corning s gaffer district corning, ny glassfestcorning‟s gaffer district is located in the heart...
TRANSCRIPT
Corning‟s Gaffer District
“Corning, NY
GlassFest” A student capstone project
Nicole Burris 11/6/2009
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Table of Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 3-4 SWOT Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 5-6
Event Press Release…………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 7-8 Daily Events Timeline…………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 9-10
2300° Description………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 11
“Bonus Button” Description…………………………………………………………………………. pg. 12 Wine and Beer Tastings Description……………………………………………………………. pg. 14
“WineRun” Description…………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 14 Kid‟s Events Description………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 15 Movies Description………………………………….…………………………………………………… pg. 16
Wegmans Cooking with Glass Description……………………………………………….… pg. 17 Live Demonstrations Description………………………………………………………………… pg. 18
Appraisals Descriptions………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 19 Historic Walking Tour Explanation………………………………………………………………. pg. 20
Historic Walking Tour Destinations…………………………………………………………….. pg. 21-25
“Project Glass” Description………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 26 Neon Light Display Description……………………………………………………………………. pg. 27
Live Music Description…………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 28 Timeline……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 29-30
Check List…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 31-32 “Corning, NY GlassFest” Logo…………………………………………………………………….. pg. 33 “Corning, NY GlassFest” Print Advertisement……………………………………………. pg. 34
Website Blurb………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 35 Radio Advertisement………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 36
Contingency Plan………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 37 Contactors………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 38 Porte Johns…………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 39
Volunteers………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 40
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Corning‟s Gaffer District is located in the heart of Corning, New York.
The area, deemed the „Historic District,‟ prides itself on historic preservation
that incorporates a large array of shopping opportunities and community
events.
The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is Corning‟s Gaffer District‟s newest event
being introduced in spring 2010. The event will celebrate the history of glass
making and glass blowing in the Corning area. The event will inform the
public about the gaffer‟s who made such an impact in our area as well as
innovative ways that glass is being used today.
For this event, I will be responsible for securing a location,
entertainment, demonstrators, art experts and local artists, all of which will
fall within the budget approved by the Board of Directors. Along with
planning for the event itself, I will be designing a logo to be used in all
publications and for the event in the future. I will be creating press releases
for local media outlets to use, advertisements for print, radio and also a
section to be added to Corning‟s Gaffer District website.
My capstone takes on the role of an event manager for a new event in
a small, rural area. The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is an entirely new event that
is replacing “a festival of art.” Not only does this event need to make a huge
first impression, but it needs to successfully take the place of a well-known
event.
By implementing these different aspects, I am looking to see if the
success of the event is related to the amount of advertising and planning
that I put into it.
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Corning is a small, rural city in the Southern Tier of New York. It has a long history
behind it of glass blowing. In the heart of it all is Corning‟s Gaffer District, the
district is in charge of the businesses within the district as well as events and
historical preservation.
Corning‟s Gaffer District will be implementing a new event, the “Corning, NY
GlassFest.” The event will run Thursday, May 27, 2010 through Sunday, May 30,
2010 and is replacing the well-known “a festival of art.” I chose to plan this event
because for the past two years, I have either been in charge of “a festival of art” or
helped with the event. Being from the area and having worked for Corning‟s Gaffer
District, I know what the festival use to be and the downfalls it has faced in recent
years. My hope is that my hands-on experience with “a festival of art” will allow me
to make the “Corning, NY GlassFest” a success in the area.
The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is taking a new spin on art in the area, in hopes of
avoiding some of the external factors that Corning‟s Gaffer District faced with “a
festival of art.” In the past, it has been difficult to acquire artists from the
surrounding areas to participate in the exhibits. This year, we will be utilizing artists
that have businesses in Corning‟s Gaffer District and artists that have consistently
participated in art events and festivals for the district. Money and insurance were
major obstacles in past years. This year, Corning‟s Gaffer District does not have any
additional insurance to pay for, nor do the artists that have volunteered. The
elimination of food vendors eliminates the need to add insurance and is more cost
effective. We will not have to rent tents, generators or additional electricity inputs
all of which are costly and include additional insurance. In place of food vendors,
Corning‟s Gaffer District restaurants will be offering various deals on menu items
with the purchase of a “Bonus Button.” This will encourage people to dine locally
and increase revenue for local businesses.
My focus and purpose for the “Corning, NY GlassFest” is to use public relations,
advertising and promotions to increase awareness of the new event. By using these
media to increase awareness, the result should increase in foot traffic and success
for the event.
Within the plans for the event, my capstone will include the creative works, logo,
budget, a timeline, methods, conclusion and evaluation. The creative works will
include a general press release about the event, print advertisements and radio
advertisements. My timeline will include the steps from the initial planning of the
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event to the conclusion of the event and the afterwards. My methods will be
inclusive of the logistics taken to ensure the event‟s success, such as the
outsourcing of certain aspects to Gaffer District businesses.
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SWOT Of Event and the affects Corning’s Gaffer District will have on its success.
Internal Analysis
Strengths
Well-Established Company
o Corning‟s Gaffer District has a long-standing involvement in the local
community.
Brand Awareness
o Corning and the surrounding area‟s are aware of Corning‟s Gaffer
District.
Good Reputation
o Corning‟s Gaffer District gives back to the community and has worked
positively with sponsors in past events.
Activities for All Age Groups
o From children to parents, there are activities to entertain all, allowing
the event to be family-themed.
Weaknesses
Limited Budget
o Being a non-profit organization, this event depends greatly on the
donations from sponsors.
Replacing Past Event
o People resonate with „a festival of art‟ and might be hesitant about a
new festival, there is a large reputation to live up to despite recent
downfalls in its success.
New Event, Little Awareness
o Lacking word-of-mouth, people don‟t know what to expect from this
event nor if it is worth their time to attend.
