linda Thompson’s Inaugural events, click here. 

Winter Inaugurations are not new to this company.  

Following his election, PA Governor Tom Ridge  held his Inauguration events throughout Central PA.

His ceremony was held at the Capital Complex in 1995 where we provided the main tent and reviewing stand, centered and overlooking the fountain complex.

The 20 wide open Gable tent over hung the custom made podium overlooking the fountain

The same 50' x 20' tent provided seating for the Governers Staff to the rear of the podium

Later that day, the Inaugural Ball was held at Founders Hall, a venue which was quickly determined to be undersized for the number of people who responded to the invitation.  We came to their aid by providing a climate-controlled tent with connecting marquee to handle an additional capacity of 500 guests at the front entrance of the hall.  The installation took a non-stop 36 hours to install, including flooring, carpet, heat and lighting.

85 foot covered walkway from Founders Hall Rotunda to base of steps - Main Tent

Overflow Tents 40' x 80' and 30' x 80' side by side but separated by a row of trees Note: We were known as Taylor Rental of Camp Hill at that time!

The article not only explains Scott’s personal efforts within the company, but more importantly the ability our company has to cater to all needs of our customers. Scott added, “Our goal is to deliver the best quality products and the best services in the market,” which is 100% the truth. He also points out barriers we are able to overcome through careful planning with events and to stress the fact that our door is always open.

Please visit this link to read the article in its entirety http://eventcentralpa.com/images/717_eventcentral.pdf, or pick up the current issue of 717 Magazine @ http://www.harrisburgmagazine.com/homepage.php.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber held their annual Business Expo November 12th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.  This event is attended by over 3000  visitors, who view displays by over 200 area businesses.  The event gives businesses a tremendous opportunity to network with other businesses and individuals in the region.

Event Central, and several other event-related companies displayed services and products at this show to provide businesses with creative ideas for holding events for product marketing, customer appreciation, grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremonies, new product unveiling, and much more. 

Below is a copy of the article from the front page of the Nov. 15th edition of the business section, compliments of Patriot-News & Pennlive.com.

Channon Allen joined the company in May 2000. Channon’s speciality is to provide event planning services for corporate events, weddings and special events in the Central PA and Northern MD region.

On this solemn occasion, the PA House of Representatives arranged a 30 x 45 frame tent which was placed adjacent to the memorial Marker.  Event Central is proud to be providing services for this event, and salutes those men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom’

You researched the possible sites in Part I
You found some great options.  You  might even have checked some references ahead of time.  The appointments are made, and you are on your way!   You would hate to arrive to find they are tied up with another client or a wedding.  What’s next-

Site selection visits - what to bring
Bring along your list of questions and a camera or video recorder to document the site. This will come in handy when it comes to decision time, especially if others participating in the decision are unable to accompany you.  Consider asking your family member to take notes so you can concentrate on what you are being shown.

Camera Pen & Paper and Don't Forget Dad's Tape Measure

What is included/excluded
An important objective of the appointment is determining what is included in the price quote, e.g. tables and chairs. If a specific amount of time is allotted, are there possible overtime charges? Do they provide catering, require that you use an approved caterer, or can you bring in your own caterer? Moreover, if you want to have the ceremony on-site, verify that is possible and the added costs. Will yours be the only wedding that day or will other events go on simultaneously?

Will you need a Rental Service
For your Party Rental company to do a great job for you, they could need between 1 or 2 days to set up, depending on the number of tents, and their complexity.  It is always in your best interest if they can move up a day to avoid a soaking rain. Similarly, in a perfect world, tents should come down the next dry day, to increase the opportunity to keep your tent clean and dry. (Just like the setup when your tent was used at a previous wedding.)

Covering all the bases
Tour the site to look for adequate guest parking, bride and groom changing areas, restroom facilities and wheelchair accessibility. Inquire during the meeting about liability insurance, music restrictions, access for taking pictures and whether setup and cleanup times are included in the allotted time on the contract.

Finishing Touch

Discount incentives and determining the total cost
If you want to consider a Sunday, mid-week or off-season wedding, ask if there are discounts at those periods. Be sure to understand the payment schedule, and if there are any hidden or extra charges that are not listed in any of the contracts. Before leaving, request an event packet that will include costs, contracts, rules and regulations.

Wedding Guests Initial View of the Property

Eureka! - Wedding Reception Tent on Back Patio

Write down your impressions
The Site Staff are key people in your decision.  Did they impress you with their ideas, friendliness, the handling of your questions?    Were they interested in putting you first  to create special memories that will last your lifetime.  The event staff should be fun to do business with at a well run venue.

