The Squeaky Wheel and all...

On Saturday I received my water bill in the mail. along with the water bill was the monthly newsletter send out by the city. I rarely do more than glance at the newsletter, but Saturday I thought I would read it over to see what was going on. There was an article about our city's annual 4th of July celebration. It's a really fun event that takes place in the local community college football stadium. My family and my mom have attended this same festival for the past 11 years and my grandfather used to attend with us when he was still living. My FIL has been going with us for about 8 of those years, and my BIL and his family for the last 3 or so. It's a great family time. The kids run around and play, there is live music and we always bring in a picnic supper. It's an event we really look forward to all year long.

This year, the city decided that they were no longer going to allow coolers into the stadium. This was printed in the newsletter on Saturday. Needless to say, we were greatly disappointed. We could have chosen some other options, like eating before we went, or not sitting inside the stadium, but it's a tradition to picnic and the stadium has the music to go with the fireworks. It's just a much better experience. So, I called the city. I left a strongly worded, but polite message letting them know exactly how we felt about this. And you know what? Today they called me back. And they have reconsidered! They will be allowing coolers in the stadium. Our event goes on as planned!

I have no delusions that the city changed their plans just for me. But, I do know that I was probably not the only phone call they received. And that, even though this is a small issue, we as citizens have power only when we speak up!