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SWOT Of Event and the affects Corning’s Gaffer District will have on its success.
External Analysis
Opportunity
No Other Events in the Area on this Weekend
o The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is the only event running locally that
weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend
o Families are looking for fun activities that include everyone‟s interest.
Big Sponsors
o Having such large names backing the event allows us to draw people
who are associated with those organizations.
Threats
Economy
o The economic recession leaves many people lacking the disposable
income that they once had.
Competition
o The Ithaca Festival is similar to this event, people may find it more
appeasing to go to Ithaca‟s because it‟s well-established.
Memorial Day Weekend
o Many people have Friday off from work and therefore make plans to
have family picnics or travel for the weekend.
Weather
o Being that most of our events are outdoors, rain will cause a major
downturn in foot traffic.
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Contact: Nicole Burris FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Events and Promotions Coordinator
Corning's Gaffer District
Phone: (607) 937-6292 ext. 105
Fax: (607) 936-3112
Corning, NY
CORNING’S GAFFER DISTRICT INTRODUCES
“CORNING, NY GLASSFEST” AS ANNUAL EVENT
CORNING, N.Y., April 1, 2010— Before you finalize your Memorial Day weekend plans,
consider staying local. Corning’s Gaffer District will introduce their newest event that celebrates
Corning and its glass blowing history that has left its mark on the community and other areas.
Residents and visitors are invited to Corning’s Gaffer District’s first-ever, four-day festival, the
“Corning, NY GlassFest.” The festival kicks off on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 5 p.m. and
concludes Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, the Corning Museum of Glass will host 2300°. As in the past, this popular event
will host live entertainment, food, wine and other beverages. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and
continue until 9 p.m. The museum’s shuttle hours will be extended to midnight so that guests can
ride, at no cost, into the historic district. Thursday will also begin the “GlassFest Sale” and the
selling of “Bonus Buttons.”
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, there will be wine and beer tastings in stores throughout Market
Street as well as live music in some stores. Before starting the wine tasting excursion, be sure to
stop by the I.D. station at Centerway Square to purchase your wristband and wine glass, with
proper I.D.
Saturday includes events that are family-oriented, the day begins at 10 a.m. with events related to
the history of glass blowing and the historic district. Every 45 minutes the Historic Walking Trail
will begin. During the guided walking tour of the area, you will learn of the local history about
the buildings that still stand. At 11 a.m. join us in Centennial Park to watch the Wine Glass
Marathon Runners find their way through a maze, without spilling any wine from their glasses.
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Throughout the day, Wegmans will showcase ways to cook with glass, there will be glass
blowing, ceramic and jewelry demonstrations by local artists. The Palace Theatre will host
movies for every age all day long on the history of glass-making. The public will also have the
opportunity to bring in pieces of glass to be appraised by certified appraisers at Market Street
Antiques. Events tailored for kids will be going on throughout the day and hosted by the
Rockwell Museum of Western Art.
At 4:30 p.m. “Project Glass” will begin in the arch of Corning Incorporated. This will include
participants wearing outfits made entirely of glass and ceramics. A judge’s panel will choose the
winner at 5:30 p.m. To conclude the day, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. the walking bridge will hold
a neon light display by local and professional artists.
On Sunday at 10 a.m., the Historic Walking Trail will continue with tours, as will the movies at
the Palace Theater and the kid’s events at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. There will be
live music in the square including Vitamin L at 10 a.m., Doc Possum at 11:30 a.m., Virgil Cain
at 1:00 p.m. and The Nines at 2:30 p.m.
Corning’s Gaffer District businesses will have extended hours for the weekend, with their special
“GlassFest Sale” going on. The sale will include specials and deals from participating stores. The
“Bonus Button” will be available for purchase and use, throughout the remainder of the festival.
The buttons can be purchased for $5.00 and used all weekend at participating restaurants for
special meal discounts.
For more information on the “Corning, NY GlassFest” and Corning's Gaffer District please visit
www.gafferdistrict.com.
-30-
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“Corning, NY GlassFest”
Daily Events
Thursday -2300° at Corning Museum of Glass
-5 p.m. -9 p.m.
-Glass Themed
-Extend Shuttle Hours
-“GlassFest Sale” Begins for Corning‟s Gaffer District Businesses
-“Bonus Buttons” go on sale
Friday -Wine/Beer Tasting
-5 p.m. -9 p.m.
-Regional Wineries
-“GlassFest Sale” Continued
-“Check-in” at Centerway Square
-Handout Wine and Beer Glasses
-“Bonus Buttons” sold
Saturday -10 a.m. -10 p.m.
-“Bonus Buttons” sold
-WineRun
-10 a.m. -11 a.m.
-Wine Glass Marathon Runners
-Centennial Park
-Historic Walking Trail
-10 a.m. -5 p.m.
-Begins in Centerway Square
-Tours every 45 Minutes
-Tours will be given by Kristen Stewart, Director of Historical Preservation for
Corning‟s Gaffer District
-„Cooking with Glass‟ Demonstrations
-11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
-Wegmans Demonstrates
-Centerway Square
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-Demos
-11 a.m. –4 p.m.
-Ceramics, Glass and Jewelry
-Gustin‟s
-Beth Hiland
-171 Cedar
-Vitrix
-Artists recruited by CMOG and ARTS of the Southern Tier
-Centerway Square
-Appraisals
-10 a.m. -5 p.m.
-Located in Market Street Antiques
-Certified Appraisers
-Kid‟s Events
-10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-Rockwell Museum of Western Art
-Movies
-12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
-Located in Palace Theatre
-History of Glass Making
-Glass in Corning
-Classic Kid Movies
-Glass Fashion Show “Project Glass”
-4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
-Arch from Corning Incorporated
-Winner Announced at 5:45 p.m.
