Parades etc

[Ed Storey]

Chris makes a good point. Without sounding mean, the vehicle and re-enactor community are basically 'window-dressing' at these events and for the most part the organizers have little knowledge of logistics so they do not know what is involved with packing up your gear or preparing a vehicle to attend an event.

What always surprises me is that these anniversaries are not a military secret, we all know the dates and what year they will happen; yet for the most part the planning and the invitations seems to take place at the last minute.

Advertising also seems to be mystery to event organizers. I find that nothing is worse then to read in the newspaper of a parade or event the day after it was held. If we look at the upcoming Tulip Festival in Ottawa, this year is the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and VE Day - a significant milestone if there ever was one. Well, if you are not tied in some way to the collector community, ie you are Joe Q Public, you probably have no idea that there will be a parade and displays associated with this event. I don't know about you, but in my family we kind of look ahead to see what events are coming up and finding out on the day or the day before that there is something going on impacts on whether on not we can attend.

Personally I maintain that if an event is that important, and you want vehicles and re-enactors, then plan early, invite and collect names early and budget for food and fuel. If not, then do not complain if the volunteer turn out is low.