If something does not feel right about the people or the site, give your self time to think about it.  Don’t be rushed.  Wait till you have visited all the sites prior to making a final decision.

Finalizing your decision
After you have visited all the sites,  the best site may already be obvious.  If it is still up in the air, sit down soon and write a list of the Pros and Cons of each site.  Study the answers provided to your prepared questions, and compare one site with the other.  When you decision is made, review contracts carefully to be sure you understand the language before signing on the dotted line. Most deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Should you decide to move your wedding date, facilities generally will not transfer the deposit to that date, so pay close attention to disclaimers, deposit requirements and payment schedules.

Now won’t that be great to have crossed off your To-Do List!    On to the next thing. . . . . . .

Anchor Century Mate with Cathedral Windows

Pin Striped Satin Cloths by JOMAR on 60 Inch Square Tables

Felicita Garden Resort & Spa Hershey Gardens

Local Bed And Breakfast - Conewago Manor Inn

What are you looking for as a reception site?
Make a written list of questions that are important to you, such as:
~Where is the location in relation to your ceremony site, your guests,  and area hotels?
~What is your estimated guest count in contrast to their capacity?
~Estimate  your budget for the reception site (this us usually tied to the catering budget).
~Will you be confined to their in-house caterer list, or can you select the caterer of your choice?
~Other concerns such as policies of the property ie. alcohol or food handling, changing rooms, guest facilities, parking distance and lighting at night may also be pertinent.
~Do they have a good reputation within the wedding industry?
~Are they willing to provide references?

If your time is precious the best rule of thumb is
“Don’t waste a trip to see the location if it cannot meet the basic criteria.”

Kings Gap Mansion

Pennsylvania State Park System Kings Gap Mountain Top View

Millstream Farm Inn

Where to Search for a Wedding Reception Site
~Local and On Line Wedding Publications
~Yellow Pages
~Party Rental Stores
~Local Bridal Shows
~On-line Wedding Internet Sites
~Ask friends about sites they think will appeal to you.

Call the sites of interest once you’ve identified a manageable list.  Run through your selection criteria while on the phone.  If they won’t take the time over the phone to discuss the site with you, they may be wasting your time and theirs during a personal visit. if the site does not meet your budget, for example.

Summarizing
Ok, you know what you want. You found 3 sites that fit the criteria, now it’s time to visit them.  This is when it is important to engage a parent and perhaps your fiance’.  Make an appointment for a specific day and time.  Obtain contact name(s) when setting up your appointments and plan, at a minimum, thirty to forty minutes at each facility you will visit.   Then draft a list of questions pertinent to your reception requirements. If there are questions unique to one site but  not another,  write it down.

Continued  next week: Part II    What’s Next?

Scott Woodruff        If you found this post helpful, please leave a comment below!

Ed’s Ski & Cycle of York closed last Spring, leaving a gracious farewell on their Web site.  (Note as of 1/10/10 web site was taken down STW)

If you take a moment to read their farewell, it illustrates how local sports specialty shop has a hard time competing the big box stores, with their seeming deep discounts. Unfortunately for the consumer, and especially a ski and boarding customer, the noise big chains create from saturation advertising is less likely to result in a positive experience for the customer, as they rarely are organized or equipped with the technical training, expertise and years of experience that local ski shops offer.  An inaccurately adjusted binding, an incorrectly specified ski length or a poorly fitted boot can put skiers and boarders at higher risk of injury, all in the name of saving a few percent of the customer’s purchase price.

My brother and I have skied for over 50 years each.  And for several years, I have been a senior member of the National Ski Patrol, spending winters slope-side with skiers of all levels.  We and other experienced skiers know you cannot place a dollar value on the service your local ski shop offers.  Local operations are staffed with enthusiasts well equipped to match your needs accurately to the right gear. Moreover, they tend to keep up on the technical training needed to properly serve the local store’s customers base.

More than once, I have been waited on by seasonal college students at local stores and watched as the business owners were always there to step in to help when called for. Customers who comparison shop find the local shop can typically compete well on price, but it’s superior service that distinguishes them, helping customers toward a more rewarding and arguably safer skiing experience.

I hope you will agree, and keep our small local ski shops [like those mentioned my post titled "Ski Swaps & Big Tents mean Ski Season is Right Around the Corner" ]  alive and healthy by patronizing them.

Sincerely,

Scott Woodruff