-Neon Light Display
-8 p.m. -10 p.m.
Sunday -10 a.m. -5 p.m.
-Movies in Palace Theatre
- 12 p.m. -5 p.m.
-Historic Walking Trail
-10 a.m. -5 p.m.
-Begins in Centerway Square
-Tours every 45 Minutes
- Tours will be given by Kristen Stewart, Director of Historical Preservation for
Corning‟s Gaffer District
-Music in the Square
-Vitamin L- 10 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
-Doc Possum- 11:30a.m. -12:45 p.m.
-Virgil Cain- 1:00 p.m. -2:15 p.m.
-The Nines- 2:30 p.m. -3:45 .m.
-Pictures of Appraisals
-10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
-Info Center in Centerway Square
-highest $, oldest and most unusual
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2300°
The “Corning, NY GlassFest” will begin with 2300° at the Corning Museum of Glass
on Thursday, May 27th. This event will include beverages, food and live
entertainment. The night will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. Guests will be
encouraged to enjoy the outdoor activities as well as the unique displays and art
that the museum has to offer inside. 2300° has been occurring for several years
and is one of the most loved and attended local events. These factors make this the
perfect kick-off event for the four-day festival.
This event will be outsourced to the Corning Museum of Glass, this includes the
arrangements for entertainment, food, beverages and additional parking needs. Not
only is the event being held at this location, but past 2300° have been run by the
museum. The visible success and feedback from attendees allow Corning‟s Gaffer
District to fully trust the museum with this event. During this event, there will be
flyers and other handouts that explain the activities that will be offered for the
remainder of the weekend.
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“Bonus Button”
Corning‟s Gaffer District will exclusively sponsor a “Bonus Button.” This promotion
will run Thursday, May 27th through Sunday, May 30th and can be purchased for
$5.00. By purchasing the button, special offers at local restaurants will be available
to visitors. There will be a list of the various discounts available for visitors to look
at before purchasing the button. There will be booths set up at 2300° and in
Centerway Square at the wine and beer tastings on Friday and during Saturday and
Sunday‟s events.
By offering this promotion to the public, we are encouraging eating locally at
Corning‟s Gaffer District restaurants. It also works in our favor to keep foot traffic
throughout the day. People can go and have lunch or dinner and then return to
participate in the day‟s activities. The “Bonus Button” is also pertinent to this new
event to address local restaurant owner feedback. In past events, there were ample
complaints from restaurant owners about business being taken away due to
vendors. By doing away with food vendors and going the extra step of offering the
discounts, we are proactively pursuing the increase of restaurant business. Two
months before the event, all participating restaurants will need to have their “deals”
sent in to Corning‟s Gaffer District so we can make the flyers for those who
purchase the button.
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Wine and Beer Tastings
On Friday, May 28th Corning‟s Gaffer District will host an assortment of regional
wine and beer tastings throughout Market Street. In the past, this activity has been
its own event and received great feedback. By implementing it with this new event
we will hopefully inform and bring in the loyal followers to the following day‟s
events.
Stores will be given the option of hosting a winery. A completed list of winery and
store pairings will be available for visitors to pick up at Centerway Square. Three
months before the event, we need to send out the information to the businesses for
hosting a winery. The applications will be due two months before the actual event.
A month before the event, the businesses must contact Corning‟s Gaffer District
about any additional plans they have made for the event, such as live
entertainment or specialty crafts. This will enable us to inform the visitors and
make the appropriate signage.
Before beginning the wine tasting, visitors must come to Centerway Square to show
proof of age at the ID station. Here is where they will pay the $10.00 fee and
receive their wine and beer glasses. Employees from Corning‟s Gaffer District will
be at the ID station working and answering any questions that visitors may have.
This will also be an important time and place for our employees to encourage the
visitors to come back for Saturday and Sunday‟s events.
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“WineRun”
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29th the Wine Glass Marathon Runners will kick off the
day‟s events with a WineRun. The event will take place in Centennial Park and the
runners will race through an obstacle course, while trying not to spill their glass of
wine.
The event is being outsourced to the Corning YMCA. The YMCA is part of Corning‟s
Gaffer District and has been an active participant in past events. The runners
annual Wine Glass Marathon is always implemented with the help of the YMCA.
Since there is already a well-established relationship between Corning‟s Gaffer
District and the YMCA, as well as the YMCA and the Wine Glass Runners, the
outsourcing of this particular event works well. It will be the YMCA‟s responsibility
to set up the obstacle course on the morning of the event.
This is a fun event that will really set a positive tone for the “Corning, NY
GlassFest.” There is a positive association between the runners and their annual
event, this will hopefully work to our advantage and bring in the passionate
followers to attend our new event.
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Kid’s Events
All of the kid‟s events for Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th will be
outsourced to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. The museum offers an ideal
location within the museum and outside in the parking lot for a variety of events to
keep the kids entertained. The alley way that the parking lot is located within can
easily be blocked off from traffic, for the safety of the children.
Corning‟s Gaffer District has worked with the Rockwell Museum of Western Art for
outsourcing of kid activities in past events. The feedback from both the children and
parents has been overwhelmingly positive. These facts make me comfortable in
continuing the relationship with the museum for kid‟s activities. A month before the
event the museum will need to tell Corning‟s Gaffer District about any volunteers
they have recruited for the kid‟s events. This will allow us to assess if and when
additional volunteers are needed.
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Movies
Movies will be available for viewing in the Palace Theatre on both Saturday and
Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. All movies will be free to view. For adults, there will be short movies on the history of Corning, glass making and glass-blowing as
well as today‟s techniques, like those used at the Corning Museum of Glass. There will also be a movie about the future of glass. In addition, there will be general kid‟s movies that the Rockwell Museum of Western Art will have access to for their kid‟s
events.
