Provided public relations support for Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Goes Green and Cold
Kalamazoo, November 7, 2012- Changes in this year's holiday parade is the cause of a shortage of one of Earth's most treasured resource, helium. Cold air balloons will be the alternative choice to helium balloons in this year's holiday parade. The balloons are generator powered and stand at a brilliant 30 to 40 feet.
Environmentally, cold air balloons are beneficial to the global shortage of helium that is critically important for uses in the medical field. Since helium is a non-renewable commodity, it has become scarcer with time.
A floating helium balloon relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. The cold air balloons will not float, however they will travel on a wheeled cart while a generator inflates the balloons with cold air.
The process of reserving and securing helium for the parade began earlier in the year; however no helium was available. This has been a challenge for many communities that have also responded to the helium shortage with alternatives such as the cold air balloons.
"We've known since last year that securing helium would be challenging, said Vicky Kettner of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. "We expect the same 'larger than life' presence on the street with the old character balloons; they just won't be hovering over the skyline."
"Additionally, had we been able to secure the helium, its cost would have been exorbitant. Last year's cost to fill five balloons was nearly an $8,000 expense. With helium prices on the rise - pun intended - we likely would not have been able to afford it, anyway. We end up saving a natural resource AND money."
Sponsors of the cold air balloon at this year's holiday parade include the Educational Community Credit Union, Bronson Healthcare Group, Meijer and WIN 98.5
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade scheduled for Nov. 10, will begin at 10:45 a.m., from the corner of Lovell and Portage Street. The parade will feature WMU Bronco Marching Band along with nine high school bands, 30 floats, over one thousand marchers and holiday-decorated vehicles. The parade will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and the Kalamazoo Mall will reopen after 2 p.m., with sales and specials from downtown businesses.
For more information, contact Vicky Kettner @ 269-344-0795 or [email protected]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Goes Green and Cold
Kalamazoo, November 7, 2012- Changes in this year's holiday parade is the cause of a shortage of one of Earth's most treasured resource, helium. Cold air balloons will be the alternative choice to helium balloons in this year's holiday parade. The balloons are generator powered and stand at a brilliant 30 to 40 feet.
Environmentally, cold air balloons are beneficial to the global shortage of helium that is critically important for uses in the medical field. Since helium is a non-renewable commodity, it has become scarcer with time.
A floating helium balloon relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. The cold air balloons will not float, however they will travel on a wheeled cart while a generator inflates the balloons with cold air.
The process of reserving and securing helium for the parade began earlier in the year; however no helium was available. This has been a challenge for many communities that have also responded to the helium shortage with alternatives such as the cold air balloons.
"We've known since last year that securing helium would be challenging, said Vicky Kettner of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. "We expect the same 'larger than life' presence on the street with the old character balloons; they just won't be hovering over the skyline."
"Additionally, had we been able to secure the helium, its cost would have been exorbitant. Last year's cost to fill five balloons was nearly an $8,000 expense. With helium prices on the rise - pun intended - we likely would not have been able to afford it, anyway. We end up saving a natural resource AND money."
Sponsors of the cold air balloon at this year's holiday parade include the Educational Community Credit Union, Bronson Healthcare Group, Meijer and WIN 98.5
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade scheduled for Nov. 10, will begin at 10:45 a.m., from the corner of Lovell and Portage Street. The parade will feature WMU Bronco Marching Band along with nine high school bands, 30 floats, over one thousand marchers and holiday-decorated vehicles. The parade will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and the Kalamazoo Mall will reopen after 2 p.m., with sales and specials from downtown businesses.
For more information, contact Vicky Kettner @ 269-344-0795 or [email protected]
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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mixer on the Mall Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Kalamazoo, June 14, 2013- The 10-week long Mixer on the Mall concert series begins this Wednesday, June 19 on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall with music from local rock/blues band TopHeavy. Beer and beverages will be sold at the event, making this a favorite al fresco experience.
The concert series is an all summer weekly event which will take place on Wednesdays at 5p.m., from June 19 through August 21. Each evening will wrap up at 7 p.m., to allow patrons the opportunity to dine downtown. While most of the series will take place on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall, three of those evenings will be at the Arcadia Festival Place in order to host a larger crowd for specialty themed nights.
This week’s band, TopHeavy, will perform fantastically eclectic covers and innovatively infectious originals. The band was formed by four veteran musicians of the Kalamazoo music scene determined to bring you an energetic mix of rock, soul, blues, funk, and even a touch of reggae-TopHeavy has something for everyone to enjoy.
Mixer on the Mall is sponsored by 106.5 WVFM, and each evening is hosted by different businesses. A $1 cover charge will be required to help offset community events hosted in Downtown Kalamazoo.
For more information contact Deborah Droppers [email protected]
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mixer on the Mall Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Kalamazoo, June 14, 2013- The 10-week long Mixer on the Mall concert series begins this Wednesday, June 19 on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall with music from local rock/blues band TopHeavy. Beer and beverages will be sold at the event, making this a favorite al fresco experience.
The concert series is an all summer weekly event which will take place on Wednesdays at 5p.m., from June 19 through August 21. Each evening will wrap up at 7 p.m., to allow patrons the opportunity to dine downtown. While most of the series will take place on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall, three of those evenings will be at the Arcadia Festival Place in order to host a larger crowd for specialty themed nights.
This week’s band, TopHeavy, will perform fantastically eclectic covers and innovatively infectious originals. The band was formed by four veteran musicians of the Kalamazoo music scene determined to bring you an energetic mix of rock, soul, blues, funk, and even a touch of reggae-TopHeavy has something for everyone to enjoy.
Mixer on the Mall is sponsored by 106.5 WVFM, and each evening is hosted by different businesses. A $1 cover charge will be required to help offset community events hosted in Downtown Kalamazoo.
For more information contact Deborah Droppers [email protected]
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