The Bright Side

What is going on with these banners being allowed to go up on city streets?  Street Banner Lake Geneva
Since when is Lake Geneva going to allow city poles and banner holders to be rented by merchants who are advertising stores and wares located not anywhere near where the banners go?  Have you seen any of the six banners that have been razed for the Candle Mercantile, located next to @Properties on Main Street, that have sprung up and down both Broad and Main Streets?  How does one think the owner of Franks Hot Dog place feels about the big banner (as seen at right) waving gently in the breeze right in front of his establishment?

By the time this issue went to press, seven merchants had filed complaints with the GSR to do something about an issue so strange.  The merchants themselves are severely limited in what advertising they can put out in front of their stores, like the trouble Bob at Bob’s Beach Shack is experiencing because of supposedly violating the restrictive ordinance, yet they must stand out in front of their shops and watch a competitor’s banner wave not ten feet curbside of their doors?

The city administrator used his authority to make a judgment call, allowing business owners to fall into the category of a city allowed and support ‘activity.’  “Lucy, you got some explain’en to do.”  That judgment call cannot stand, or the town will be torn about with 147 businesses attempting to compete for the very few banner positions and with shop owners angry all the time about competitors being allowed to put the banners up in front of competing businesses.

Trouble this way comes.  The city administrator of Lake Geneva is a terrific guy and good man for the job, but this was a mistake in judgment and one that should be easy to remedy.  David Nord, the city administrator, doubled down in a letter to all the council members when the blatant favoritism and misinterpretation of the ordinance allowing banners were pointed out to him by GSR staff.  He wrote that the council members could change the ordinance if they disagreed with his judgment.  There is another solution, of course, and that is to over-ride the poor judgment made.

 

Elkhorn Ribfest starts Thursday, July 11 and goes through Sunday, July 14, 2019. The event is held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Parking and admission are free. They will offer four days of non-stop fun with world-renowned professional BBQ Champions competing to be the best in the BBQ world. There will be live music to enjoy all four days along with an artisan village, food vendors and carnival rides. Ribfest kicks off with the Ribfest Rib Run on July 11th from 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. It’s a free event and includes an open bike show which gives participants the opportunity to ride and park right in the middle of the festival grounds. From 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. attendees will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite bike. Throughout the festival, attendees can also vote for their favorite BBQ. The fest offers fun and events that everyone can enjoy. This is a great community event for the whole family, so hopefully, you can make it.

 

Legends and Landmarks.
A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva is scheduled for Saturday, July 13th from 11:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. This is a great chance to learn about the famous buildings, architects and colorful past of downtown Lake Geneva. The walking distance is just under a mile and a half and it’s a great way to learn about Lake Geneva’s history. The cost is $10 per person, and the walk starts at The Riviera pier complex.

Fourth of July Fun Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva July 4th

Even the non-boaters found ways to enjoy Lake Geneva on the 4th!

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