The movies will be borrowed from the Corning Museum of Glass and the Corning Public Library.
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Wegmans Cooking with Glass
On Saturday, May 29th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wegmans will be hosting live
demonstrations in Centerway Square. The demonstrations will involve cooking with
glass and innovative techniques for doing so. Wegmans will provide chefs from
different departments, such as seafood and Asian cuisine, which will provide visitors
with a professional spin on cooking.
Erica Hepworth, Human Resources manager, is our contact for this relationship. We
will be working with her to solidify the chefs attending as well as getting the logo
from her for the publications. She will also be our contact for distribution of flyers
and other handouts at Wegmans. Four months before the event, the details for
Wegmans participation should be finalized. A month before the event, we will have
a meeting with Erica to go over all of the logistics.
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Live Demonstrations
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 29th there will be live glass, ceramic
and jewelry demonstrations. The artists will include Gustin‟s, Beth Hiland, 171
Cedar Arts Center and Vitrix. The artists recruited either have a business in the
Gaffer District, or have work displayed at a Gaffer District business. All of these
people are experts in their media and offer an exciting experience for visitors.
Live displays will enable visitors to see how minimal pieces can become a beautiful
and unique piece of art, as well as the techniques that go into these creative media.
This live viewing will also generate more excitement than a movie or explanation
ever could. This will also inform the visitors of the type of businesses that are
located in Corning‟s Gaffer District. Four months before the event, we will begin the
initial recruitment of these artists and two months before the event the artists
should be finalized. Within the month of the event, we will hold a meeting with all
of the participating artists to discuss the details of each demonstration and the
needs any of them may have. The week of the event, we will personally call each
artist to give a friendly reminder of the date, time and location of their obligations.
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Appraisals
Saturday, May 29th will host the opportunity for visitors to bring their antique glass
pieces down for an appraisal. This will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will be
located at Market Street Antiques. Corning‟s Gaffer District will provide certified
appraisers for this event, who will assess the quality, age and monetary value of
their antiques. This gives visitors the opportunity to benefit themselves, for free,
but most importantly it brings more foot traffic to the Gaffer District. Four months
before the event, we will finalize using Market Street Antiques as our location and
we will begin our search for appraisers. Two months prior we will have our
definitive appraisers and will hold a meeting with them a month before to discuss
their exact roles within the event. The week of the event we will personally call
each person to give a friendly reminder.
On Sunday, we will have blown up pictures displayed in the Information Center of
the oldest, most unique and most expensive pieces that have been brought down.
By doing this, the owners of the pieces chosen will feel a sense of pride for their
treasures and honored.
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Historic Walking Tour Explanation
On Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th Corning‟s Gaffer District will host the Historic
Walking Trail. The Trail begins at 10 a.m. and will leave from Centerway Square every 45
minutes. It will begin at the east end of Market Street and conclude on the west end.
Kristen Stewart, the Director of Preservation and Design for Corning‟s Gaffer District, will
conduct the tours. Kristen has worked for the District for 5 years, so she has a well-versed
knowledge of the area. Her position in restoration and design has established her as the
most knowledgeable about the buildings and the history behind each.
This experience will allow visitors to take a glimpse into the past. All of the buildings have
been restored, but still offer the authenticity of their original purpose. Pictures will be shown
of many of the buildings when each was first built, and Kristen will be able to offer unique
stories and facts that visitors may not know. The combination of “then and now” will
hopefully resonate with the visitors and give them a better understanding of some of the
task‟s Corning‟s Gaffer District is involved in. This event will also be available on Sunday
from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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Corning’s Gaffer District’s
Historic Walking Tour
Although Corning is best known today for its glass industry, the city originally developed
because it was a huge lumbering region. The Chemung River provided the necessary
transportation, and in 1851 the rapidly growing community was incorporated as the City of
Corning.
The central business thoroughfare was given the name of Market Street. The growth of the
railroad and the city‟s connection with the Erie Canal attracted the Brooklyn Flint Glass
Company from New York City in 1868. The company took the name of the town and became
Corning Glass Works.
Before 1855, most of the buildings on Market Street were wood. However, frequent fires
resulted in the rebuilding of the street using predominately brick and stone. To meet the
demand for a fire-proof material, the Corning Brick Works was established in 1878. The
Victorian love of ornamentation prompted the addition of terra cotta to the product line.
This natural bricklike material could be easily molded into any decorative pattern or shape.
Many unique examples exist today on Market Street.
START YOUR TOUR
The walking tour begins at the west entrance of Market Street. As you start the tour, keep
in mind that this brochure is organized to provide descriptions of historic structures as you
pass directly in front of them. In some instances, a later leg of the tour will take you by the
same structures but across the street, giving you a more panoramic view of the buildings.
1. THE HAWKES BUILDING
(1882), 73-79 W. MARKET STREET
The Hawkes building was built for the T.G. Hawkes Company, makers of some of the world‟s
finest cut crystal. Although the company went out of business in 1976, the original sign
painted on the building has been preserved as a lasting tribute to the company and to this
important era in Corning‟s history. Originally this building was built as a utilitarian factory;
as T.G. Hawkes became more successful the building was updated to include glazed terra
cotta adornments. Currently this building is the home to Vitrix Hot Glass Studio. The public
is invited to step inside and watch the actual glass blowing process.
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2. THE LITTLE JOE TOWER
(1912), CORNING INCORPORATED CAMPUS
This 200-ft. tower, centerpiece of historic Corning, is more than just a striking landmark
against the blue skies of this Finger Lakes tourist destination; it once served a very practical
manufacturing purpose. Corning is the headquarters of Corning Incorporated, a world leader
in the manufacture of communications and ceramics technologies. The company, once
known as Corning Glass Works, manufactured various household and scientific products,
including thermometer tubing. The tubes were produced by using the "vertical draw"
process. Skilled technicians and glassworkers formed molten glass batches, and then
stretched them to the top of the Little Joe Tower using a cable system. This formed a long,
continuous tube of hot glass. After cooling, the tubes were cut to desired lengths for
thermometers.
