Time for Tree

Well I’m sitting here at 9:15 pm at night……thinking that in about 48 hours….it will be November 17th….months of planning for about a 2 hour event….Well, it’s more than that if you consider the blood drive, meet and greet, pre-concert and the Show.  Compare to the very first year that we were at The Streets at Southpoint and now…this event has transformed itself into a night filled with energy, great talent and teamwork!  Once the Tree is lit….all the worries and a sigh of relief come over all the staff and volunteers!  30,000 bright lights twinkle, snow falls and everyone smiles! 

Today was pretty hectic, well the afternoon was, since I started packing up and realizing that I had alot of things scattered around my desk. Also, I had last minute request for client passes, volunteer information (it seems no one reads my emails until the day before an event….hey, I try), and checking off any last minute to-dos….

 It took about an hour to pull everything together…….pack the car…..

 Well, with that said….at 8 am Thursday morning….my timeline begins.  We have to get food for the production staff as well as meet the folks to set up the Tent onsite and a few things are being delivered (cases of water, tvs, programs)…..BUT….with the rain, this may or may not cause a few snags in the process.  Last year, the same thing happened.  It poured rain as our staff waited to set up the tent…I guess it’s tradition! But as I said with my wedding (2 month anniversary tomorrow!)…as long as it doesn’t rain the day of the event, I’m happy!!  I will have plenty to keep myself occupied…..to keep my mind off the fact that my husband will be taking a trip to Charlotte to see one of our favorite bands in concert (THE POLICE)…..bring me back a tshirt! Sorry to digress…  But he will be back to help out with this event on Saturday!  It came with the marriage license…permanent volunteer status at all events:-)

On Friday, we will start setting up banners, bring more food and maybe have to put out a few fires!  We have a very important production meeting on Friday as well. This will include all security and staff.   This meeting is probably one of the most important meetings of the week since any last minute changes, updates, security issues and other issues are discussed….if there are problems….this will allow 24 hours to FIX or FIND a solution for it.

Remember, come out to the event on Saturday…if you can’t come out….be sure to watch it starting at 7:30 on NBC 17!!! 

Well, as you may have heard we have secured our National Talent for our Tree of Lights event!  Lifehouse!  I actually have one of their earlier CDs that contain the popular song “Hanging On.”   We are excited that they will be performing and bringing a large energetic fun crowd to the event.

 http://www.lifehousemusic.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCe2GwscXgo

Once we get a National Talent it sparks an interest in those folks that normally would not have been interested in the Tree.  The Tree is probably one of the most fun events we do at the station because…hey….who can’t have fun with a 50 foot tree, music, Santa Claus (and Mrs. Claus) and a great post-party station event? I think it brings the event to a whole new level, people realize…hey this IS a big event!  How can I get involved?  It’s great!

 It’s getting down to crunch time now!  We get to coordinate press surrounding the band, travel arrangements, food…..that’s something else. I love seeing Talent’s ryders!  A Ryder is a list of requirements from the entertainers.  Rumors have it that some bands have demanded only green m&ms, special towels, drinks, and event fancy furniture!  I’m not sure if I’ll ever work with those artists that require any “off the wall” items…but hey…you can never say you are bored!