Little Joe is by no means little: Local legend traces the name of the tower back to one of the
more prominent local glassworkers who spent his days devoted to making glass
thermometer tubing in the tower.
3. THE CLUB HOUSE
(1878), 51-59 W. MARKET STREET
This three-story peak roof structure was built as a flour mill. In 1926 Corning Glass Works
purchased the building and renovated it as an employee recreation facility, hence the
moniker Club House. The renovation included an addition on the west end to accommodate
a bowling alley, excavation of the basement for a swimming pool, and the raising of the roof
fifteen feet to allow for a basketball court! In time the building was again renovated for
office space and currently remains vacant.
4. THE ROCKWELL CENTER
(1881), 23-33 W. MARKET STREET
These two buildings, joined together within, served the downtown as a major department
store until 1991. Rockwell‟s Department Store, owned by Robert Rockwell, was also home
to a collection of art that is now housed in the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, located at
111 Cedar Street (one half-block east). The Rockwell‟s collection is said to be the largest
collection of western art east of the Mississippi. Take a moment following the tour to enjoy
this spectacular collection of Western and Native American art.
5. THE BARON STEUBEN PLACE
(1929), 1 W. MARKET STREET
The Baron Steuben Hotel was built on the site of the old Dickinson Hotel which had been in
place since 1851. The hotel enjoyed a location that was in the midst of both the Erie
Railroad (Denison Parkway) and the Tioga Railroad (Tioga Avenue). When it was built the
Hotel was said to have the “latest and greatest” amenities as well as serving as the center
of all cultural and social events for the City of Corning. Currently the Hotel, renamed the
Baron Steuben Place, is home to many businesses including the restaurant Old World Café
and the Information Center of Corning.
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6. THE CLOCK TOWER
(1883), CENTERWAY SQUARE
The clock tower in Centerway Square was built as a memorial to Erastus Corning, for whom
the City of Corning is named. The tower is built of Antrim stone which is found locally. The
tower is 50 feet high and has a bell that weighs 1400 pounds. It has become one of
Corning‟s most famous landmarks. You will notice that there is a water spout at the base of
the tower.
7. ROUTE 81 RADIO - H.G. WILLIAMS BLOCK
(1887), 25 E. MARKET STREET
Perched proudly atop the cornice of this building is Market Street‟s famous owl. It is made
of terra cotta, as are all the decorative elements on the building. Can you locate the lion‟s
heads? In the early part of the last century it was common practice for a building to proudly
display its name, the year it was built, and the name of the architect.
8. BONG’S JEWELERS
(1892), 31 E. MARKET STREET
You‟ll notice that there is a terra cotta griffin‟s head sculpture on this building façade. The
griffin is a symbol of good luck for merchants. Bong‟s is the only fourth-generation store on
the street. Established in 1892, it has always sold the same type of merchandise at the
same location. The storefront is made of Carrara Glass, a glass material that was commonly
used in Art Deco styles in the 1930‟s.
9. THE GLASS MENAGERIE
(1903), 37 E. MARKET STREET
As you look toward the unique roof line of this building you will see green tiles that were a
product of a local brick works. The façade of the building is created using a glazed terra
cotta which was added when the building was renovated in the 1920‟s. The egg and dart
molding near the top of the building represents birth and death. The unique leaded glass
transom was designed to be seen both from the inside and out. The southern exposure of
the storefront lets the sunlight shine through the prism glass in the transom which created a
beautiful rainbow effect on the stores inner walls. The sign is comprised of 560 pieces of
glass and took seven weeks to complete.
10. TREU OFFICE SUPPLY
(1885), 45 E. MARKET STREET
This building was designed by and originally housed the offices of H.C. Tuthill, Architect and
Master Builder. You will notice Mr. Tuthill‟s name on many building cornerstones throughout
Corning‟s Gaffer District. Tuthill was born in East Otto, NY and moved to Corning in the
1850‟s when he began work for the Drake and Townley Sash and Blind Company. Tuthill
soon left Corning to fight in the Civil War, participating in seven battles, including those at
historic Bull Run, Gettysburg, and Antietam. He attained the rank of Colonel and was
honorably discharged in 1863 due to bullet wounds in his left hand and both legs.
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In 1965 the building was covered with glass ceramic panels produced by Corning Glass
Works. When the building was renovated in 1978 the panels were removed to reveal a
beautiful Victorian façade.
11. MARKET STREET COFFEE & TEA – THE BOSTON STORE
(1890), 61 E. MARKET STREET
The Boston Store is the only second-story bay windows still in existence in a historic district
for over a hundred mile radius. The basket weave design on the building is made of terra
cotta which is an Italian term that means cooked earth. Produced here in Corning after 1889
when the Corning Brick Works opened shop.
12. THREE BIRDS RESTAURANT – BECRAFT GARAGE
(1929), 73-75 E. MARKET STREET
At first glance you might think this is a modern building but it was actually built in 1929 for
the Becraft Garage. The windows were used to display the new automobiles that were
available for sale at the dealership. A ramp was available to take cars to the second floor
and a large elevator to take cars to the third floor.
13. GLASWERK OPTICAL- THE HENKEL BLOCK
(1893), 72 E. MARKET STREET
This building was the only five-story building in the western Southern Tier at the time.
Inside it featured a hydraulic elevator that was hooked to the City of Corning‟s water main.
The lettering on the building façade is made from terra cotta. The second through fifth floors
are now upper-story living spaces.
14. THE ROCKWELL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART – OLD CITY HALL
(1893), 111 CEDAR STREET
Built for $29,000 this building served as the city hall, fire station and prison for the City of
Corning. Horses were kept in the back of the building to be brought inside and harnessed to
fire wagons. Corning Glass Works purchased the building for $1 in 1980 to save it from
demolition. Currently the property is home to the world famous Rockwell Museum of
Western Art. The buffalo that is crashing out of the top story façade is the museum‟s
mascot and his name is Artemus.
15. SIMPLE STYLE, EAGLE STEWARD, LTD., BROWN’S CIGAR STORE
(LATE 1870’s), 2 – 6 W. MARKET STREET
This corner building is an extremely fine example of late 19th century Victorian commercial
structure in the Gothic style. The storefront of Brown‟s Cigar Store is original. The
decorative cornice is pressed metal and the columns are cast iron. The name of the foundry,
Turner and Pond from Elmira, NY, can be seen on the base of the lower right column. The
Brown‟s Cigar Store façade, tiled entryway, and the interior floor are one of a very few
originals storefronts remaining on Market Street.
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16. JIM’S TEXAS HOTS, BACALLES GLASS, MENDING YOUR WAYS
(1893), 8 – 10 ½ W. MARKET STREET
An interesting story encompasses these three buildings. In the late 1800‟s a popular swindle
was sweeping the nation. Someone would rent a building next to a bank, establish a
credible business and during the evening hours they would tunnel into the bank‟s vault.
Eventually they would empty the vault and the new business would be gone before dawn.
During this time, two gentlemen in Corning wanted to establish a bank but they bought two
building lots to leave space between neighboring businesses and the bank vault with this
scam in mind. After the construction was completed the gentlemen didn‟t have enough
money to start the bank! So, they sold the buildings and the lots; storefronts were created
by adding facade, roof, and back walls. As you see it today Jim‟s Texas Hots and Mending
Your Ways are hooked directly to Bacalles Glass shop without any exterior walls.
17. SPRAGUE INSURANCE
(1895), 34 W. MARKET STREET
The Sprague Insurance Building is a handsome renovated three-story structure built in
1895. The building was originally divided into two sections. Previously known as the May-
Callahan Block, it replaced the two wood frame structures which burnt on the site in that
year. The Romanesque design has a terra cotta and sandstone trim and a pressed metal
cornice with leaf brackets.
The first tenants on the east side were a confectioner on the first floor and a cigar jobber on
the second floor. An elevator in the rear of the building made the third floor accessible for a
number of uses. The west side housed a boot and shoe store on the first floor and a large
hall used for dancing parties on the second floor.
The above account was taken from a handwritten history of the Sprague Insurance Building
written by our Historic Walking Trail honoree, Mary Ann Sprague.
18. ROTSELL’S DELI & HOLMES PLATE
(1875), 52 – 56 W. MARKET STREET
This three-story building is one of the earliest built on Market Street. The ornate window
lintels are made of cast iron, a popular building material at the time which could be cast into
any design or shape. The gray stone columns at Holmes Plate contain interesting examples
of carvings of symbols that were very common in the Victorian era. Often referred to as the
“flower language,” they include an anchor symbolizing hope, a shield for government, a flag
for patriotism, a sheaf of wheat for fertility, a beehive for industry, arm and hammer for
labor, a bowl of fruit for hospitality and grapes for plenty. These carvings were not
discovered until the building was sandblasted in 1974.
19. BERGER’S SKI AND SNOWBOARDS SHOP
(1903), 72 W. MARKET STREET
Originally this building housed a livery stable for owners to store their horses during
overnight stays in Corning, NY. Normally livery stables included a loose box or stable for the
horses and an area for grazing. You could consider this Corning‟s first parking garage if you
wish!
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“Project Glass”
At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29th “Project Glass” will begin at the arch of Corning
Incorporated. This is a glass-themed fashion show that the public is encouraged to
participate in. Outfits must be made, mostly, out of glass and shown on the
runway. At 5:30 p.m. the judges will announce the winner of the fashion show.
Judging will be based on creativity, material used and overall appearance.
A prize basket will be given to the overall winner, which will include different gifts
and gift certificates that have been donated by Gaffer District businesses. There will
also be smaller prizes for the second the third place winners. The idea behind the
gifts is that it will encourage a return rate to the businesses. Potential participants
will need to have their applications in a month before the event, towards the end of
that same month they will be alerted of their acceptance or decline in the show.
The week of the event, we will call to remind them of their engagement.
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Neon Light Display
Saturday night, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Corning‟s Gaffer District will host a neon
light display. Local artists and displays from the Corning Museum of Glass will be on
display over the walking bridge. The designs and technology are innovative and
attention grabbing for the public. The displays will also be visible to those traveling
via car or foot over both the parallel traffic bridges and hopefully pull in additional
visitors.
The timing of this light display and the “Project Glass” fashion show are ideal. The
fashion show ends at 5:45 p.m., which leaves ample time for visitors to take
advantage of the “Bonus Button” deal and eat at local restaurants before returning
to attend the light display.
It will be highly necessary for several of Corning‟s Gaffer District employees to
remain at the bridge, along with the Corning Police Department, to serve as
security. It is detrimental to our reputation and the success of future events that
we protect the artist‟s works from any potential damage. Five months before the
event we will begin recruiting artists. The number of participants must be finalized
and alerted two months before the event. The week of the event we will call and
remind the artists of their commitment to the event.
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Live Music
Sunday, May 30th will host an array of live music in Centerway Square from 10 a.m.
until 3:45 p.m. The first two performances will be Vitamin L and Doc Possum. These
both are popular with children and play upbeat music that will start the day off on a
fun note. The last two artists, Virgil Cain and The Nines, are local and regional
favorites. Both have played at Corning‟s Gaffer District businesses in the past and
are especially popular with the community‟s night life. By having these two in the
later time slots, it targets the large demographic of followers and brings them to
the Gaffer District during lunch and dinner.
One of the most loved aspects of “a festival of art” was the live entertainment. We
want to be certain to incorporate this positive aspect into the “Corning, NY
GlassFest.” By integrating the positive points from past events, within this new
event, it makes the transition easier and has the new event feel less foreign. The
live music is on Sunday because of laid back feeling and simple enjoyment it gives
to the visitors. It is a great “take it easy” tone to end the four-day event.
We will begin our contact with the artists six months before the event and finalize
each performance four months prior. At the four month countdown, each artist
should be aware of their engagement to the event, its time, location and date. A
reminder call will be made the month before and the week of the event.
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Timeline
9 Months Prior
Discuss Budget
Explore Sponsorship
Make Timeline Detail Oriented
Research Merchant Participation
Assess needs of Location
Contact Rockwell Museum of Western Art, YMCA, SnapFitness and CMOG for possible
Outsourcing of kids events and WineRun
Set ideal date
6-3 Months Prior
Create Press Release, Logo and Creative Works
Distribute Information to Media Sponsors and Arrange Coverage
Send out Participation Forms to Merchants
Begin Monthly Meetings of Event Steering Committee
Finalize Locations
Send out Information on “Project Glass” to Potential Participants
Contact Gustin‟s, Beth Hiland, 171 Cedar, Vitrix, and CMOG
Finalize Date
Finalize Entertainment
Contact Artists for Neon Light Displays
Begin Contact with Wegmans
2 Months Prior
Finalize 2300° Details
Finalize Business and Winery Paired Up
Finalize Artists
Distribute Rack Cards
Order Wine and Beer Glasses
Order Wrist Bands
Post Event to Website
Finalize Number of Neon Light Displays
Distribute Posters to Area Businesses
Recruit Volunteers
Finalize Details with Wegmans
Finalize Appraisers
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1 Month Prior
Order and Print Posters, Rack Cards, etc.
Order “Bonus Buttons”
Purchase Gifts for Volunteer Appraisers
Finalize Sound System from Marich Music
“Project Glass” Applications Due
Inform Accepted “Project Glass” Participants
Distribute Posters to Schools, Care Centers, Restaurants etc. Outside of Gaffer
District
Implement Radio and Newspaper Advertising
Contact Jeff‟s Septic
Businesses Must Finalize any Additional Events they are Hosting for the Wine and
Beer Tasting
Alert Volunteers of Schedule
Deadline for restaurant “Bonus Button” deals
Week Of
Remind Volunteers of Schedule
Alert Employees of Stations and Work Times
Distribute Signage to Gaffer District Businesses (who will host which winery)
Contact Jeff Septic, to Ensure Delivery Date, Time and Location
Hang Signage
Extend Shuttle Hours
Call Artists, “Project Glass” Participants and Wegmans to Remind Each of Obligations.
1 Week After
Post-Event Review Sent to Businesses
Meeting with Businesses
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Check List
Budget
Prepare Event Budget
Receive Approval from Board of Directors
Monitor Spending
Location
Select Locations for Each Day
Extend Shuttle Hours
Event Agenda
Goal of Event, According to Corning‟s Gaffer District and Board of Directors
Develop Timeline
Book Entertainment
Outsource Kids Activities to Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Outsource marathon to YMCA and SnapFitness
Collect Forms from Businesses
-Sales Offered
-Participation in Wine Hosting
Sponsorship
Identify Potential Sponsors
Proposals to Sponsors
Receive Sponsor‟s Logos
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Marketing and Promotion
Develop Plan
Design Materials
-Radio
-Logo
-Press Release
-Website Blurb
Distribute Flyers/Rack Cards/Posters
Submit Information to Local Media
Contractors
Order Equipment
Noise Permit
Parking
Increase Parking
Parking Garage becomes Free
Contingency Plan
Bad Weather
Low Foot traffic
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Corning, NY Glass Festival Thursday, May 27- Sunday, May 30 2010
Corning’s Gaffer District
Discover the magic of glass at the 2010 Corning, NY GlassFestl presented by Corning's
Gaffer District. In partnership with the world-class Corning Museum of Glass, the “Corning,
NY GlassFest” is a unique celebration that honors the tradition and rich history of glass
making in Corning, NY. Come enjoy the pairing of the finest glass and fired-art artists and
craftspeople with continuous entertainment, including hands-on art activities, musical
performances and food from the area's finest restaurants.
The festival will begin on Thursday at the Corning Museum of Glass. Join us for a special
glass themed 2300°, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food and
beverages. On Friday, the fun continues with regional wine and beer tastings on Market
Street from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Saturday will begin at 10 a.m. and the fun doesn‟t stop until 10 p.m. Throughout the day
families will be able to watch demonstrations on cooking with glass and local artists making
ceramics, glass and jewelry live! People are invited to bring their glass antiques to get
appraised and watch the Wine Glass Marathon Runners race through a maze without spilling
any wine! There will be a live “Project Glass” fashion show where competitors are dressed
entirely in glass-made outfits, and the night commences with a neon light display on the
walking bridge.
Sunday will include live entertainment from guests such as Vitamin L, Doc Possum, Virgil
Cain and The Nines. The day begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m.
On both Saturday and Sunday, guests are invited to watch movies on Corning‟s history and
glass blowing at the Palace Theatre. Both days will also include kid‟s events at the Rockwell
Museum of Western Art and a Historic Walking Trail that takes guests to historic buildings
on Market Street.
Throughout the four days, businesses will participate in the “GlassFest Sale” where each
business offers their own sales. Also available is the purchase of a “Bonus Button.” Each
button costs $5.00 and will allow guests to receive discounts at Corning‟s Gaffer District
restaurants.
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Client: Corning’s Gaffer District
Project: Corning, NY Glass Festival
Air Date: April 1, 2010
Instrumental music played in background
Time: 45 seconds
ALLY PAYNE’S VOICE: Discover the magic of glass at the 2010 “Corning, New York
GlassFest,” presented by Corning's Gaffer District. In partnership with the world-class
Corning Museum of Glass, the “Corning, New York GlassFest” is a unique celebration that
brings together tradition and innovation of Corning, New York.
The four-day festival starts Thursday, May 27th and commences on Sunday, May 30th. The
festival will include live glass demonstrations, tours, glass-inspired fashion shows, sales and
much more. Sunday will include live entertainment in Centerway Square, including the
area‟s own Virgil Cain.
Come enjoy the pairing of the finest glass and fired-art artists and craftspeople with
continuous entertainment, including hands-on art activities, musical performances and food
from the area's finest restaurants.
For more information, visit www.gafferdistrict.com
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Contingency Plan
In the unpredictable situation that rain occurs on any of the event days, there are
steps to be taken. If there is rain on Thursday, 2300° will be moved completely
indoors. The Corning Museum of Glass has more than enough room to hold the
attendees, comfortably. There is also a stage where the entertainment can be
moved to and a café where food and beverage stations can be set up. If rain occurs
on Friday, there is little we can do. All of the wine and beer tastings will be held
inside, so visitors will be able to avoid rain.
For Saturday and Sunday, we will have pop-up tents already covering any electrical
outputs, such as the sound system. The live entertainment is already planned for
the Centerway Stage, but if the rain is heavy we will need to postpone
performances. We will have other tents available for the demonstrators to continue
under as well as the Wegmans demonstrations. The Rockwell Museum of Western
Art will be able to entertain the children indoors, and the appraisals and movies are
already planned for indoors.
“Project Glass” will be postponed for later in the day or for Sunday if there is
excessive rain. It is entirely outdoors and needs the proper space for a runway,
lights and judges table. The WineRun will also be postponed for later in the day or
for Sunday if the rain continues. There is not sufficient room to move the event
elsewhere and the parking garage will be used for event parking.
In the case that there is low foot traffic, all events will continue. It would not be
wise to end events prematurely because people may show up later in the day after
work and other plans were finished. Sunday especially, must continue until all of
the musical performances have concluded. If after this, there is low foot traffic this
will be the only time it is acceptable to end early. Any other days will result in a
budget loss and possible loss of business for Corning‟s Gaffer District.
Parking will be increased during the four-day event. The Corning Museum of Glass‟s
parking lots will be used for visitors, and the shuttle conveniently has a stop there
to bring visitors to and from their vehicles. The shuttle will have extended hours for
the event. The parking to the north and south of Market Street will all be open for
parking, and business employees will be asked to park elsewhere so to maximize
the space for visitors. This includes all lots along Denison Parkway and all lots
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perpendicular to the Walking Bridge. The parking garage located in Centerway
Square will be open and free to the public on all four days.
Contractors
Marich Music has already agreed to donate their sound system to Corning‟s Gaffer
District for our use on Saturday and Sunday. This will help us with announcing the
winner of “Project Glass” and with the live music. We will provide our pop-up tent
to go over all of the equipment and it will be our responsibility to house all of the
equipment overnight. Corning Incorporated has offered to lend us the runway that
is needed for our “Project Glass” runway show. Their security will drop the tables
off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and pick the tables up at 6:30 p.m. We must be
certain to call and reconfirm this obligation a week before the event and on the day
prior to the event. We will be renting the various colored spotlights from Party
Time. We will need to pick the lights up before 5 p.m. on Friday and have them
returned by 5 p.m. on Monday. Again, we will need to call and verify the rental.
One month before the event and the week of the event. Our security deposit will be
due a month prior; payment on Friday and the deposit returned on Monday.
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Portable Toilets
We will be renting portable toilets from Jeff‟s Septic Serivce. We have used this
company for past events and have not had any problems. Despite that fact, we will
need to call a month in advance to order the units. The week of the event we will
need to call again to verify the time, date and location for the units. We will need
four units delivered Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Two will be placed at the west end of
Market Street at the cross section of Market Street and Chestnut Street. The other
two will be placed behind Centerway Square, towards Centennial Park. Centerway
Square will be the busiest location for the event, so this is where the most
bathrooms are needed. The two portable toilets in combination with the restrooms
in the Centerway Square Welcome Center should be sufficient. There won‟t be a
need for additional restrooms at the east end of Market Street because the
Radisson Hotel is located at this end and is hosting a winery.
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Volunteers
Corning‟s Gaffer District employees and members of the Board of Directors will be
helping for a majority of activities. We will have people at 2300° at a table with
flyers and other information about the upcoming day‟s and the activities on each.
The employees will also be working the ID table in Centerway Square on Friday.
They will be checking id‟s, collecting money, giving wristbands and handing out
wine and beer glasses. We will also be giving friendly hints and reminders to come
back for Saturday and Sunday‟s events.
In addition to Corning‟s Gaffer District employees, volunteers will be needed for
Saturday and Sunday‟s events. These volunteers will assist in helping the festival to
run smoothly, wherever they are needed. The “WineRun” will need assistance, as
well as “ProjectGlass,” and both of the live demos. In the past Ginny Coon, owner
of Imagine That! on Market Street, has organized the volunteers and made sure
there was ample coverage where needed. We will use her services again and be
sure to give her the names and contact information of any volunteers we recruit.
One month before the event, we will call all of the volunteers to let them know
when they work and will do the same the week of the event.